Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
You'll Feel Stupid If You Miss This. Seriously.
People all over town are talking about this show. And for good reason. Don't be left out of the conversation. Get your tix NOW before it closes...
Extended through March 28!
THAT PRETTY PRETTY; OR, THE RAPE PLAY
a world premiere by SHEILA CALLAGHAN
directed by KIP FAGAN
"A raunchy, savvy . . . black comedy. The twisted, caffeinated world of the show imagines the collective unconscious of a culture where girls never stop going wild."
—Jason Zinoman, The New York Times
"Manic, angry, deftly constructed. . . . whipsaws between laughs and squirms."
—David Cote, Time Out New York (Critics' Pick)
"Funny, scary, messy, and forthrightly feminist."
—Alexis Soloski, The Village Voice
"A submersion in the anarchy of ambivalence: variously a rant, a riff, a rumble—about our notions of naturalism, objectification, perversity, and beauty. . . . There's sass and sarcasm in Callaghan's high-energy punk writing."
—John Lahr, The New Yorker
Performances Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
Special added performance Tuesday, March 24, at 8 p.m.
* No performance Thursday, March 19
Save 50% ($20 tickets) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays with code EXT20
Save 40% ($25 tickets) on all other dates with code EXT25
(Full Price Tickets $40)
Click here to purchase your tickets to That Pretty Pretty; Or, The Rape Play
Or call SmartTix at 212-868-4444
A pair of radical feminist ex-strippers scour the country on a murderous rampage against right-wing pro-lifers, blogging about their exploits in gruesome detail. Meanwhile, a scruffy screenwriter named Owen tries to bang out his magnum opus in a hotel room as his best friend Rodney ("The Rod") holds forth on rape and other manly enterprises. When Owen decides to incorporate the strippers into his screenplay, the boundaries of reality begin to blur, and only a visit from Jane Fonda can help keep worlds from blowing apart. Sheila Callaghan's That Pretty Pretty; Or, The Rape Play, directed by Kip Fagan, is a violently funny and disturbing excavation of the dirty corners of our imaginations.
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater
224 Waverly Place
(1/2/3/A/C/E/F/V to 14th St)
Extended through March 28!
THAT PRETTY PRETTY; OR, THE RAPE PLAY
a world premiere by SHEILA CALLAGHAN
directed by KIP FAGAN
"A raunchy, savvy . . . black comedy. The twisted, caffeinated world of the show imagines the collective unconscious of a culture where girls never stop going wild."
—Jason Zinoman, The New York Times
"Manic, angry, deftly constructed. . . . whipsaws between laughs and squirms."
—David Cote, Time Out New York (Critics' Pick)
"Funny, scary, messy, and forthrightly feminist."
—Alexis Soloski, The Village Voice
"A submersion in the anarchy of ambivalence: variously a rant, a riff, a rumble—about our notions of naturalism, objectification, perversity, and beauty. . . . There's sass and sarcasm in Callaghan's high-energy punk writing."
—John Lahr, The New Yorker
Performances Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
Special added performance Tuesday, March 24, at 8 p.m.
* No performance Thursday, March 19
Save 50% ($20 tickets) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays with code EXT20
Save 40% ($25 tickets) on all other dates with code EXT25
(Full Price Tickets $40)
Click here to purchase your tickets to That Pretty Pretty; Or, The Rape Play
Or call SmartTix at 212-868-4444
A pair of radical feminist ex-strippers scour the country on a murderous rampage against right-wing pro-lifers, blogging about their exploits in gruesome detail. Meanwhile, a scruffy screenwriter named Owen tries to bang out his magnum opus in a hotel room as his best friend Rodney ("The Rod") holds forth on rape and other manly enterprises. When Owen decides to incorporate the strippers into his screenplay, the boundaries of reality begin to blur, and only a visit from Jane Fonda can help keep worlds from blowing apart. Sheila Callaghan's That Pretty Pretty; Or, The Rape Play, directed by Kip Fagan, is a violently funny and disturbing excavation of the dirty corners of our imaginations.
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater
224 Waverly Place
(1/2/3/A/C/E/F/V to 14th St)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
FINAL L.A. Dispatch - 3/20
Ending the trip on a fairly mellow note. Spent the morning repacking, organizing and sending follow-up note to CD Rick Pagano. Headed up to Griffith Observatory with Laura. Amazing view. Would have been ten times better without smog. Followed the observatory with cappucinos and pastries on Sunset.
Later, headed out solo for my date with the infamous In'n'Out burger. Did the Double Double animal style. It more than lived up to the hype. Have now landed on a stool at an anonymous rock'n'roll bar on Hollywood Blvd, trying to digest both the burger and the last 9 days.
Still haven't gleaned what the primary takeaway from this trip will be, though I think it will ultimately have to do with reconnecting to my own work and making Los Angeles a real place in my mind, as opposed to a grotesque abstraction.
Have spent the day wondering if I shot myself in the foot during the interviews by only half-lying and saying that I was officially moving to L.A. on May 1st, as opposed to simply saying "I'm here." History has taught me that the fully-committed balls-out lie is always the best way to go.
I'm sure next week once I'm 3000 miles away, I'll get a call.
My thoughts and feelings about this place and what it has to offer are a jumble. I've been pleasantly surprised in a number of ways. And I've also witnessed many of the cliches that have always made this place dismissable for me for so many years.
It's been a fantastic trip. I'll take a lot of amazing memories with me.And I know I'll be back. How soon or for how long remains to be seen. But I do know that the person that leaves Los Angeles at 9:55am tomorrow morning is not the same person that arrived 9 days ago.
...And that's a very good thing.
Later, headed out solo for my date with the infamous In'n'Out burger. Did the Double Double animal style. It more than lived up to the hype. Have now landed on a stool at an anonymous rock'n'roll bar on Hollywood Blvd, trying to digest both the burger and the last 9 days.
Still haven't gleaned what the primary takeaway from this trip will be, though I think it will ultimately have to do with reconnecting to my own work and making Los Angeles a real place in my mind, as opposed to a grotesque abstraction.
Have spent the day wondering if I shot myself in the foot during the interviews by only half-lying and saying that I was officially moving to L.A. on May 1st, as opposed to simply saying "I'm here." History has taught me that the fully-committed balls-out lie is always the best way to go.
I'm sure next week once I'm 3000 miles away, I'll get a call.
My thoughts and feelings about this place and what it has to offer are a jumble. I've been pleasantly surprised in a number of ways. And I've also witnessed many of the cliches that have always made this place dismissable for me for so many years.
It's been a fantastic trip. I'll take a lot of amazing memories with me.And I know I'll be back. How soon or for how long remains to be seen. But I do know that the person that leaves Los Angeles at 9:55am tomorrow morning is not the same person that arrived 9 days ago.
...And that's a very good thing.
Friday, March 20, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/19
Nice day. Leisurely morning featuring another lovingly prepared and delicious working class breakfast by Willis. Stopped by Farmer's Market to pick up house key from Laura who's been gracious enough to host me for the next two nights. Then over to Culver City to catch up with Dup, Hil and little D.
Davey might possibly be the cutest male child in human existence. He likes to say "Hi.". And his elephant impersonation is pretty spot-on. Have a chance to grill Dup about NY>L.A. moving logistics. Just trying to flesh out the picture the best I can from all sides.
End the evening with drinks at the Cat & Fiddle with Laura, M.J. and a couple people from my One on One group.
Beginning to feel a melange of emotions as the final day of the trip looms. .
Davey might possibly be the cutest male child in human existence. He likes to say "Hi.". And his elephant impersonation is pretty spot-on. Have a chance to grill Dup about NY>L.A. moving logistics. Just trying to flesh out the picture the best I can from all sides.
End the evening with drinks at the Cat & Fiddle with Laura, M.J. and a couple people from my One on One group.
Beginning to feel a melange of emotions as the final day of the trip looms. .
Thursday, March 19, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/18
From time to time in life, a person experiences what they could classify as a perfect day. I'm going to add today to the list.
Lazy morning starts with homemade breakfast by Willis. A Depression-era skillet dish involving potatoes, onions, polish sausage and spaghetti sauce. Sounds suspect, tastes delish.
After, headed west for my long-awaited PCH drive. Santa Monica to just north of Malibu. The weather was perfect, the mix I'd made for the occasion was perfect, the traffic was perfect, it was just... the whole damn thing was perfect. Spent a little time on the beach in Malibu then headed down to Venice. Amazing people-watching. Enjoyed sauv blanc and jalapeno poppers and watched the sun set. Finished the day by sneaking into the Roosevelt Hotel's pool bar with Willis. Not overly posh, but VERY L.A. Basically a silicone convention. Terribly worried I'm going to end up getting knocked unconscious by some stumble-y drunk strumpet's Frankenrack.
This place pulled out all the stops today. Have to remind myself that on this portion of the trip, I'm essentially on vacation. Of COURSE it's going to be charming when you're on vacation. LIVING is another matter. Though, I'm feeling less and less sure about most of the assertions I've made over the years.
Trying to remain open and refrain from evaluating until I let the place steep some more.
Lazy morning starts with homemade breakfast by Willis. A Depression-era skillet dish involving potatoes, onions, polish sausage and spaghetti sauce. Sounds suspect, tastes delish.
After, headed west for my long-awaited PCH drive. Santa Monica to just north of Malibu. The weather was perfect, the mix I'd made for the occasion was perfect, the traffic was perfect, it was just... the whole damn thing was perfect. Spent a little time on the beach in Malibu then headed down to Venice. Amazing people-watching. Enjoyed sauv blanc and jalapeno poppers and watched the sun set. Finished the day by sneaking into the Roosevelt Hotel's pool bar with Willis. Not overly posh, but VERY L.A. Basically a silicone convention. Terribly worried I'm going to end up getting knocked unconscious by some stumble-y drunk strumpet's Frankenrack.
This place pulled out all the stops today. Have to remind myself that on this portion of the trip, I'm essentially on vacation. Of COURSE it's going to be charming when you're on vacation. LIVING is another matter. Though, I'm feeling less and less sure about most of the assertions I've made over the years.
Trying to remain open and refrain from evaluating until I let the place steep some more.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/17
Leisurely morning spent nailing down itinerary for rest of the week.
Went to pick up Raf for lunch. Raf staying at Eion's house in the Hollywood hills. Was hoping to catch up on this trip,but Eion in Rhode Island shooting "House Rules" pilot. (Would have dropped the name Thursday night if I'd known. "House Rules" is Rick Pagano project. Several sides from the pilot were used in our session.).
Navigating the hills is a skill in and of itself. Treacherous and clusterfucky. Finally found the house after some fairly gulp-worthy U-turns. Knew Eion was doing well for himself, but had NO idea HOW WELL until today. Well played, sir. Well played.
Lunch with Raf provides much-needed perspective on the NY/L.A. Conundrum and further affirms ideas I am beginning to have about the inevitability of this place.
Staying with Willis and Lia for next two days. They're subletting a majorly cute little place at the foot of the hills. Walking distance to Hwood Blvd, etc. Join them for Mexican, followed by Alissa's show, then off to the Frolic Room for drinks. One of the last true dives in L.A. And apparently Bukowski's favorite watering hole.
PCH to Malibu tomorrow after some email follow-up with CD's.
Not sure what L.A. wants from me. Not sure what I'm willing to give her. But serious flirting has definitely begun.
Went to pick up Raf for lunch. Raf staying at Eion's house in the Hollywood hills. Was hoping to catch up on this trip,but Eion in Rhode Island shooting "House Rules" pilot. (Would have dropped the name Thursday night if I'd known. "House Rules" is Rick Pagano project. Several sides from the pilot were used in our session.).
Navigating the hills is a skill in and of itself. Treacherous and clusterfucky. Finally found the house after some fairly gulp-worthy U-turns. Knew Eion was doing well for himself, but had NO idea HOW WELL until today. Well played, sir. Well played.
Lunch with Raf provides much-needed perspective on the NY/L.A. Conundrum and further affirms ideas I am beginning to have about the inevitability of this place.
Staying with Willis and Lia for next two days. They're subletting a majorly cute little place at the foot of the hills. Walking distance to Hwood Blvd, etc. Join them for Mexican, followed by Alissa's show, then off to the Frolic Room for drinks. One of the last true dives in L.A. And apparently Bukowski's favorite watering hole.
PCH to Malibu tomorrow after some email follow-up with CD's.
Not sure what L.A. wants from me. Not sure what I'm willing to give her. But serious flirting has definitely begun.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/16
Sunday, 3/15 recap:
Final session. Tannis Vellaly from Debra Zane Casting. Really solid work and great feedback. Showed for 2 mgrs and 1 commercial agent. Reception followed.Then a group caravan to fellow sessionmate's apt.for beers and much-needed steam-blowing. Alison is a videogame enthusiast and host of "Attack of the Show" on G4. She insisted on busting my Guitar Hero cherry. Okay, youth of America. I get what all the fuss is about.
Spent today with M.J. and Tera. Had a chance to tackle my one L.A. must-do, AMOEBA RECORDS. Was able to make it out of there only $35 lighter. Dinner in Culver City. M.J. had an amazing butternut squash gnocchi which I much preferred to my well-intentioned but slightly dry tomato chutney pork chops. And my glass of Albarino was a total snooze.
Had some time this morning to try and digest the weekend and see where I was at with everything internally. Still more questions than answers, but feel closer to something now than I have in a long time. If nothing else, I had a BLAST working on the scenes. Which is an important achievement for someone who hasn't had fun doing this in a long time.
Am putting what-ifs aside and handing the whole matter over to God.
Lunch with Raf tomorrow afternoon, followed by Alissa's show in the evening. Looking forward to both.
Final session. Tannis Vellaly from Debra Zane Casting. Really solid work and great feedback. Showed for 2 mgrs and 1 commercial agent. Reception followed.Then a group caravan to fellow sessionmate's apt.for beers and much-needed steam-blowing. Alison is a videogame enthusiast and host of "Attack of the Show" on G4. She insisted on busting my Guitar Hero cherry. Okay, youth of America. I get what all the fuss is about.
Spent today with M.J. and Tera. Had a chance to tackle my one L.A. must-do, AMOEBA RECORDS. Was able to make it out of there only $35 lighter. Dinner in Culver City. M.J. had an amazing butternut squash gnocchi which I much preferred to my well-intentioned but slightly dry tomato chutney pork chops. And my glass of Albarino was a total snooze.
Had some time this morning to try and digest the weekend and see where I was at with everything internally. Still more questions than answers, but feel closer to something now than I have in a long time. If nothing else, I had a BLAST working on the scenes. Which is an important achievement for someone who hasn't had fun doing this in a long time.
Am putting what-ifs aside and handing the whole matter over to God.
Lunch with Raf tomorrow afternoon, followed by Alissa's show in the evening. Looking forward to both.
Monday, March 16, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/15
3:35 am PST. Turning in.
End of the sessions today and much blowing off of steam after.
Will give full update tomorrow.
End of the sessions today and much blowing off of steam after.
Will give full update tomorrow.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/14
Back to back sessions today. Great work with the casting directors, Elizabeth Barnes (CBS) and Matt Kane (Scrubs, various films).Great info and feedback from each. All worries about being rusty officially erased today. Reminded myself that I've been doing this for almost 25 years. The instincts are always there if you're willing to listen to them
Showed for 7 agents. Each of whom appeared to have recently lost a loved one. Tough room for both showings. Fucking funereal. Must be part of the Talent Agent Code of Conduct. Have learned not to read too much into it.
Response from the group has been overwhelming. Really over the top. Lotta love. Praise from peers always means the most. Big ups to Lia for keeping me socially loose. Without her in the group, my tendency to clam would have surely thwarted my ability to connect.
Not as ready for tomorrow as I'd like to be, but will have time to cram in the morning.
Showed for 7 agents. Each of whom appeared to have recently lost a loved one. Tough room for both showings. Fucking funereal. Must be part of the Talent Agent Code of Conduct. Have learned not to read too much into it.
Response from the group has been overwhelming. Really over the top. Lotta love. Praise from peers always means the most. Big ups to Lia for keeping me socially loose. Without her in the group, my tendency to clam would have surely thwarted my ability to connect.
Not as ready for tomorrow as I'd like to be, but will have time to cram in the morning.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/13
Today was a win.
Phase 2 of the L.A. Charm Offensive dealt a serious blow to casting director Scott David. Nailed my scene. Didn't even give me adjustments. Called the work "superb" and said he would have cast me if that was the audition,
Showed for 3 agents. Great feedback across the board, easy rapport. Will be surprised if I don't get a call from Adam Lazarus at Bauman, Redanty & Shaul.Seemed particularly receptive. BR&S is bi-coastal, so that would be a double-boon.
Haven't felt this empowered in a long time. Loose. Crisp. Unapologetic. Unequivocal. Desperately needed to be reminded why I got into this business in the first place and what I have to offer.
Still keeping what-ifs at bay. Can't explore positive OR negative outcomes until the work is over. Will definitely hound me next week.
Up early tomorrow. Back to back sessions starting at 10:30. No rest for the superb.
Have to give big ups to The Missus for her unwavering encouragement. I've never felt luckier to have her.
Phase 2 of the L.A. Charm Offensive dealt a serious blow to casting director Scott David. Nailed my scene. Didn't even give me adjustments. Called the work "superb" and said he would have cast me if that was the audition,
Showed for 3 agents. Great feedback across the board, easy rapport. Will be surprised if I don't get a call from Adam Lazarus at Bauman, Redanty & Shaul.Seemed particularly receptive. BR&S is bi-coastal, so that would be a double-boon.
Haven't felt this empowered in a long time. Loose. Crisp. Unapologetic. Unequivocal. Desperately needed to be reminded why I got into this business in the first place and what I have to offer.
Still keeping what-ifs at bay. Can't explore positive OR negative outcomes until the work is over. Will definitely hound me next week.
Up early tomorrow. Back to back sessions starting at 10:30. No rest for the superb.
Have to give big ups to The Missus for her unwavering encouragement. I've never felt luckier to have her.
Friday, March 13, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/12
Didn't sleep well last night. Woke up 6am, still lagged.
Breakfast with M.J. at IHOP on Wilshire followed by a stroll to the tar pits. Took advantage of the chance to have REAL hash browns for a change.
Checked in to hotel at 1pm to get showered, settled, work sides, etc. Picked up organic Sauv Blanc, goat cheese and baguette from Whole Foods.
Class with CD Rick Pagano tonight. Fantastic teacher. Currently casting new Alec Baldwin movie and 2 pilots. Turns out my sides were from a project that has yet to be cast. Liked the work, gave thoughtful, concrete adjustments.
Showcased and interviewed with one agent and one mgr.Mgr is NY transplant and noted my work with The Flea. Agent particularly liked my ethnically ambiguous look. Said TV specifically is getting more and more diverse and it's nothing but a boon. We'll see if that parlays into an official meeting.
Beautiful day. Sunny, clear, low 70's, light breeze. Something in the air. An actual aroma. Pleasant.Sweetish.Subtle. And they have this thing out here called "customer service". Totally bizarre. Waitresses, cashiers, even the guy working Jack In The Box drive-thru, all smiles and howyadointodays.
I don't know that I could LIVE under those kinds of conditions. But it's a nice change of pace for sure.
The nag in my belly about what happens if things go WELL out here grew more acute after tonight's Q&A. Have to shelve it for now.
Have tomorrow free until 6. May find time to play a bit, but will have to hold off on kissing Joni's sunset pig until after Sunday.
Breakfast with M.J. at IHOP on Wilshire followed by a stroll to the tar pits. Took advantage of the chance to have REAL hash browns for a change.
Checked in to hotel at 1pm to get showered, settled, work sides, etc. Picked up organic Sauv Blanc, goat cheese and baguette from Whole Foods.
Class with CD Rick Pagano tonight. Fantastic teacher. Currently casting new Alec Baldwin movie and 2 pilots. Turns out my sides were from a project that has yet to be cast. Liked the work, gave thoughtful, concrete adjustments.
Showcased and interviewed with one agent and one mgr.Mgr is NY transplant and noted my work with The Flea. Agent particularly liked my ethnically ambiguous look. Said TV specifically is getting more and more diverse and it's nothing but a boon. We'll see if that parlays into an official meeting.
Beautiful day. Sunny, clear, low 70's, light breeze. Something in the air. An actual aroma. Pleasant.Sweetish.Subtle. And they have this thing out here called "customer service". Totally bizarre. Waitresses, cashiers, even the guy working Jack In The Box drive-thru, all smiles and howyadointodays.
I don't know that I could LIVE under those kinds of conditions. But it's a nice change of pace for sure.
The nag in my belly about what happens if things go WELL out here grew more acute after tonight's Q&A. Have to shelve it for now.
Have tomorrow free until 6. May find time to play a bit, but will have to hold off on kissing Joni's sunset pig until after Sunday.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
L.A. Dispatch - 3/11
Easy flight. Virgin is a happy way to fly. Quick continuation of a convo with K via text re: brand identity and how we'd totally buy stock in Virgin if we were people who bought stock in things.
Picked up car without hassle. 2009 Corolla. Ink on the seat, but still smells new.
Staying with M.J. tonight. Been seven years. Didn't miss a beat. Looks fantastic. Beard grayer than mine. Both wearing a version of the same outfit. Two old metrosexual peas in a pod.
Dinner outside at The Grove. Carpaccio and caprese. Dry Riesling for me, mineral water for him. Had a pastry for breakfast and nothing after, so the bread was gone before the drinks came.
Some trepidation about tomorrow. First session with Rick Pagano, CD for Leverage, Criminal Minds. Then showing for 3 agents. Trying not to get ahead of myself. Jet lag helping with that effort. Up since 6am. Now 2:30am EST.
Lights out.
-IMBA
Picked up car without hassle. 2009 Corolla. Ink on the seat, but still smells new.
Staying with M.J. tonight. Been seven years. Didn't miss a beat. Looks fantastic. Beard grayer than mine. Both wearing a version of the same outfit. Two old metrosexual peas in a pod.
Dinner outside at The Grove. Carpaccio and caprese. Dry Riesling for me, mineral water for him. Had a pastry for breakfast and nothing after, so the bread was gone before the drinks came.
Some trepidation about tomorrow. First session with Rick Pagano, CD for Leverage, Criminal Minds. Then showing for 3 agents. Trying not to get ahead of myself. Jet lag helping with that effort. Up since 6am. Now 2:30am EST.
Lights out.
-IMBA
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Update
Okay, so I'll start by addressing what I am sure is on all of your minds... Where is IMBA's review of the new U2 record?
The short answer is, it's coming. I was hoping to have that in the bag before I left, but I'm giving it a bit more time to settle in. I want to be fair and I want to be thorough, so you can look for it in a couple weeks. It is revealing itself more and more with each listen and I think it will continue to do so after giving it a spin on the PCH.
Now on to that. I'm currently in an LAX shuttle en route to pick up my rental.
I will be posting daily to keep you abreast of my antics out here. And I'll be doing so from my Blackberry, so don't expect any graphic bells and whistles or videos. Just sun-dappled tidbits in short lo-fi mini-posts.
Stay tuned...
-IMBA
The short answer is, it's coming. I was hoping to have that in the bag before I left, but I'm giving it a bit more time to settle in. I want to be fair and I want to be thorough, so you can look for it in a couple weeks. It is revealing itself more and more with each listen and I think it will continue to do so after giving it a spin on the PCH.
Now on to that. I'm currently in an LAX shuttle en route to pick up my rental.
I will be posting daily to keep you abreast of my antics out here. And I'll be doing so from my Blackberry, so don't expect any graphic bells and whistles or videos. Just sun-dappled tidbits in short lo-fi mini-posts.
Stay tuned...
-IMBA
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Why, YES. Yes, they did. THANK YOU for noticing, Someone.
DID TV MEDIA MISS THE POINT ON STIMULUS?
NEW YORK – There were plenty of familiar faces on-screen during TV coverage of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, people like James Carville, Laura Ingraham, Karl Rove, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Joe Trippi and Dick Morris.
What it lacked, some critics suggest, were people with real expertise in what the $787 billion plan will mean for the economy and for communities and individuals. In short, it was treated like just another political battle.
Of the 681 people who appeared as guests on a dozen cable news and four network Sunday morning talk shows in the three weeks that ended last Sunday, only 41, or 6 percent, were economists, said the liberal media watchdog Media Matters for America.
That count alone indicates a lack of effort in tracking down what was most important about the story, said Erikka Knuti, the organization's spokeswoman.
"Hearing whether or not this package is going to work is more important than who has the snappiest quip," she said.
Media Matters didn't keep track of interview subjects on the most-watched newscasts, the broadcast network evening programs, but the conservative Media Research Center did. About 13 percent of the people interviewed on economic recovery between Obama's election and final passage of the bill were economists, the group said.
That's almost one per substantial story, but Dan Gainor, vice president of the MRC's Business & Media Institute, said that ratio was "appalling."
Piling on the criticism, the Center for Economic and Policy Research said the media had "badly failed" to inform the public about what the stimulus plan means. The group said news organizations also didn't keep things in perspective, focusing on criticisms of the bill that were a very small part of the pricetag.
To a certain extent, networks could be accused of unimaginative bookings, going to people they know very well. Media Matters counted 19 separate appearances by CNN financial correspondent Ali Velshi during the three weeks. The three people who opined most about the bill on Fox News Channel were regulars Morris, Rove and Juan Williams, the group said.
Even some of the economists used were familiar to viewers, like Web site maven Arianna Huffington, former game show host Ben Stein and Paul Krugman, columnist for The New York Times.
Two shows the group monitored, hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper and Campbell Brown, had no economists during the three-week period. By far, the most economists on any show (10) were on Fox's new Glenn Beck show.
Ian Cameron, executive producer of ABC's Sunday morning "This Week," said the trend had less to do with unimaginative bookings than 24-hour cable's need to draw contrast and promote verbal battles.
"On this debate, the sharpest contrast was in Washington," Cameron said. "To some degree, there was more debate on this plan inside Washington than there was outside of Washington."
NEW YORK – There were plenty of familiar faces on-screen during TV coverage of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, people like James Carville, Laura Ingraham, Karl Rove, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Joe Trippi and Dick Morris.
What it lacked, some critics suggest, were people with real expertise in what the $787 billion plan will mean for the economy and for communities and individuals. In short, it was treated like just another political battle.
Of the 681 people who appeared as guests on a dozen cable news and four network Sunday morning talk shows in the three weeks that ended last Sunday, only 41, or 6 percent, were economists, said the liberal media watchdog Media Matters for America.
That count alone indicates a lack of effort in tracking down what was most important about the story, said Erikka Knuti, the organization's spokeswoman.
"Hearing whether or not this package is going to work is more important than who has the snappiest quip," she said.
Media Matters didn't keep track of interview subjects on the most-watched newscasts, the broadcast network evening programs, but the conservative Media Research Center did. About 13 percent of the people interviewed on economic recovery between Obama's election and final passage of the bill were economists, the group said.
That's almost one per substantial story, but Dan Gainor, vice president of the MRC's Business & Media Institute, said that ratio was "appalling."
Piling on the criticism, the Center for Economic and Policy Research said the media had "badly failed" to inform the public about what the stimulus plan means. The group said news organizations also didn't keep things in perspective, focusing on criticisms of the bill that were a very small part of the pricetag.
To a certain extent, networks could be accused of unimaginative bookings, going to people they know very well. Media Matters counted 19 separate appearances by CNN financial correspondent Ali Velshi during the three weeks. The three people who opined most about the bill on Fox News Channel were regulars Morris, Rove and Juan Williams, the group said.
Even some of the economists used were familiar to viewers, like Web site maven Arianna Huffington, former game show host Ben Stein and Paul Krugman, columnist for The New York Times.
Two shows the group monitored, hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper and Campbell Brown, had no economists during the three-week period. By far, the most economists on any show (10) were on Fox's new Glenn Beck show.
Ian Cameron, executive producer of ABC's Sunday morning "This Week," said the trend had less to do with unimaginative bookings than 24-hour cable's need to draw contrast and promote verbal battles.
"On this debate, the sharpest contrast was in Washington," Cameron said. "To some degree, there was more debate on this plan inside Washington than there was outside of Washington."
Thursday, February 12, 2009
NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE.
SET YOUR DVRs.........Irish supergroup U2 have found what they are looking for to promote their new album in the United States -- a five-night gig on the "Late Show with David Letterman."
For the first week of March, U2 will perform every night on the late night chat show, CBS said on Thursday. It's the first time a musical act has been booked for an entire week on the show.
U2 starts the weeklong gig Monday, March 2, and ends it the following Friday. During the week -- on March 3 -- the band and its label, Interscope Records, will release the album "No Line on the Horizon."
The band recorded its latest album in Morocco, Dublin, New York and London.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Demystifying L.A.
I gave a teaser with my last post. I'll lift the veil a bit here. I've been a member of One on One for a couple years now. EVERY connection I've made in the on-camera world, I've made through them. It's how I booked my first real TV gig (and why I have another Law & Order audition tomorrow). They're amazing.
Every year they do a trip to L.A. for a series of workshops/classes/interviews. And I'm going. It's shit-or-get-off-the-pot time, kids. I want to do TV. Period. As such, it only makes sense to try and establish myself as a bi-coastal presence. So, fingers crossed.
Below are some testimonials from former LA trippers as well as my own free shill for the One on One cats.
Every year they do a trip to L.A. for a series of workshops/classes/interviews. And I'm going. It's shit-or-get-off-the-pot time, kids. I want to do TV. Period. As such, it only makes sense to try and establish myself as a bi-coastal presence. So, fingers crossed.
Below are some testimonials from former LA trippers as well as my own free shill for the One on One cats.
Monday, February 09, 2009
It's Official
March 11-20th15 Agents
5 Casting directors
1 potentially large step forward
...Fingers crossed.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Even QUEENS????
Yes... Even Queens.
Oh, and Bloomie...? SUCK IT.
N.Y.C. So Costly You Need To Earn Six Figures To Make Middle Class
More than $2,000 a month for day care. Some of the highest phone bills in the country. Jam-packed, 50-plus-minute commutes to work.
You knew it was tough to live in New York City — but this tough?
A new report shows just how ugly — and expensive — New York City can be, especially for the middle class, squeezed by skyrocketing living costs and stagnant wages.
The study, released Thursday by the Center for an Urban Future, shows that New York City is hands-down the most expensive place to live in the country.
Among the findings:
· A New Yorker would have to make $123,322 a year to have the same standard of living as someone making $50,000 in Houston.
· In Manhattan, a $60,000 salary is equivalent to someone making $26,092 in Atlanta.
· You knew it was expensive to live in Manhattan, but Queens? The report tagged Queens the fifth most expensive urban area in the country.
· The average monthly rent in New York is $2,801, 53% higher than San Francisco, the second most expensive city in the country.
“Income levels that would enable a very comfortable lifestyle in other locales barely suffice to provide the basics in New York City,” the report concludes.
Other belt-tightening details include:
· New Yorkers paid about $34 a month for phone service in 2006. In San Francisco, similar service cost $17 a month.
· Home heating costs have jumped 125% in the past five years and are up 243% since 1998.
· Full-time day care costs can run up to $25,000 a year for one child, depending on the neighborhood, or about as much as some college tuitions.
· Meanwhile, wages in the city have remained mostly flat in all boroughs but Manhattan — even during the boom years from 2003 to 2007.
It’s not only money that makes life here hard, researchers said — which might not be news to most New Yorkers.
Take commutes, for example. The report found that many New Yorkers put up with commutes double the national average of 25.5 minutes.
Commuting to Manhattan from St. Albans, Queens, can take 51.7 minutes, while getting there from Canarsie, Brooklyn, can run 50.8 minutes.
Researchers said the combination of skyrocketing costs, stagnant wages and a deteriorating quality of life forced hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to flee the city for cheaper areas during the boom years from 2002 to 2006.
The report found that more New Yorkers left each year during the boom than left during the dark days of the early 1990s.
Center for Urban Future Director Jonathan Bowles noted that the number of people fleeing the city has slowed since 2007 as the rest of the country has sunk into recession, jobs have dried up nationwide and home values here started to sink.
Mayor Bloomberg downplayed the report but said he is concerned about the constant drumbeat of job losses in the city.
“There is turnover all the time. That’s very healthy,” Bloomberg said. “We’re doing fine, but it is very worrisome, the number of people who are losing their jobs.”
Oh, and Bloomie...? SUCK IT.
N.Y.C. So Costly You Need To Earn Six Figures To Make Middle Class
More than $2,000 a month for day care. Some of the highest phone bills in the country. Jam-packed, 50-plus-minute commutes to work.
You knew it was tough to live in New York City — but this tough?
A new report shows just how ugly — and expensive — New York City can be, especially for the middle class, squeezed by skyrocketing living costs and stagnant wages.
The study, released Thursday by the Center for an Urban Future, shows that New York City is hands-down the most expensive place to live in the country.
Among the findings:
· A New Yorker would have to make $123,322 a year to have the same standard of living as someone making $50,000 in Houston.
· In Manhattan, a $60,000 salary is equivalent to someone making $26,092 in Atlanta.
· You knew it was expensive to live in Manhattan, but Queens? The report tagged Queens the fifth most expensive urban area in the country.
· The average monthly rent in New York is $2,801, 53% higher than San Francisco, the second most expensive city in the country.
“Income levels that would enable a very comfortable lifestyle in other locales barely suffice to provide the basics in New York City,” the report concludes.
Other belt-tightening details include:
· New Yorkers paid about $34 a month for phone service in 2006. In San Francisco, similar service cost $17 a month.
· Home heating costs have jumped 125% in the past five years and are up 243% since 1998.
· Full-time day care costs can run up to $25,000 a year for one child, depending on the neighborhood, or about as much as some college tuitions.
· Meanwhile, wages in the city have remained mostly flat in all boroughs but Manhattan — even during the boom years from 2003 to 2007.
It’s not only money that makes life here hard, researchers said — which might not be news to most New Yorkers.
Take commutes, for example. The report found that many New Yorkers put up with commutes double the national average of 25.5 minutes.
Commuting to Manhattan from St. Albans, Queens, can take 51.7 minutes, while getting there from Canarsie, Brooklyn, can run 50.8 minutes.
Researchers said the combination of skyrocketing costs, stagnant wages and a deteriorating quality of life forced hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to flee the city for cheaper areas during the boom years from 2002 to 2006.
The report found that more New Yorkers left each year during the boom than left during the dark days of the early 1990s.
Center for Urban Future Director Jonathan Bowles noted that the number of people fleeing the city has slowed since 2007 as the rest of the country has sunk into recession, jobs have dried up nationwide and home values here started to sink.
Mayor Bloomberg downplayed the report but said he is concerned about the constant drumbeat of job losses in the city.
“There is turnover all the time. That’s very healthy,” Bloomberg said. “We’re doing fine, but it is very worrisome, the number of people who are losing their jobs.”
Friday, January 30, 2009
Will I be shaking my ass tonight...? Yes, sir. Yes, I will.
The Missus and I have tix to the NYC premiere and afterparty for "Gogol Bordello Non-Stop", a documentary of the band shot over the course of 5 years. For those of you who've asked about Mehanata - more often referred to as simply "the Bulgarian bar" - the trailer includes some footage.
I. Can't. Wait.
Gogol Bordello Non-Stop 2007 Trailer-Dir Margarita Jimeno from Majimafia on Vimeo.
I. Can't. Wait.
Gogol Bordello Non-Stop 2007 Trailer-Dir Margarita Jimeno from Majimafia on Vimeo.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
"But you shoulda seen what she was wearing. You could tell she WANTED IT..."
Raccoon Rapist's Penis Bitten OffMOSCOW. A drunken Russian who tried to rape a raccoon paid the price when the animal bit off his penis. Surgeons spent the weekend trying to repair what was left of 44-yearold Alexander Kirilov's manhood.
METRO
Thursday, January 22, 2009
GO, MILK! GO, MICKEY! GO, HEATH! GO, GUS! GO, MAN ON WIRE!
And the Nominees Are...
BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
BEST ACTOR
* Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
* Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
* Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
* Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
* Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
* Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
* Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
* Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
BEST ACTRESS
* Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
* Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
* Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
* Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)
BEST DIRECTOR
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
* “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
* “Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
* “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
* “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
* “The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)” (Cinema Guild), A Pandinlao Films Production, Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
* “Encounters at the End of the World” (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment), A Creative Differences Production, Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
* “The Garden” A Black Valley Films Production, Scott Hamilton Kennedy
* “Man on Wire” (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn
* “Trouble the Water” (Zeitgeist Films), An Elsewhere Films Production, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
BEST ACTOR
* Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
* Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
* Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
* Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
* Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
* Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
* Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
* Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
BEST ACTRESS
* Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
* Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
* Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
* Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
* Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)
BEST DIRECTOR
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
* “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
* “Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
* “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
* “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
* “The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)” (Cinema Guild), A Pandinlao Films Production, Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
* “Encounters at the End of the World” (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment), A Creative Differences Production, Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
* “The Garden” A Black Valley Films Production, Scott Hamilton Kennedy
* “Man on Wire” (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn
* “Trouble the Water” (Zeitgeist Films), An Elsewhere Films Production, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
THE LATEST ON "NO LINE ON THE HORIZON"
From U2.com:Exciting U2 news for you all. As I'm sure many of you are aware the new studio album 'No Line On The Horizon' from U2 will be released on 2nd March. 'Get On Your Boots' will be the first single from the album.
Make sure you tune into Radio 1, Radio 2, Xfm or regional radio stations up and down the country on Monday 19th January from 8am to hear the very first play of the single. 'Get On Your Boots' will be released as digital download on Sunday 15th February, with a CD single and 7" to follow on Monday 16th February.
Produced by Brian Eno, Danny Lanois and Steve Lillywhite, No Line On The Horizon began in Fez, Morocco, with further sessions taking place in the band's Dublin studio, New York's Platinum Sound Recording Studios, and Olympic Studios in London.
The album will be released in a standard format with a 24 page booklet and as a digipak format with extended booklet and downloadable Anton Corbijn film, "Linear". The release will include two limited edition special formats; a bespoke box which includes the album, Anton Corbijn's "Linear" and a hardback book, and also as a 64 page magazine which includes the album and a download of "Linear". No Line On The Horizon will be also released on heavyweight vinyl.
The cover artwork for the album includes an image of the sea meeting the sky by Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.
Make sure you tune into Radio 1, Radio 2, Xfm or regional radio stations up and down the country on Monday 19th January from 8am to hear the very first play of the single. 'Get On Your Boots' will be released as digital download on Sunday 15th February, with a CD single and 7" to follow on Monday 16th February.
Produced by Brian Eno, Danny Lanois and Steve Lillywhite, No Line On The Horizon began in Fez, Morocco, with further sessions taking place in the band's Dublin studio, New York's Platinum Sound Recording Studios, and Olympic Studios in London.
The album will be released in a standard format with a 24 page booklet and as a digipak format with extended booklet and downloadable Anton Corbijn film, "Linear". The release will include two limited edition special formats; a bespoke box which includes the album, Anton Corbijn's "Linear" and a hardback book, and also as a 64 page magazine which includes the album and a download of "Linear". No Line On The Horizon will be also released on heavyweight vinyl.The cover artwork for the album includes an image of the sea meeting the sky by Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.
The full track listing is as follows:
01. No Line On The Horizon
02. Magnificent
03. Moment of Surrender
04. Unknown Caller
05. I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
06. Get On Your Boots
07. Stand Up Comedy
08. Fez - Being Born
09. White As Snow
10. Breathe
11. Cedars Of Lebanon
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The CYPJN!? Best of 2008 (streaming) Supermix
SO... After some technical folderol... HERE IT IS. Unfortunately, due to some shenanigans with the DMCA, this year's mix is not downloadable. HOWEVER, I have posted it below in streaming format. A step down from the usual MP3 version, I know. But still better than a kick in the taint.
.
As always, much of the music below is availabe at eMusic and what isn't can be found on iTunes or at your local, independent record store.
.
ENJOY...
Firewater - "Hey Clown"
Devotchka - "Transliterator"
Death Cab For Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart"
The Black Angels - "Science Killer"
Fucked Up - "Crooked Head"
Foals - "Two Steps, Twice"
Plants & Animals - "Mercy"
Friendly Fires - "On Board"
The Kills - "U.R.A. Fever"
David Byrne & Brian Eno - "Strange Overtones"
M83 - "Graveyard Girl"
R.E.M. - "Supernatural Superserious"
Kings of Leon - "Manhattan"
Frightened Rabbit - "The Modern Leper"
Department of Eagles - "In Ear Park"
Elbow - "Mirrorball"
Fleet Foxes - "Mykonos"
Conor Oberst - "Lenders in the Temple"
The Black Keys - "Things Ain't Like They Used To Be"
Bon Iver - "Re: Stacks"
Heather Christian - "Harvey" (Heather is a friend of mine and she's doing some really fantastic stuff. Hear more here.)
Firewater - "Hey Clown"
Devotchka - "Transliterator"
Death Cab For Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart"
The Black Angels - "Science Killer"
Fucked Up - "Crooked Head"
Foals - "Two Steps, Twice"
Plants & Animals - "Mercy"
Friendly Fires - "On Board"
The Kills - "U.R.A. Fever"
David Byrne & Brian Eno - "Strange Overtones"
M83 - "Graveyard Girl"
R.E.M. - "Supernatural Superserious"
Kings of Leon - "Manhattan"
Frightened Rabbit - "The Modern Leper"
Department of Eagles - "In Ear Park"
Elbow - "Mirrorball"
Fleet Foxes - "Mykonos"
Conor Oberst - "Lenders in the Temple"
The Black Keys - "Things Ain't Like They Used To Be"
Bon Iver - "Re: Stacks"
Heather Christian - "Harvey" (Heather is a friend of mine and she's doing some really fantastic stuff. Hear more here.)
.
Thanks again for sticking around, guys. Here's to whatever '09's got in store...
Best,
-IMBA
Friday, January 02, 2009
CYPJN!?'s Top 8 Albums of 2008
Yeah, I know. It's customary to submit a list like this BEFORE the end of the year, when everyone's feeling reflective and nostalgic, not when people are moving the fuck on with their lives and looking for something new and fresh. But, HEY... better late than never, right?
2008 was a great year for music and paring down the top 8 albums was no easy task. So without further delay, below are the CYPJN!? finalists. Let the judgement begin!
There are few bands still making music today that I’ve loved as long or as deeply as R.E.M. Which is why 2004’s middling crapfest “Around The Sun” felt like such a slap in the chops. For a band whose late-career output had, up to that point, been some of its best, it was particularly perplexing. It left me wondering if R.E.M.’s moment had finally come and gone.
Luckily, those four years of doubt and disappointment were definitively erased within the first crunchy seconds of “Supernatural Superserious”, the lead-off single to “Accelerate”. By the time the chorus came around, I was already snapping, swaying and involuntarily busting into my own Stipey T. Rex moves. This was a bonafide R.E.M. radio hit of the highest order. I was ecstatic.
I mean, here’s the deal… I own every R.E.M. album. There was no way I wasn’t going to buy this one. But the strength of “Supernatural” made me excited about buying it. And after a single top-to-bottom listen, I was firmly able to pronounce it their strongest, most cohesive release in 10 years.
Consciously or unconsciously, “Accelerate” manages to be the perfect distillation of the band’s almost-30-year history, yet it finds R.E.M. sounding as fresh and vibrant as any of the baby bands on Pitchfork’s “Watch-Out-For-These-Guys” lists.
Simply put, the boys didn’t let me down. Even more simply put, “Accelerate” rocks.
Serving suggestion: This is a quintessential anytime album. Especially friendly on the morning commute with a dark, steamy cup of joe.
The line “What the fuck is this?” can have many different points of view, depending on the delivery. For the purposes of this capsule, the proper reading would need to indicate intense curiosity followed by utter astonishment. Practice the line a couple times on your own and then hit play on “In Ear Park”. Halfway through the opening title track, try the line again and you’ll get the absolute right inflection. This was my reaction upon hearing Department of Eagles for the first time.
A side project of Grizzly Bear’s Daniel Rossen and former dormmate Fred Nicolaus, Department of Eagles has created one of the most inventive releases of the year. “Do you listen to your classical records anymore?/ Or do you let them sleep / In their sleeves where they weep?”, Rossen asks on “Classical Records”. His reverence for the art of arrangement is clear from the first tickly, pizzicato strings of the album opener to the dreamy banjo swell of “Balmy Night”.
For the chorus of “Nobody Does It Like You”, a delicate, dappled guitar progression paints a late summer sky whose stars have begun to fall, loosely, one after the other in rapid succession.
The production throughout is lush but with a distinctly lo-fi appreciation of the key elements. Here, solid melodies and Rossen’s silvery vocals are the anchors that keep “In Ear Park” from devolving into what could be just another silly, disposable freak folk wankfest, ala Joanna Newsom or Devendra Banhart.
Haunting, complex, unconventional and inherently listenable, I haven’t been as genuinely intrigued by an album in a long time.
Serving suggestion: Requires an active listen. Make yourself a cheese plate, open up a nice, dry Riesling and settle in.
6. Kings of Leon - “Only By The Night”
Oh, Kings of Leon. They were always just almost there. The potential to make a great record was palpable, simmering just under the surface but never jelling into anything truly remarkable or cohesive. They had something for sure, but it seemed even the band themselves weren’t sure what it was. Happily, on “Only By The Night” it seems the Followill boys have finally sussed it out.
In pre-release interviews, frontman Caleb spoke openly about the recording process and rediscovering his own voice… "I knew it was a risk for me to go in there and really open up and belt the way I know that I can… I just hid my singing for so long because I was nervous that people would listen to my lyrics, assume I wasn't intelligent because I'm from Tennessee and pick me apart, so that's why I sang the way I did. But going into this, I knew these melodies that we were playing were too beautiful for me to fuck it up. I had to go for it."
And go for it he does. In my estimation, this epiphany is the single identifiable element that makes “Only By The Night” the band’s crowning achievement. Followill’s achy wail, finally fully unleashed, gives the songs an emotional depth and urgency lacking in the bands previous “cooler” releases. The steamy propulsion of first single “Sex on Fire” announced that something hotter was going to be in store this time around.
The other notable facet to this album is the maturity of the band’s sound. It seems the rest of the family, brothers Nathan & Jared and cousin Matthew, had reached as far outside themselves as their singer had. The album kicks off with the spooky/sexy slink of “Closer”, an unlikely opener that nevertheless sets the perfect tone. Other album standouts include the arena-ready “Use Somebody”, the weepy “Cold Desert” and the lovely “Manhattan”, which features Edge-inspired minimalist guitar chimes and one of the most deliciously bouncy bass lines I’ve heard in ages.
Some of my favorite bands started good and got great. It looks like Kings of Leon are finally vying for their spot.
Serving suggestion: I can imagine this album would best be enjoyed high-school-style: in a parked car with a cute girl, splitting a bottle of Mad Dog. If you’re looking for something more age-appropriate, try it at home with some steaks and a cold beer.
Release your first-ever EP in the spring, your first full-length in the summer, then end up on basically every music publication’s year-end Best Of lists by winter. Quite a feat, right? Must take a pretty special band to pull something like that off, right? And a pretty special album, right?
Right.
If you’ve spent any time with Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut, you know what all the hoopla’s about. And you know it’s well deserved. If you haven’t, then you have a purchase to make, dear reader.
After deftly navigating a slew of reductive My Morning Jacket comparisons from the snobbier corners of the blogosphere, the band quickly managed to develop their own devout audience. And on their own terms. Truth is, anyone who gave the album more than just a cursory spin knew that they were hearing something singular and undeniable.
I could spend a lot of time describing this album to you and pull out a bunch of fancy music-journo-centric adjectives in the doing of it. I could try to put it in a box with labels like Neo-Folk or Southern Fried Baroque Pop. But, I’m not going to. I’m simply going to say this…
4. The Black Angels – “Directions To See A Ghost”
Narrowing down and finalizing these lists is an arduous task. Even harder is then deciding the placement of the final picks within their own ranks. When it gets particularly difficult, I often revert to one definitive criterion: “How often did I actually listen to this album?” After all, that should be an honest gauge, no? Bottom line is, between my morning and evening commutes, my workday and the evening cleaning/dinner prep routine, I spend about 8 hours a day actively listening to music. So, with the sheer amount of tuneage I consume on a daily basis, if there’s an album that consistently ends up in heavy iPod rotation, I tend to make a note of it as being something pretty special. That standard brings The Black Angels to my number 4 spot.
Longtime readers may remember that The Angels’ debut, “Passover” made my inaugural Top 6 of ’06 list two years ago. And here they are once more, blowing my mind all over again.
It’s no small secret that I have a fairly prominent dark side. If I didn’t, maybe “Directions To See A Ghost” wouldn’t be such a treat. But I do. And it is.
How else can I explain why such a foreboding journey could bring me such unmitigated joy. For all it’s brooding sonics, “DTSAG” isn’t a moper. No, sir. This is a live one, baby.
“Well, I ain’t gonna live in your world no more,” Todd A. declares in the opening line of “Borneo”, the first track on Firewater’s incredible “The Golden Hour”. Following the disastrous 2004 election and a bitter divorce the same year, the frontman did what many disillusioned progressives across the country felt like doing. He left America. With a raised middle finger and no backward glances.
The intervening three years found him trekking through India, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia in search of something he felt America was seemingly long past being able to provide him. What he found along the way would become the building blocks, both lyrically and musically, of “The Golden Hour”.
Part travelogue, part diatribe and (ultimately) a declaration of independence, the band’s fifth album takes all the fist-in-the-air defiance of punk and filters it through gypsy rhythms, slinky surf guitar, Balkan horns and Indian percussion. The end result is the most uncannily danceable collection of political barnburners since The Clash’s “Sandinista!”. Ideas this pointed and unapologetic are usually limited to the purview of hardcore, but find a much richer point of view placed among such dynamic sounds. For evidence of this, one need only look to the chorus of the anti-Bush screed “Hey Clown”. (“Hey clown! / We’re gonna put you in the ground / We had it all and then you threw it all away / Hey clown! / You turned our happy upside down / We’re gonna burn your flag and piss on your parade!”) What reads like a typical punk rant is actually the album’s greatest celebration, a jump-up-and-down singalong rife with tuba, trombone, banjo and a thumping yo-yo bass line.
The primary achievement of “The Golden Hour” lies in its seamless melding of the political and the personal. Both “Six Forty Five” and “Feels Like The End of The World” feel like sunset postcards from a faraway place, with glimpses into the mixed feelings of a lonely American ex-pat abroad. And “Weird To Be Back” perfectly sums up the conflictions of one returning home after so long away.
In 2004, I desperately needed a rousing election year album. Who’d have known I’d finally get it four years later?
Serving suggestion: An iPod, a passport, a plane, a train, a rickshaw, a country with an alphabet you can’t read… and an alcoholic beverage you’ve never heard of served by someone who hasn’t bathed in a couple days. Mwah!
2. Bon Iver – “For Emma, Forever Ago”
Boy meets girl, girl breaks up with boy, boy moves to remote cabin in Wisconsin to write the most achingly beautiful album of the year.
The stark simplicity of “For Emma, Forever Ago” is a testament to the power of what a man can accomplish with an acoustic guitar if he’s truly connected to the songs he’s creating. Justin Vernon’s warm, delicate falsettos, sparse arrangements and intensely personal lyrics turn what could be dismissed as mere coffeehouse fodder into something altogether deeper and more profound.
I love, love, love this album.
Serving suggestion: Alcohol might make this one too much to bear. I’d stick with a nice hot cup of Vanilla Honey Chamomile under a warm blanket.
1. Elbow – “The Seldom Seen Kid”
I knew within minutes of my first foray into “The Seldom Seen Kid” that it would make this year’s list. And I had a hunch halfway through the song “Mirrorball” that it would be damn well near the top. As the year drew to a close, amid a sea of fantastic new releases, it’s placement in the #1 spot had been solidified.
I can’t talk about this album without first addressing “Mirrorball”, the album’s third track and my absolute favorite song of the year. It’s the kind of moment that only comes along once in a blue moon for me. A song that I have to play twice in a row because I just don’t want it to end. Over a gorgeously augmented piano progression, acoustic guitar harmonies and muted percussion, Guy Garvey’s warm milk rasp opens the song : “ I plant the kind of kiss that wouldn’t wake a baby / On the self same face that wouldn’t let me sleep.” As verse melts into chorus, strings and synth swell and retract in waves of anticipation, evoking the same internal bellyflip in the listener as might be felt at the beginning (or end) of the love affair depicted in the song. It leaves me reeling every time.
But to be worthy of a title like “Album of the Year”, the whole obviously needs to be greater than the sum of its parts. I need every song to blow my mind, one right after the other, and finish the experience feeling like I’ve just been somewhere.... like a great film that leaves you choking back tears after the credits have rolled, all the way into the lobby and out onto the street. For me, this album did that more completely than any other this year.
As an opening credit sequence, “Starlings” starts things off gently before busting open the gates, then slamming them abruptly shut again. This kind of interplay – flirt and retreat – sets the tone for the emotional rollercoaster to follow. Later, “Grounds for Divorce” - a stomping hip-swinger with a stadium-rock chorus and down-home slide guitar - stands as the album’s rockingest moment. “The Fix” pairs Garvey with one of my all-time favorite British crooners, Richard Hawley, for a noir-ish burner with spritely keyboards and a tiptoe beat. And “Friends of Ours”, with it’s weepy, cinematic, string-laden farewell, brings it all to a lovely, bittersweet and fitting close - despite the singer telling us he’s “never very good at goodbyes.”
Elbow were once referred to as “the thinking man’s Coldplay”, which isn’t saying much these days. By comparison, Coldplay has spent it’s past two releases on a downward spiral of boring, bombastic, self-important schlock while Elbow have deepened and matured, creating something profoundly more interesting along the way.
Few bands can pull off this level of authentic intimacy and grandeur on the same album (let alone within the same song) without sounding forced or strident. With “The Seldom Seen Kid”, Elbow can officially add their name to the list.
Serving suggestion: Perfect any time, though I spend a lot of time with this one on the train and when I drive at night. Also, it’s a great dinner-making album. Open up a nice, spicy Spanish red or a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and get your apron on.
The "If This Were A Top 10 List, These Would Totally Have Been On There" List:
2008 was a great year for music and paring down the top 8 albums was no easy task. So without further delay, below are the CYPJN!? finalists. Let the judgement begin!
There are few bands still making music today that I’ve loved as long or as deeply as R.E.M. Which is why 2004’s middling crapfest “Around The Sun” felt like such a slap in the chops. For a band whose late-career output had, up to that point, been some of its best, it was particularly perplexing. It left me wondering if R.E.M.’s moment had finally come and gone.
Luckily, those four years of doubt and disappointment were definitively erased within the first crunchy seconds of “Supernatural Superserious”, the lead-off single to “Accelerate”. By the time the chorus came around, I was already snapping, swaying and involuntarily busting into my own Stipey T. Rex moves. This was a bonafide R.E.M. radio hit of the highest order. I was ecstatic.
I mean, here’s the deal… I own every R.E.M. album. There was no way I wasn’t going to buy this one. But the strength of “Supernatural” made me excited about buying it. And after a single top-to-bottom listen, I was firmly able to pronounce it their strongest, most cohesive release in 10 years.
Consciously or unconsciously, “Accelerate” manages to be the perfect distillation of the band’s almost-30-year history, yet it finds R.E.M. sounding as fresh and vibrant as any of the baby bands on Pitchfork’s “Watch-Out-For-These-Guys” lists.
Simply put, the boys didn’t let me down. Even more simply put, “Accelerate” rocks.
Serving suggestion: This is a quintessential anytime album. Especially friendly on the morning commute with a dark, steamy cup of joe.
7. Department of Eagles – “In Ear Park”
The line “What the fuck is this?” can have many different points of view, depending on the delivery. For the purposes of this capsule, the proper reading would need to indicate intense curiosity followed by utter astonishment. Practice the line a couple times on your own and then hit play on “In Ear Park”. Halfway through the opening title track, try the line again and you’ll get the absolute right inflection. This was my reaction upon hearing Department of Eagles for the first time.
A side project of Grizzly Bear’s Daniel Rossen and former dormmate Fred Nicolaus, Department of Eagles has created one of the most inventive releases of the year. “Do you listen to your classical records anymore?/ Or do you let them sleep / In their sleeves where they weep?”, Rossen asks on “Classical Records”. His reverence for the art of arrangement is clear from the first tickly, pizzicato strings of the album opener to the dreamy banjo swell of “Balmy Night”.
For the chorus of “Nobody Does It Like You”, a delicate, dappled guitar progression paints a late summer sky whose stars have begun to fall, loosely, one after the other in rapid succession.
The production throughout is lush but with a distinctly lo-fi appreciation of the key elements. Here, solid melodies and Rossen’s silvery vocals are the anchors that keep “In Ear Park” from devolving into what could be just another silly, disposable freak folk wankfest, ala Joanna Newsom or Devendra Banhart.
Haunting, complex, unconventional and inherently listenable, I haven’t been as genuinely intrigued by an album in a long time.
Serving suggestion: Requires an active listen. Make yourself a cheese plate, open up a nice, dry Riesling and settle in.
6. Kings of Leon - “Only By The Night” Oh, Kings of Leon. They were always just almost there. The potential to make a great record was palpable, simmering just under the surface but never jelling into anything truly remarkable or cohesive. They had something for sure, but it seemed even the band themselves weren’t sure what it was. Happily, on “Only By The Night” it seems the Followill boys have finally sussed it out.
In pre-release interviews, frontman Caleb spoke openly about the recording process and rediscovering his own voice… "I knew it was a risk for me to go in there and really open up and belt the way I know that I can… I just hid my singing for so long because I was nervous that people would listen to my lyrics, assume I wasn't intelligent because I'm from Tennessee and pick me apart, so that's why I sang the way I did. But going into this, I knew these melodies that we were playing were too beautiful for me to fuck it up. I had to go for it."
And go for it he does. In my estimation, this epiphany is the single identifiable element that makes “Only By The Night” the band’s crowning achievement. Followill’s achy wail, finally fully unleashed, gives the songs an emotional depth and urgency lacking in the bands previous “cooler” releases. The steamy propulsion of first single “Sex on Fire” announced that something hotter was going to be in store this time around.
The other notable facet to this album is the maturity of the band’s sound. It seems the rest of the family, brothers Nathan & Jared and cousin Matthew, had reached as far outside themselves as their singer had. The album kicks off with the spooky/sexy slink of “Closer”, an unlikely opener that nevertheless sets the perfect tone. Other album standouts include the arena-ready “Use Somebody”, the weepy “Cold Desert” and the lovely “Manhattan”, which features Edge-inspired minimalist guitar chimes and one of the most deliciously bouncy bass lines I’ve heard in ages.
Some of my favorite bands started good and got great. It looks like Kings of Leon are finally vying for their spot.
Serving suggestion: I can imagine this album would best be enjoyed high-school-style: in a parked car with a cute girl, splitting a bottle of Mad Dog. If you’re looking for something more age-appropriate, try it at home with some steaks and a cold beer.
Release your first-ever EP in the spring, your first full-length in the summer, then end up on basically every music publication’s year-end Best Of lists by winter. Quite a feat, right? Must take a pretty special band to pull something like that off, right? And a pretty special album, right?
Right.
If you’ve spent any time with Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut, you know what all the hoopla’s about. And you know it’s well deserved. If you haven’t, then you have a purchase to make, dear reader.
After deftly navigating a slew of reductive My Morning Jacket comparisons from the snobbier corners of the blogosphere, the band quickly managed to develop their own devout audience. And on their own terms. Truth is, anyone who gave the album more than just a cursory spin knew that they were hearing something singular and undeniable.
I could spend a lot of time describing this album to you and pull out a bunch of fancy music-journo-centric adjectives in the doing of it. I could try to put it in a box with labels like Neo-Folk or Southern Fried Baroque Pop. But, I’m not going to. I’m simply going to say this…
It’s gorgeous. Go buy it.
Serving suggestion: Perfect for a road trip through the Catskills. Or sitting around the house on a snowy night, with candles and some Pimm’s Winter with apple cider.
Serving suggestion: Perfect for a road trip through the Catskills. Or sitting around the house on a snowy night, with candles and some Pimm’s Winter with apple cider.
4. The Black Angels – “Directions To See A Ghost” Narrowing down and finalizing these lists is an arduous task. Even harder is then deciding the placement of the final picks within their own ranks. When it gets particularly difficult, I often revert to one definitive criterion: “How often did I actually listen to this album?” After all, that should be an honest gauge, no? Bottom line is, between my morning and evening commutes, my workday and the evening cleaning/dinner prep routine, I spend about 8 hours a day actively listening to music. So, with the sheer amount of tuneage I consume on a daily basis, if there’s an album that consistently ends up in heavy iPod rotation, I tend to make a note of it as being something pretty special. That standard brings The Black Angels to my number 4 spot.
Longtime readers may remember that The Angels’ debut, “Passover” made my inaugural Top 6 of ’06 list two years ago. And here they are once more, blowing my mind all over again.
It’s no small secret that I have a fairly prominent dark side. If I didn’t, maybe “Directions To See A Ghost” wouldn’t be such a treat. But I do. And it is.
How else can I explain why such a foreboding journey could bring me such unmitigated joy. For all it’s brooding sonics, “DTSAG” isn’t a moper. No, sir. This is a live one, baby.
Active. Flirty. Dirty. Dangerous. If I was forced to nutshell it for someone, I’d say “It sounds like the mix you’d make for a road trip through Hell.” Followed by a wink and a smirk.
“You On The Run” gets the trek started with a low-n-slow, bendy tremolo riff and devilish hipshake toms. “Doves” opens the infernal gates with a grand and twisted flourish. “Science Killer” makes a pit stop at Satan’s own personal strip club, featuring a grungy bass groove and the sexiest maracas you’ve ever heard. And epic album closer “Snake In The Grass” is the very definition of a slow burn, licking at our heels in a wash of distortion for over 16 minutes. The album’s centerpiece (and my personal fave) is “18 Years”. Featuring a wall of sound so dense Phil Spector himself would be left scratching his head, it’s the album’s most curious and compelling track. Just after the three minute mark, Alex Maas speaks of “something black” that “answers back from the dungeon”. What we hear immediately afterward may or may not be from this world. Whatever it is, it makes my spine tingle every time.
At a time when the fantastic blackness introduced by Joy Division, Bauhaus, The Cure, etc. has been co-opted by the Hot Topic generation and packaged into something way sillier than any of those bands could ever have imagined, they're an important presence. Closer to what I’d call “dark indie psychedelia” than “goth”, it’s still nice to know the Black Angels are out there keeping it real for the rest of us aging darksiders.
Serving suggestion: “Directions” has treated me very nicely on several rainy night walks through lower Manhattan. At home, try it in your PJ’s at 2am, with a deep, oaky French red.
“You On The Run” gets the trek started with a low-n-slow, bendy tremolo riff and devilish hipshake toms. “Doves” opens the infernal gates with a grand and twisted flourish. “Science Killer” makes a pit stop at Satan’s own personal strip club, featuring a grungy bass groove and the sexiest maracas you’ve ever heard. And epic album closer “Snake In The Grass” is the very definition of a slow burn, licking at our heels in a wash of distortion for over 16 minutes. The album’s centerpiece (and my personal fave) is “18 Years”. Featuring a wall of sound so dense Phil Spector himself would be left scratching his head, it’s the album’s most curious and compelling track. Just after the three minute mark, Alex Maas speaks of “something black” that “answers back from the dungeon”. What we hear immediately afterward may or may not be from this world. Whatever it is, it makes my spine tingle every time.
At a time when the fantastic blackness introduced by Joy Division, Bauhaus, The Cure, etc. has been co-opted by the Hot Topic generation and packaged into something way sillier than any of those bands could ever have imagined, they're an important presence. Closer to what I’d call “dark indie psychedelia” than “goth”, it’s still nice to know the Black Angels are out there keeping it real for the rest of us aging darksiders.
Serving suggestion: “Directions” has treated me very nicely on several rainy night walks through lower Manhattan. At home, try it in your PJ’s at 2am, with a deep, oaky French red.
“Well, I ain’t gonna live in your world no more,” Todd A. declares in the opening line of “Borneo”, the first track on Firewater’s incredible “The Golden Hour”. Following the disastrous 2004 election and a bitter divorce the same year, the frontman did what many disillusioned progressives across the country felt like doing. He left America. With a raised middle finger and no backward glances.
The intervening three years found him trekking through India, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia in search of something he felt America was seemingly long past being able to provide him. What he found along the way would become the building blocks, both lyrically and musically, of “The Golden Hour”.
Part travelogue, part diatribe and (ultimately) a declaration of independence, the band’s fifth album takes all the fist-in-the-air defiance of punk and filters it through gypsy rhythms, slinky surf guitar, Balkan horns and Indian percussion. The end result is the most uncannily danceable collection of political barnburners since The Clash’s “Sandinista!”. Ideas this pointed and unapologetic are usually limited to the purview of hardcore, but find a much richer point of view placed among such dynamic sounds. For evidence of this, one need only look to the chorus of the anti-Bush screed “Hey Clown”. (“Hey clown! / We’re gonna put you in the ground / We had it all and then you threw it all away / Hey clown! / You turned our happy upside down / We’re gonna burn your flag and piss on your parade!”) What reads like a typical punk rant is actually the album’s greatest celebration, a jump-up-and-down singalong rife with tuba, trombone, banjo and a thumping yo-yo bass line.
The primary achievement of “The Golden Hour” lies in its seamless melding of the political and the personal. Both “Six Forty Five” and “Feels Like The End of The World” feel like sunset postcards from a faraway place, with glimpses into the mixed feelings of a lonely American ex-pat abroad. And “Weird To Be Back” perfectly sums up the conflictions of one returning home after so long away.
In 2004, I desperately needed a rousing election year album. Who’d have known I’d finally get it four years later?
Serving suggestion: An iPod, a passport, a plane, a train, a rickshaw, a country with an alphabet you can’t read… and an alcoholic beverage you’ve never heard of served by someone who hasn’t bathed in a couple days. Mwah!
2. Bon Iver – “For Emma, Forever Ago”Boy meets girl, girl breaks up with boy, boy moves to remote cabin in Wisconsin to write the most achingly beautiful album of the year.
The stark simplicity of “For Emma, Forever Ago” is a testament to the power of what a man can accomplish with an acoustic guitar if he’s truly connected to the songs he’s creating. Justin Vernon’s warm, delicate falsettos, sparse arrangements and intensely personal lyrics turn what could be dismissed as mere coffeehouse fodder into something altogether deeper and more profound.
I love, love, love this album.
Serving suggestion: Alcohol might make this one too much to bear. I’d stick with a nice hot cup of Vanilla Honey Chamomile under a warm blanket.
...
1. Elbow – “The Seldom Seen Kid”I knew within minutes of my first foray into “The Seldom Seen Kid” that it would make this year’s list. And I had a hunch halfway through the song “Mirrorball” that it would be damn well near the top. As the year drew to a close, amid a sea of fantastic new releases, it’s placement in the #1 spot had been solidified.
I can’t talk about this album without first addressing “Mirrorball”, the album’s third track and my absolute favorite song of the year. It’s the kind of moment that only comes along once in a blue moon for me. A song that I have to play twice in a row because I just don’t want it to end. Over a gorgeously augmented piano progression, acoustic guitar harmonies and muted percussion, Guy Garvey’s warm milk rasp opens the song : “ I plant the kind of kiss that wouldn’t wake a baby / On the self same face that wouldn’t let me sleep.” As verse melts into chorus, strings and synth swell and retract in waves of anticipation, evoking the same internal bellyflip in the listener as might be felt at the beginning (or end) of the love affair depicted in the song. It leaves me reeling every time.
But to be worthy of a title like “Album of the Year”, the whole obviously needs to be greater than the sum of its parts. I need every song to blow my mind, one right after the other, and finish the experience feeling like I’ve just been somewhere.... like a great film that leaves you choking back tears after the credits have rolled, all the way into the lobby and out onto the street. For me, this album did that more completely than any other this year.
As an opening credit sequence, “Starlings” starts things off gently before busting open the gates, then slamming them abruptly shut again. This kind of interplay – flirt and retreat – sets the tone for the emotional rollercoaster to follow. Later, “Grounds for Divorce” - a stomping hip-swinger with a stadium-rock chorus and down-home slide guitar - stands as the album’s rockingest moment. “The Fix” pairs Garvey with one of my all-time favorite British crooners, Richard Hawley, for a noir-ish burner with spritely keyboards and a tiptoe beat. And “Friends of Ours”, with it’s weepy, cinematic, string-laden farewell, brings it all to a lovely, bittersweet and fitting close - despite the singer telling us he’s “never very good at goodbyes.”
Elbow were once referred to as “the thinking man’s Coldplay”, which isn’t saying much these days. By comparison, Coldplay has spent it’s past two releases on a downward spiral of boring, bombastic, self-important schlock while Elbow have deepened and matured, creating something profoundly more interesting along the way.
Few bands can pull off this level of authentic intimacy and grandeur on the same album (let alone within the same song) without sounding forced or strident. With “The Seldom Seen Kid”, Elbow can officially add their name to the list.
Serving suggestion: Perfect any time, though I spend a lot of time with this one on the train and when I drive at night. Also, it’s a great dinner-making album. Open up a nice, spicy Spanish red or a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and get your apron on.
The "If This Were A Top 10 List, These Would Totally Have Been On There" List:
Plants and Animals - "Parc Avenue"
The Black Keys - "Attack and Release"
****
Honorable Mentions:
David Byrne & Brian Eno - "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today"
Conor Oberst - self-titled
Vampire Weekend - self-titled
Frightened Rabbit - "The Midnight Organ Fight"
Colour Revolt - "Plunder, Beg, and Curse"
Friendly Fires - self-titled
Devotchka - "A Mad and Faithful Telling"
Foals - "Antidotes"
The Raveonettes - "Lust, Lust, Lust"
Fucked Up - "The Chemistry of Common Life"
.
SO.... There you go. The unquestionably definitive list of the top albums 2008. ("But, hey, wait... You forgot - " ) No, I didn't. They didnt' make the list for a reason. ("But what about - ?") No, not them. ("But, not even Sant-") No, not even Santogold. This is the list. BUT, I'd love to hear what your picks were and tell you why you're wrong, so give me a holler.
.
SO.... There you go. The unquestionably definitive list of the top albums 2008. ("But, hey, wait... You forgot - " ) No, I didn't. They didnt' make the list for a reason. ("But what about - ?") No, not them. ("But, not even Sant-") No, not even Santogold. This is the list. BUT, I'd love to hear what your picks were and tell you why you're wrong, so give me a holler.
.
AND DON'T FORGET....
..
The CYPJN!? Best of 2008 Downloadable SUPERMIX
...
...
COMING SOON!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Why Don't I See Anything Wrong With This?
...
Man Shoots Talker At Movies, Police Say
CNN) -- A man angry that a family was talking during a movie threw popcorn at the son and then shot the father in the arm, according to police in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
James Joseph Cialella was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons charges.
James Joseph Cialella, 29, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons violations, a police report said.
Cialella told the family sitting in front of him in the theater on Christmas Day to be quiet, police said.
An argument ensued while others at the Riverview Movie Theatre watched "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Cialella then approached the family from the left side of the aisle and shot the father, who was not identified, as he was standing between Cialella and his family, according to the police report.
The victim was taken to Jefferson Hospital with a gunshot wound to his left arm, police said.
Cialella was carrying a Kel-Tec .380-caliber handgun clipped inside his sweatpants, police said. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Man Shoots Talker At Movies, Police Say
CNN) -- A man angry that a family was talking during a movie threw popcorn at the son and then shot the father in the arm, according to police in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
James Joseph Cialella was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons charges.
James Joseph Cialella, 29, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons violations, a police report said.
Cialella told the family sitting in front of him in the theater on Christmas Day to be quiet, police said.
An argument ensued while others at the Riverview Movie Theatre watched "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Cialella then approached the family from the left side of the aisle and shot the father, who was not identified, as he was standing between Cialella and his family, according to the police report.
The victim was taken to Jefferson Hospital with a gunshot wound to his left arm, police said.
Cialella was carrying a Kel-Tec .380-caliber handgun clipped inside his sweatpants, police said. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Funny Shit
Okay, so I know you've already seen it, but I hadn't until this morning. Thanks to Jesse, Maker of Huts for putting this under my nose.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
So, I uh... I ... (clears throat) ...or we, actually... the wife and I... we, uh... (wipes brow) ... Sunday night we finally... .......we, uh... ...we saw it. ...And, uh... ...well... Wow. ....I mean, if you've seen it, I think we'd like to... to talk to you about it... because, you know... (sighs) it's, uh.... it's... (faints, falls to the floor, wets pants)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Are You Still Out There...? A CYPJN!? 2nd Anniversary Special
You know, my mom always said that if you ignore someone long enough, eventually they'll go away. Hopefully, that hasn't happened to all of you.
I could come up with numerous justifications for my spottiness on the blog in the past few months, but the root cause of all of them would be the same: I have been afflicted of late with a severe lack of motivation. The minutae of day-to-day life has been taxing me in a way that it never used to. By the time it occurs to me that I need to post, I'm either too tired or there's just NOTHING THERE. Or there's something I desperately want to comment on or share with you and I run out of time and/or energy.
This has been a recurring issue over the past six months or so. Both on the blog and in general. My summer goal of writing 10 complete new poems to start taking to the mic at Bowery Poetry Club's weekly slam was stymied by a near-crippling lack of inspiration. Every time I sat down to write, I came up dry. Maybe a line here or there, but nothing with legs. The spectre of the empty page. Drop a quarter in the well, wait for the splash, hear nothing. I wanted to shrug it off, chock it up to this or that, but after a couple months I began to realize that I was simply DRY. I had nothing. Rattling stuff for a creative person.
At first I figured it was just the all-consuming nature of the apartment hunt and subsequent move. That was immediately followed by taking a permanent position at AmEx only to be told two weeks later that we could all be losing our jobs BUT that we wouldn't know until the end of October. Both of these things took up a decent amount of brain space for sure, but they weren't "IT" by any stretch. The underlying reason has proved to be something (probably) deeper and (certainly) more elusive. And in the wake of this perceived drought, a sharp lack of output has followed. Somewhere in the world, Julia Cameron is shaking her head.
Suffice to say, in the meantime my blogging has suffered. My contributions have been inconsistent and tossed-off, at best. In fact, it just occurred to me as I am writing this that I think CYPJN!? has a birthday coming up. (pauses to check archives) And in fact, uncannily, it does. It's tomorrow. Wow. So, there you go. This blog is TWO YEARS OLD. And I totally forgot. So, yet another example of how far up my ass my head has been lately. (pauses to amend subject line and change post photo)
I have spent the past month or so musing on exactly what kind of creative kickstart I need. Discussions with a few close friends about what the prescription might be have ensued. (For those of you who feel compelled to make one, insert cowbell joke here.) There are various immediate options just to get the wheels turning again (improv classes, etc.), but I've been feeling a grander gesture is in order for the long run. Something deeper, bigger, riskier and altogether more foundation-shaking. I have some ideas, but I'll save an expansion for a later post. Bottom line is, a major overhaul is in order.
And how does this relate to you and CYPN!? It simply means this: I have decided that I either have a blog and I want people to read it and I genuinely feel I have something to offer that merits an audience beyond my own bedside journal ...OR... I don't. And if I don't, then I need to say goodbye. Thank you all for listening and pull the plug. But if I do... then it's time to re-engage and stop tossing cotton candy at you every two weeks or so as if it were a regular meal. It's time to deliver.
I'm choosing the latter.
SO... In that spirit, below is a bullet list of things I've been meaning to make mention of for the past couple months. Rants, raves and updates. And a promise to make CYPJN!? a place you want to come back to again on a regular basis.
- The Election - After watching Barack Obama's keynote address during the 2004 Democratic Convention, I said to a roomful of friends, "I want THAT GUY to be my president." And two months from now, that guy is going to be my president. We only had a couple friends over to watch the returns on election night, but it was still one of the most joyous occasions I can recall in recent history. I can only imagine how that joy would have been amplified if I'd received the news in the middle of the Grant Park crowd. I am so GODDAMN THRILLED. I am so READY to have a governing body that at least knows I exist. I'm ready to have a president who's SMARTER THAN ME. I'm ready to put at least a modicum of trust back in the democratic process. I'm ready for the squandered promise of Jack & Bobby to finally be fulfilled. I'm ready to treat the neo-cons and the Religious Right with the condescention and smug dismissiveness they deserve now that they've finally been relegated back to the fringe. I am ready for Democrats and common sense Republicans to start working together for real. I am ready to have a president who will actually START LOOKING FOR THE GUY WHO KILLED 3,000 U.S. CITIZENS AND THEN LAUGHED ABOUT IT ON TV. Yes, it's about change. Yes, it's about hope. But more than all of that, it's about positive action. Forward movement. Citizen engagment. And trying to once again balance the scales that have been knocked so definitvely askew for the past eight years.
- My job - I still have one. After months of speculation and uncertainty, word finally came down company-wide on October 28th. Thankfully, I was not one of the 7,000.
- Turning 35 - Yup. Did that.
- The Sisters of Mercy at Irving Plaza - This one was a big WTF? The Missus and I have both been fans since teenagerhood and were STOKED to finally be seeing these guys live. I have to say, I've NEVER been more disappointed by a show. What a circlejerk. Muddy sound, terrible lighting, undecipherable vocals, cheeseball 80's guitar solos, off-key backup singing by guys who looked like rejects from a Ratt tribute band and a smoke machine that apparently goes to "11". Unbelievable ledtown. We stuck around for about five songs, but the middling karaoke rave-up they tried to pass off as "This Corrosion" sent us packing.
- Albums - I'll do a proper music post in the near future, but a quick rundown of what's getting heavy play on my iPod this month is: Kings of Leon "Only By The Night", David Byrne & Brian Eno "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today", Fucked Up "The Chemistry of Common Life", Frightened Rabbit "The Midnight Organ Fight" and Antibalas "Talkatif". Old Siouxsie, New Order and Bauhaus have also been in pretty heavy rotation.
- The Missus - The Chrysalis Year is nearing a rousing crescendo. Next month, she and Vic will be hosting a screening of the "Off The Radar" pilot episode. It's been a Herculean task that has taken up just about every last wink of their free time. Picture locked last week and I'm currently doing some music supervision for them. The show looks great and I am ridiculously proud of them. In addition, K got accepted to The New School and will be starting classes in January. The woman is a freight train.
That's the Cliffs Notes. The salient points. There will be more to come. And on a more regular basis, I promise.
Thanks for sticking around...
Talk soon,
-IMBA
Monday, November 10, 2008
Big Ups To The "Poundcake" Kids
Troy and Raf asked me for feedback after the first screening last year and I said, "I think it's great. But I don't love the title. And there's one scene you gotta cut. ...Mine."
Sage advice on both points, it turns out. The movie's come a long way since then and "Poundcake" (formerly titled "The Dissection of Thanksgiving") made it's premiere at the AFI Festival last week.
Check it out. "Poundcake" arrivals and interviews start at 2:40, including an enthusiastic plug from Eion.
Mad props to Raf, Troy, Deshja & Kevin.
AFI FEST 2008 - Red Carpet - For more of the funniest videos, click here
More pics here.
Sage advice on both points, it turns out. The movie's come a long way since then and "Poundcake" (formerly titled "The Dissection of Thanksgiving") made it's premiere at the AFI Festival last week.
Check it out. "Poundcake" arrivals and interviews start at 2:40, including an enthusiastic plug from Eion.
Mad props to Raf, Troy, Deshja & Kevin.
AFI FEST 2008 - Red Carpet - For more of the funniest videos, click here
More pics here.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
How Am I Spending Monday Night, You Ask...?
By taking a little trip down memory lane with The Sisters of Mercy at Irving Plaza.
Can't. Wait.
Can't. Wait.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A Scary-Ass Pumpkin. A Lovely Weekend.
The Missus and I had one of those rare weekends where we managed to get the balance just right. Just enough activity. Just enough relaxation. Between social obligations, chores, errands, etc., we hardly ever get to have the kind of weekend we want to have. So this was a real win for us.Friday night got things started off right. Dinner at home. Good wine, good music. The kind of vibe where preparing the meal is just as satisfying as enjoying it. The Missus made pumpkin burgers which were, to quote Thomas Jefferson, "Off the goddamn HOOK." After dinner, we prepared to carve our first pumpkin since 2004, a real beaut we picked up in CT last weekend. 30 pounds of plump, perfectly-shaped pumpkinity.
I switched the iPod playlist from dinner-making jams to something more appropriate for pumpkin carving. A melange of dark 80's alt-classics. Early Bauhaus, Siouxsie, Cure, Sisters of Mercy, Joy Division and the like. The decision at hand was whether to do an "OBAMA" pumpkin or to do a super-scary one. Given the fact that my wife and I both seem to be nurturing our dark sides at this particular moment in time, we went for super-scary. The results are above. Note the detail work on the eyebrows and the scar on the left side. We're pretty damn proud of it.
The rest of the weekend fell in line nicely. Saturday started with coffee and waffles followed by a thorough but totally quick and painless housecleaning. Then later I met K in the City after her accupuncture appointment and went to see this. Not the best movie ever commited to celluloid but funny, engaging and a good escape. I think The Missus was more impressed with the fact that I didn't just agree to see a movie in the theater, but that I actually suggested it. That's growth, people.
Sunday was manicures for the both of us followed by finally watching this Netflix movie which has been laying around for weeks. It was WAY RAD, but Kanga didn't love the SurroundSound. The explosions make her ears go flat.
After that it was last week's Mad Men from the DVR, followed by the Mad Men season finale in real time. Have to say I wanted more from it - being a season-ender and all - but the show is just SO GODDAMN BRILLIANT I'll let it slide. If you haven't been watching, get it on disc and get to work. It's incredible.
We both remarked on our way to bed Sunday night what a nice weekend we had. Just real nice. That kind of balance and genuine in-the-momentness is something we both strive for and very rarely achieve in life. Here's hoping we might just be getting a little closer to it in the future...
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
An Open Letter To Two Average Joes
Dear Joe the Plumber & Joe Six-Pack,I don't know how you guys got so thoroughly co-opped by the McCain/Palin ticket, but I have to say... If we get stuck with another 4 years of douchebaggery because of you two folksy, oversimplified caricatures, I'm going to personally kick both your asses.
Sincerely,
-IMBA
Thursday, October 09, 2008
You Wanna Party With Us???
The Missus and I just bought our tickets for this. It's going to be fab.
Let's make it a party.
JOIN US...
GOGOL BORDELLO
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Webster Hall
P.S. The Gogol doc "Gogol Bordello Non-Stop" will be coming to town soon. If you need any more convincing to come check them out live, watch THIS...
GOGOL BORDELLO NON STOP FILM TRAILER
by Guespa
Saturday, October 04, 2008
COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF
Every onece in a while I'll come across something that I REALLY wish I'd written. I think this Palin piece is the most absolutely spot-on assessment of what the choice of her as McCain's running mate says about the GOP and more importantly about the state of the country itself.
Thanks for sending this my way, Vic.
Thanks for sending this my way, Vic.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
A Little Something For The Missus On The Occasion Of Our 3rd Wedding Anniversary
The Better Parts
I am my left eye
the weaker one
the one that droops a little
the one that goes dead in photographs
You are my right eye
the one that winks
the one with the arched brow
the one that brightens when I laugh
You are both lips
Partly because they are one of my finer attributes
And partly because
without you
they have no purpose anyway
My hair
I am the gray ones
My teeth
I am the two obnoxious ones up front
begging in vain to go unnoticed
My tongue
You are salty and sweet
I am sour and bitter
I am my cheekbone
at the end of a frat boy’s fist
I am my wrist
after slamming my sled into the side of a tree
And you
Are every other bone in me
Solid
Unbroken
The frame
I am my hands on a rainy day
Cold, stiff and uncooperative
You are my hands
around trekking poles in the Grand Canyon,
mixing mortar in the village of Taviefe,
breaking bread in Florence
You are my hands when they are folded in prayer
I am the finger forever pointing at someone else
And you are the three pointing back at me
I am my middle
At 165
And you are my middle
At 145
You are my back
Strong, smooth, even in tone
I am my legs carrying me from City Hall station
to the World Financial Center
on a snowy Monday morning
And you are my legs
tangled up in yours
on the first sleepy Sunday of spring
You are my right knee
The reliable one
The one that bent to propose
I am my left knee
The one that disappears at the most crucial moments
leaving me flat on my back like a dusty turtle
in the middle of the South Kaibab trail
I am the shirt I should’ve thrown out three seasons ago
And you are the jeans I look good in no matter what
You
are those rare occasions when I just go ahead and say “Yes” to something
without overthinking it
You
are action,
operation,
spontaneity,
forward movement,
Life for the sake of living
And I
am a stick in the mud
I am the part that’s about to turn down a free plane ticket and an
extra day in Paris because I’m worried we won’t get someone to feed the cats
And you are the part
That sees an overbooked flight
as an opportunity
You are the wine we drank
later that night
on a sidestreet café in the Quartier Latin
And I am the time I lost 'if'-ing
My heart?
Yeah.
That’s all you.
-not the metaphor
-not the idea
-not poetry
But blood.
Cells.
Function.
The essential.
The part that cannot be removed
without the rest of it slamming violently into
indistinction
And somewhere down the road
when all my parts
-the lovely ones
And the ones less so-
come to crumble under the weight of
inevitability
You will be my epitaph.
And I will be the dandelion
creeping up at its base
plucked unceremoniously by a hired hand
So that something more productive
can grow in its place.
x,o
-IMBA
10/08
I am my left eye
the weaker one
the one that droops a little
the one that goes dead in photographs
You are my right eye
the one that winks
the one with the arched brow
the one that brightens when I laugh
You are both lips
Partly because they are one of my finer attributes
And partly because
without you
they have no purpose anyway
My hair
I am the gray ones
My teeth
I am the two obnoxious ones up front
begging in vain to go unnoticed
My tongue
You are salty and sweet
I am sour and bitter
I am my cheekbone
at the end of a frat boy’s fist
I am my wrist
after slamming my sled into the side of a tree
And you
Are every other bone in me
Solid
Unbroken
The frame
I am my hands on a rainy day
Cold, stiff and uncooperative
You are my hands
around trekking poles in the Grand Canyon,
mixing mortar in the village of Taviefe,
breaking bread in Florence
You are my hands when they are folded in prayer
I am the finger forever pointing at someone else
And you are the three pointing back at me
I am my middle
At 165
And you are my middle
At 145
You are my back
Strong, smooth, even in tone
I am my legs carrying me from City Hall station
to the World Financial Center
on a snowy Monday morning
And you are my legs
tangled up in yours
on the first sleepy Sunday of spring
You are my right knee
The reliable one
The one that bent to propose
I am my left knee
The one that disappears at the most crucial moments
leaving me flat on my back like a dusty turtle
in the middle of the South Kaibab trail
I am the shirt I should’ve thrown out three seasons ago
And you are the jeans I look good in no matter what
You
are those rare occasions when I just go ahead and say “Yes” to something
without overthinking it
You
are action,
operation,
spontaneity,
forward movement,
Life for the sake of living
And I
am a stick in the mud
I am the part that’s about to turn down a free plane ticket and an
extra day in Paris because I’m worried we won’t get someone to feed the cats
And you are the part
That sees an overbooked flight
as an opportunity
You are the wine we drank
later that night
on a sidestreet café in the Quartier Latin
And I am the time I lost 'if'-ing
My heart?
Yeah.
That’s all you.
-not the metaphor
-not the idea
-not poetry
But blood.
Cells.
Function.
The essential.
The part that cannot be removed
without the rest of it slamming violently into
indistinction
And somewhere down the road
when all my parts
-the lovely ones
And the ones less so-
come to crumble under the weight of
inevitability
You will be my epitaph.
And I will be the dandelion
creeping up at its base
plucked unceremoniously by a hired hand
So that something more productive
can grow in its place.
x,o
-IMBA
10/08
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