Murder Story Songs, Part 2

Part 2: or You Are Forgiven

Welcome back. How was disc one, Part 1? Intriguingly mysterious, perhaps? I hope you downloaded the tunes while I was away. No? Well, I can deal with that too. Cause times abound now for part deux, and these 11 cuts want to greet you from a different perspective. We got down to the nitty-gritty on the first go ‘round, but now we’re gonna get a little bit weird. Hope you don’t mind. You see, every killer out there has a background, see, or a reason why or a purpose for a being. So now we’re going to delve into our killer’s background with these 11 tracks. Yes, we might stray from time to time, but pay no mind, it’s all for fun, so let’s have us some, and start with this quick one . . .

12. A Quick One, While He’s Away – The Who; there’s a lot going on in this song. I won’t lie, some may think that this track shouldn’t be here, but I couldn’t resist. This 9-minute epic draws less on the idea of murder and more on the idea of “sitting” and “napping” if you catch my drift. It’s a genuinely creepy tune along the Excitable Boy vein and very much worthy of its placing. Pete Townshend wrote this medley back in 1966 and, unbeknownst to him, gave us an origin for our killer. A Quick One . . . tells the story of an unnamed girl who cheats on her husband. He’s been gone “nigh on a year” . . . or a really long time . . . so the wife looks for pleasure elsewhere. Enter “. . . Iver, the engine driver . . .” and I think we can all agree on what happens next. The tune of our killer’s parents. I should note here that Pete Townshend has explained that this song is in fact about “Tommy’s parent.” 

13. The Wreck Of The Edmond Fitzgerald – Gordon Lightfoot; whoa, whoa, whoa, what’s this doing here? you ask. Some might figure out that the story in this song could serve as what happened to our killer’s father, or mother, or both. Think about it. Another idea lies behind the salty eeriness of the tune. The killer that you might be looking for could on some levels be construed as Mother Nature or the Savage Sea. Hippies know what I’m talking about. Regardless, I like this song and every time I hear it, it reminds me not of life, but of death.

14. Red Right Hand – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds; the penultimate creepy tune. Hands down, no contest. The Stones’ Paint It Black gives it a run for its money, but . . . Hand pulls through. Or should I say slices through? Featured in a number of films, including all three original Scream movies, Dumb and Dumber and The X-Files (TV show, not the movies), this song in and of itself is a force to be reckoned with. I recently found out that the Arctic Monkeys (a Hatch favorite) recorded a cover that was released on the Japanese version of Humbug and as a b-side for the single Crying Lighting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Right_Hand I haven't heard it yet, but fully intend to.

15. Hurdy Gurdy Man – Donovan; I love this song because it’s just a plain, old creepy tune; I don’t care what you say. After hearing it play during the early murder (cha-ching) scene in David Fincher’s Zodiac I was hooked with an intensely eerie vibe that only made me love both the movie and the song so much more. It sounds like an acidic nitemare sung by folkie hippie on some levels. No wait, I'll take that back a bit, Donovan doesn’t sound at all like a folkie hippie on this particular track. He sounds instead like an I-don’t-know-what singing down from the skies. Still not convinced? How about the fact that both Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones are listed as recording artists on the track? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurdy_Gurdy_Man Anybody who’s anybody knows that Jimmy Page dabbled(s) in the occult so it only makes sense that the creepy nature of this tune, I’m willing to bet that of which was heavily influenced by Page, would make our killer playlist.

16. One – Metallica; it’s hard to make a murder playlist without including some war tracks. I mean the two go hand and hand; hands down. Our foreign brothers and sisters out there are the greatest, and ultimately scariest, killers we’ll ever face. Vice versa from our foreign brother’s and sister’s perspectives. That being said, we can also delve deeper into the psyche of a common veteran as he/she confronts himself/herself when the lights grow dark and eyelids feel heavy. I’ve never been in a war personally, but I’m willing to bet that dealing with your own self, if of course a situation calls(ed) for it in said war, is one of the scariest experiences one can/has to deal with in life. So back to the track, One, Metallica’s epic war song. I remember watching the music video when I was but a mere tyke in Annapolis, MD, and being “absolutely transfixed.” Watching the hospitalized soldier with a face covered entirely in bandages made my skin crawl and when Kirk Hammett erupts into his guitar solo . . . whoa . . .

17. Goodnight, Saigon – Billy Joel; flowing with the same blood of the war-murder theme, I chose this tune for its sense of paranoia and loss. Clocking in only twenty seconds shorter than One, Billy takes a softer, epochal approach. Being a heavy Doors fan, I particularly enjoy the shout out Jim and the boys get at two minutes, fifty two seconds in. Billy takes us deep into the trenches on this one before exploding before us at the end. That being said, this glorious epic provides essential detail for our background story. “ . . . and the night / seemed to last as long as six weeks . . . ”

18. Last Kiss – Pearl Jam; I’m throwing in an oldie-but-a-goodie, very well covered by Eddie Vedder and his crew. This one tells the tale of a youngster driving along with his best gal and having a gay old time. Until the accident of course. Our narrator pleads “. . . Oh where / oh where / could my baby be? . . . ” as he comes to terms with “. . . the painful scream / that I heard last . . .” Beautifully tragic some will say. Others will disregard it as one of the worst Pearl Jam efforts out of their entire catalog. Regardless of how you might feel, it deserves a place on our playlist as the pivotal “flashback” episode.

19. Paint It Black – The Rolling Stones; for every teenie-bopper Beatle lover there was, a Rolling Stone rolled through the dark corners. Released in 1966 while the Stones were still heavily into the blues, this one opens up the album Aftermath and gives us an even moodier vibe than any blues cover could ever do. And who can forget that old wartime TV show where this song melted into our psyche during the opening credits? I’m not even sure I remember the name of the show (I’m not looking it up on purpose), but I remember being young and spongy while sitting upon my grandfather’s lap, staring at the TV set with the tall antennae ears and seeing the choppers take off toward the setting sun on screen while Mick, Keith, Brian and the rest of the crew haunted my very being.

20. Rocky Racoon – The Beatles; this one makes our playlist in honor of our Hatch Leader, or Escape Artist, if you will. Side Note: for the record, this was here before you mentioned it End Side Note. An idea was called to my attention not too long ago; Rocky doesn’t make it in the end. I had never thought of that. It makes a lot of sense though, which only makes it more prevalent to our playlist. Rocky tried to avenge himself against Dan, the man who ran off with Nan, but finds himself instead bested by Dan, the dastardly man. Enter the drunken doctor who merely shares an honest opinion before Rocky “. . .fell back in his room . . .” where he’s once again left with “. . . Gideon’s Bible . . .” Is Rocky “able” or is he revived by Gideon after he’s “checked out”? I think true fans of the Fab Four will know what Rocky finds.

21. Folk Bloodbath – Josh Ritter; if you’ve never heard this man’s musical contributions to the American Soul, or cared to hear him, then that tells me that you don’t appreciate music, much less songwriting. This track in particular is one of my favorites (Thin Blue Flame is a close second). The title alone is as chilling as an Eskimo taking a frozen shit. And the lyrics don’t disappoint either. Once you hear the track, you’ll immediately deduce why I’ve placed it on the playlist and why I’ve saved it for the end. What you won’t immediately realize is the power contained within it. I admit, one of the main reasons I purchased the album So Runs The World Away was the idea of where I thought this track might take me. Upon first listen though I was taken aback, but with the various listens since then, I’ve grown quite fond of it and my initial thought proved itself true. Thank you, Josh.

22. Big Joe And Phantom 309 – Tom Waits; taken from what I feel is his very best album Nighthawks At The Diner, Tom closes our playlist with a little dreamy, drunken crooning. If you’re anything like me, after listening to the previous 21 tracks, you could use a drink anyway. And there is absolutely no album in the world better to drink to then Nighthawks At The Diner. Getting back to the playlist; this track in particular puts our killer out in the street. Out on the run perhaps. And who he happens to meet is ‘ol Big Joe behind the wheel of his mighty rig, the Phantom 309. Big Joe takes him down the road a bit, but can’t take him all the way. You see Big Joe can only go so far. As the tune creeps along, we discover a lot about the Phantom and eventually why Big Joe can only go as far as the lighted truck stop. “ . . . every driver in here knows Big Joe, son, but / let me tell you what happened just ten years ago . . .” Turns out, Big Joe might not be at all what he seemed to be. Hell, one might think about Iver, the engine driver from the first tune on this disc and one might then come up with something profound. Then again, you never know . . .

Well, there it is! Yeah, that’s it! We’re all done; murdered perhaps! We’ve reached our conclusion and now it’s time to go. Yes, I left a few of ‘em open ended for ya, but they were left on purpose. Download the tunes to find out exactly what happens. Did Richard Marx really do it? Who was found down at the water’s edge? How the fuck did the milkman wind up in all this mess? Should we even consider heading back down to Uncle Tom’s cabin? Does the cold black heart make it on the run? What’s with all the goddamn rivers? Fuck you, John Barleycorn. Did Joe make it to Mexico? Praise you, Bob Dylan. How much sympathy should we give? Who let that bastard out of jail in the first place? What happened to Iver, the engine driver? Did the water feel like cold needles on your skin? What color is your left hand? One is the loneliest number. How far down did you fall? Nice driving, pal. What happened to the drunken doctor? What’s your favorite color? Where does a cold, lonely, little ghost go anyway? And how was the coffee?

The Quest…to See Straw Dogs

I was cruising JoBlo.com when I discovered an article comparing the poster for the Straw Dogs remake (which I had been hearing bad things about) to the original. I scrolled down the page to see this: 

I didn't realize that Dustin Hoffman was in the original, and after reading about the film, it sounded infinitely better than the impending remake. 

I had recently seen both Kramer vs. Kramer and Marathon Man for the first time and liked Hoffman in both, so my interest in Straw Dogs, another film from his younger years, was suddenly piqued.

In case you're unfamiliar with the Sam Peckinpah-directed film, it follows meek math teacher David Sumner, played by Dustin Hoffman, and his wife Amy, played by Susan George. The couple returns to Amy’s hometown in England. They end up using a work crew for some repairs on their property, and one of the men, Charlie Venner, happens to be Amy’s former lover. Tensions rise and after a violent encounter between Amy and Charlie, the film culminates in a huge, brutal confrontation between Hoffman and the men. My thoughts on the film a little later, but first…the quest.

After seeing the poster, I headed to Netflix to add the movie to my queue and was greeted with this unwelcome site.

Netflix didn't have the movie...at all???

Cripes, I thought. Now I had to watch this film. I immediately went to Amazon to see about buying a copy and found a few options. The most appealing seemed to be the Criterion Collection, but even used it would be around $25.00. I added it to my wish list for the time being and sent Nick the following email about the film:

"Ever seen the original? It’s not on Netflix. I think that fact, plus the fact that it’s getting remade, might make for a good post. Any interest in watching with me?"

Tiff walked by and I asked her about the movie. She didn’t say much about the original but mentioned that Alexander Skarsgård is in the remake. Get your head out of the guy’s pants! I thought.

My phone alerted me to a text. "I'm game for Straw Dogs, but how?" Nick asked.  It's not on Netflix?"

"Yeah." I texted back.  "Have to buy it maybe a used copy on Amazon."

The next day, I decided to consider Blockbuster, even though they’d been closing left and right and I hadn’t gone to a Jacksonville location in months. The world is in a sad state when we trade in our big video stores so we can stand in a hot line in front of a Red Box or Blockbuster Express. Sure, we’ve got Netflix and other sources of instant streaming media, but consider the predicament I was in trying to find Straw Dogs.

Finding a Blockbuster at all, let alone one that stocked the movie, immediately proved to be difficult. A Google Maps search found mostly Blockbuster Express kiosks. I called one of the non-kiosks only to find that the number was disconnected.

I decided to look on the actual Blockbuster website and learned that the closest store to me was now over 10 miles away. Upon calling the store and asking if they had a copy of the film, I was told no. I asked if any of the locations in town carried any copies and there were a few moments of silence while the clerk checked. His voice returned to the line and he told me that they had a copy for sale for $9.99.

I was understandably confused. “So you have a copy or you think you have a copy?” I asked. The clerk said he had a few customers waiting on him so I told him I’d call him back.

The next day I called the Blockbuster again to confirm that they had the movie. The clerk remembered me and told me that he was holding the movie for me. Straw Dogs was in reach.

That was a Friday, and after finishing the work day I drove all the way down to the Blockbuster location in Mandarin. The end-of-the-week traffic was intense and the racehorse in the sky was about to pee buckets.

I found the Blockbuster, and after snagging Greenberg, The Ghost Writer, and The Private Lives of Pippa Lee all for .99 cents, I approached the checkout desk and asked for Straw Dogs. This is what I got:

You probably can't read that, so here's what it says:

"Strawdogs – 9.99 PRP

Can't Find

Found it.

Someone called and wanted this. Didn't get name. Put back on Friday if he doesn't come in to get it."

The note displayed my sentiments perfectly – “Found it.”

So we finally got around to watching the film the other day. Most of the crew assembled and I made my now famous walking tacos and we settled in.

After watching the film, I can say the effort to get it was worth it. I hadn't seen a lot of Peckinpah (I don't think I've seen any other Peckinpah, actually), but he crafted an intriguing movie. The film definitely makes some interesting points about violence and where it can lead us. I sort of think of it as a precursor and relative to A History of Violence. And I think someone involved in the film had some issues with women. I’ll just let Wikipedia explain:

“The film was controversial on its 1971 release, mostly because of the prolonged rape scene that is the film's centerpiece. Critics accused director Peckinpah of glamorizing rape and of engaging in misogynistic sadism, especially disturbed by the scene's ambiguity — after initially resisting, Amy appears sympathetic toward her rapist, although afterwards she has traumatic flashbacks. Peckinpah's defenders claim the scene was unambiguously horrifying, that Amy's trauma was truthfully portrayed. Amy does scream during the rape.”

So critics were asking, “Did Amy enjoy the ‘encounter’?” Honestly, when I watched it, I couldn't help but notice that Amy (eventually) seems to enjoy "making love" to Charlie. She initially fights him and he even slaps her, but eventually it's unclear and she even seems to caress him. I’d like to point out, however, that the scene is intercut with an earlier scene of Amy and David making love. I sort of took that to mean that Amy was confused in a way. Maybe she was in shock?

Whatever your theory about “the scene” is, I think the film is a good one. I recommend watching it, if you don’t mind buying it online somewhere. Quest complete!

Now Hear This!: Rave On Buddy Holly

Oo-wee-oo you sound just like Buddy Holly

I don’t know a whole lot about Buddy Holly, but I did see La Bamba, so I know that he died in a terrible plane crash along with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. I also know that in only a year and a half, the 22 year old and eventual Rock and Roll Hall of Famer recorded some of the most memorable pop songs of his generation. Songs so memorable that even the casual music listener has probably heard: “That’ll Be the Day”, “Peggy Sue”, “Oh Boy”, “Maybe Baby” and “Everyday”.

Well for better or worse an album, titled Rave On Buddy Holly, was recently released (June 28) and I mention this because of the all-star line up featuring contemporary artists such as The Black Keys, Fiona Apple, Florence + the Machine, Cee Lo Green, Karen Elson, Julian Casablancas, Justin Townes Earle, She & Him, My Morning Jacket and Modest Mouse, as well as legendary rockers Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, Lou Reed and Graham Nash.

I know most compilation albums are not that good but look at it this way, maybe you'll find out that you like the original Holly songs better and for that you can thank me later.

Enjoy and Happy Listening!

Link to Free listen: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/spinner#/1

Batch o’ Hatch: BBC Shows, Horrible Bosses, The Skin I Live In, and an update on the Bottle Rocket Motel

And now for some random stuff I wanted to talk about.

BBC Shows

Really gotten in to BBC shows lately. Actually, I guess I can say it started with Spaced about three years back. Recently, however, I watched practically all of Being Human, a comedy/drama about a werewolf, vampire, and ghost living together, the entire first season of the Idris Elba-starring cop drama Luther, and the fantastic miniseries Jekyll, a modern-yet-connected-to-the-original retelling. And last night I watched the pilot episode of the BBC’s reboot of Sherlock Holmes. I was a little skeptical, but the modern retelling of the story was great. I think the length of the episode had something to do with it (it was around an hour and a half) as they were able to cram a lot in. Benedict Cumberbatch (hehe) as Sherlock, was great although a little smarmy at times. And Dr. Watson-portraying Martin Freeman, arguably the main character (of the first episode, anyway) somehow found ways to both underplay and overplay the character. I really recommend Sherlock and I'm excited to watch more of the series. 

As for Being Human, although it's infinitely better than its new American counterpart (although I religiously watched it as well) I haven't finished the third season as the story went downhill a little. I also saw that the second season of Luther started up, so I'm anxious to see where the detective is now after the craziness of last season.

Horrible Bosses Redband Trailer

Caught the red band trailer for Horrible Bosses and I must say that I’m much more looking forward to it now. Pat featured it in his top 10 for the rest of the year so he’s known all along that it'll be great. Damn him!

The Skin I Live In

Spoilers (I think?) follow. I’ve been hearing a lot about this film lately, and I’m puzzled by the conflicting plot descriptions. Every plot summary I read online makes it sound like the film is about Antonio Banderas’ character working on a synthetic skin after the death of his wife, but this article I read makes it sound like the film has to do with Banderas’ daughter and the man that assaulted her (read the article for yourself if you feel like spoiling the Human Centipede-ish sounding plot). Really curious as to what others think of this film.

Bottle Rocket Motel Update

A while back I wrote about a motel featured in Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket in danger of closing. At the time it was just a few fans of the film that had stepped up and organized an event on July 9th at the motel to save it, but I discovered yesterday that a lot more people have gotten involved, including a group called Reservoir Geeks and none other than The Alamo Drafthouse! The theater's Rolling Roadshow program is going to be showing the film! The event sounds awesome - check out the details at the Drafthouse's website. 


Over The Top

And I’ll leave you with the trailer for Over The Top, because I just watched it over the weekend finally. Over the top! OVER THE TOP!!!

They Make It Easy As....

In a previous blog entry from June 3, http://totheescapehatch.blogspot.com/2011/06/watch-this-band-123.html , I mentioned a band out of Pittsburgh called 1,2,3. With their debut album called New Heaven, the duo, of Nic Snyder and Josh Sickels, is the latest band to jump into the musical pool I like to refer to as “falsetto rock” or “atmosphere rock”. For anyone who doesn’t know what that is, here is a simplified description: have a shitload of instruments; guitar, bass, drums, synthesizer, organ, tambourine, violin, sleigh bells, the kitchen sink (well you get the point) and one lead singer with a falsetto voice and accompanying harmony.

Don’t get me wrong my music catalog is filled with songs by Deerhunter, Grizzly Bear, Beach House, Panda Bear, The Antlers, Animal Collective, Atlas Sound, Broken Bells, MGMT and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.. Unfortunately like most music genres (remember grunge), the industry or the artists tend to run them into the ground. Indie Folk bands you’re headed down that road, so take advantage while you can. Well anyways that’s an entirely different post for another time.

Although a bit skeptic by nature, two things got me very excited about this release. One, New Heaven was released on the same label, (Frenchkiss Records), as Freelance Whales, Local Natives and The Antlers. Two, the released singles: “Work”, “Riding Coach”, “Heat Lightnin’” and “Confetti” were quality and because of that quality, I’m going to cut right to the chase. New Heaven will be one of the top albums of the summer and possibly one of the top albums of the year. I know that’s a pretty bold statement, but this album has something for everyone: the indie/alternative music lovers, hipsters, casual indie fans and dare I say radio listeners - I think there are some of you still out there. Plus, the dance crowd will love it because DJs will probably remix the hell out of “Riding Coach”.

With so much diversity, 1,2,3 makes a strong effort not to be pigeonholed. They bounce all over the place; semi-industrial rock, indie folk, electronic, surf rock, lo-fi and even 50’s, 60’s & 70’s rock. There are tracks perfect for a drive with the top down, a chill house party or a night out at a sweaty nightclub. No two songs feel the same and it seems intentional. That’s my only complaint. It’s sometimes hard to get into a groove with this album, but don’t worry the wide arrangement of sounds and Snyder’s voice are enough to keep you entertained.

The lead track, “Work”, is a tambourine/violin laced jam (sound strange? trust me the drums make this song) that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. “Scared, But Not That Scared” continues the up-beat, chilled vibe. It’s followed by “Heat Lightnin’’, a track that sounds like it was recorded on the sandy dunes of the Atlantic with its lo-fi vibe, whispered vocals and crashing of waves.

“Lonesome Boring Summer” has a synthesized waterfall of violins and a very tribal beat. On “Confetti”, Snyder has a very purposeful mess up, let’s out an audible “fucker” directed at his guitar and then the band does a 180 with a thunder storm of cymbals, a grind of a guitar and Snyder’s forceful voice. “Confetti” is followed by, “Wave Pool”, the most eclectic song on the album. It starts out with a slight oriental vibe before transitioning into a 50’s/60’s surf rock groove and then finally turning into a 70’s psychedelic jam. I know it sounds like a lot of elements in one song, but as I said before, the assortment of musical styles is why it’s so difficult to pin these guys down.

“Just Like Heaven (Is Gone)” really slows it down and at times has vocals reminiscent of Frankie Valli’s “Sherry.” The song comes to a close with a noise that sounds very much like something being inhaled or maybe that’s just me hearing things. “Sorry Soldier” continues the slow pace with a story about a guy who is trying to steal a girl away from her solider boyfriend, “A kiss from your girl, makes me feel bad.” “ Well I’m sorry solider really I am, though I’m sure you don’t give a damn.” “ She said she loves you, well that’s just naïve. She’s far too young to know you’re the one and I’ll be around when you leave. Well I’m sorry solider, really I am, though I’m sure you don’t care just how hard it’s been.” Pretty honest lyrics about a subject most people wouldn’t touch.

“Riding Coach”, a super chill song (my favorite), takes you for one last windows down ride before “20,000 Blades” and the bonus track, “Mr. Officer”, close out the first swing by this dynamic duo.

In a nutshell, New Heaven is an expansive, flowing and almost impossible to categorize debut that should be given a chance by everyone. Again, my only gripe is that at times the songs feel like a gathering of different singles sewn together, but that’s not enough to turn this album away. I give it an "Open Hatch!" Sounds like: See artists above.

Links to more 1,2,3 info:
http://www.frenchkissrecords.com/

http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/1-2-3-concert/20054753-3738358.html?utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=110624DT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMyFTF_LVn0 - sorry for the ad.

Now Hear This! : The 90s

Part I:

Nevermind to Get Reissue - Go to the back of the closet and get your flannel kids.

I still remember the first time a heard that opening guitar lick. Dammit don’t make me tell you which one because you know the one I’m talking about. It was the fall of ’91, (shit I’m getting up there), and I was in my college’s parking lot. Now I was already a Pearl Jam fan - by the way they are the best grunge band of the 90’s - but Nirvana only solidified my love for the “Seattle Sound”. They kicked in the door for bands like, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, Temple of the Dog and even a non-Seattle band like Stone Temple Pilots. Oh for the days of flannel, ripped jeans, Doc Martens and not caring how dirty you looked.

Well for those of you who want to relive 1991 again you’re in luck. Because on September 20th the band’s label, Universal, is planning to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nirvana’s Nevermind. To mark this music milestone, Universal will release a bonus-packed reissue. The package will include four CDs and one DVD. According to SPIN magazine, “the box will feature rarities, B-sides and unreleased recordings. Also included are unspecified BBC radio appearances and an unreleased concert in its entirety on DVD.”

Nevermind, with singles “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, “Come As You Are”, “Lithium” and “In Bloom”, unleashed a grunge revolution on the world, pushing it to the top of the album charts. Nevermind would eventually knock Michael Jackson’s Dangerous out of the top spot on the Billboard Music Chart’s Top 200, go onto sell over 30 million copies worldwide, enter the Library of Congress and make some of music’s most influential lists:

* SPIN: Greatest Album of the 90s
* Pitchfork: #6 Top 100 Albums of the 90s
* Rolling Stone: #17 Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
* Entertainment Weekly: #1 Top 10 Albums of the 90s
* MuchMoreMusic: #1 Top 40 Best albums of the Past 25 years
* IMDB: #2 Users Top 100 Albums
* VH1: #2 Top 100 Albums

Enjoy and Happy Listening!


Part II:

Who wants to break stuff?

Okay so I know that I’m going to get shit about this, but here’s a middle finger to those haters. Jacksonville’s Limp Bizkit, (yes it’s still ok to claim them), will release their new album Gold Cobra next Tuesday (6/28). I know nu-metal is old news, but I can’t help but to wax nostalgic when it comes to LB.

For those of you that are ready to stop reading, these guys have sold 60 million albums and have given me/us so many kick ass songs like: “Faith”,“Pollution”,“Counterfeit”,“Nookie”,“Break Stuff”,“Re-Arranged”,“Boiler”,“No Sex” and “Eat You Alive”. Now I will admit that I was burned when I threw down my dollar bills yall$ (sorry couldn't help it) for The Unquestionable Truth (Part I). However for Gold Cobra, my expectations are much lower so here’s hoping I’ll find another “Break Stuff”.

Enjoy and Happy Listening!

Take a Ride with Death Cab for Cutie: Codes and Keys

I must start this review with the admission that yes, this album was released nearly a month ago. By the typical reviewer’s standards, I am behind the ball. But, for me, a new album by one of my favorite bands – and Death Cab for Cutie is most certainly among my list of faves – must be experienced, not just listened to. This sacred process cannot be rushed. I like to take my time, soak it all in and let every line, every chord, every sound flow through me. That’s what I did with the band’s latest effort Codes and Keys. And my old pals from the dreary Pacific Northwest did not disappoint.

Any of you fine readers who have experienced Death Cab know they aren’t the jolliest folks around. I actually read an article once where lead singer and main songwriter Ben Gibbard was labeled as one of the “Top 10 Saddest Rockers.” But I like to think of Ben and his bandmates as soul-searchers. It’s not really that they’re sad – they’re just in tune with the human experience, and perhaps a little more sensitive to the bumps we all encounter along this road of life. I personally think Gibbard is one of the most talented songwriters of my generation. His lyrics read like poetry. Death Cab songs don’t always follow the standard format, and to me they are like a tapestry – different pieces woven together to make something beautiful.

Needless to say, I was very excited when I heard they were coming out with a new album. Most fans hail 2003’s Transatlanticism as the band’s greatest effort and, while I’m crazy about that one, their very best in my eyes (and, I guess, my ears) is the follow up to that – 2005’s Plans. If you have never heard the beauty of those 11 songs, please do so. It will change your life. From learning that “your love is gonna drown” in Marching Bands of Manhattan, to hearing Gibbard sing of “a melody softly soaring through my atmosphere” in Soul Meets Body, to learning what love really is in What Sarah Said – every song on that album is beautiful. And don’t even get me started on Brothers on a Hotel Bed! As a sidenote, long ago when sweet Robert and I became pals, he asked me to recommend a CD for him to listen to during a long drive. I pretty much threatened his life if he didn’t go out and buy Plans. I wonder if he remembers that. He should be thanking me!

In 2008, Plans was followed by Narrow Stairs, which was a lot different from any of Death Cab’s previous work, but still very good. Gibbard has actually called Narrow Stairs their darkest album. One thing Death Cab does like nobody’s business is put devastatingly sad lyrics together with upbeat music. They do it amazingly well with I Will Possess Your Heart and No Sunlight, among others. It’s weird…when I listen to those tracks, my mind always retreats to a place of sadness and solitude, while my body comes down with Boogie Fever. It’s quite disconcerting!

But, I digress (as Nick loves to say). Codes and Keys is, once again, a big shift in sound for Death Cab. But the shift is most definitely good. I remember catching them on VH1’s Storyteller’s in May and hearing the album’s title track for the first time. It’s a bittersweet song, filled with some sadness, but so much compassion and hopefulness at the end.

“When you scream
Love you seem
Like a child
Throwing stones at the sky
And when they fall back to earth
As minor chords of major works
Separate rooms of single life
We are one
We are alive”

I fell in love with it as soon as I heard it – Ben Gibbard’s voice pronouncing each word in that clear, careful way he has perfected, with Chris Walla singing emotionally in the background. At that moment, I knew, I just knew, Codes and Keys would be an amazing album. It kicks off with Home is a Fire – which has a very subtle sound at first, but picks up and makes me feel like hitting the open road. The band also tackles the seemingly impossible task of figuring men out in Some Boys. In You Are A Tourist, the first track released, Gibbard says “when there’s a burning in your heart, build it bigger than the sun. Let it grow. Let it grow.” How in the whole wide world can anyone argue with that?!? The album wraps up with Stay Young, Go Dancing, a song reminding us of the wonders of being in love.

What’s interesting is that if Narrow Stairs was the band’s saddest album, Codes and Keys is definitely its happiest. Gibbard has acknowledged this and credits a number of changes in his life for the shift, including moving out of Seattle and into California, quitting drinking, and running marathons. And, oh yeah, marrying the adorable Zooey Deschanel, with her quirky personality and big ol’ baby blues, probably had something to do with it. Some fans are unhappy with the shift but, as Gibbard acknowledges, change happens. I love that. I love songs that make me want to change and grow…spread my wings and hit the road. I think if I could sum up Codes and Keys, I would have to say it’s an album about change. From Home Is A Fire:

“Plates they will shift
Houses will shake
Fences will drift
We will awake
Only to find
Nothing's the same
As yesterday”

Codes and Keys tells us that whether its life shifting around us, or out from under us, or from within us…nothing ever stays the same. And that is a good thing.

A Peek Through the Hatch: Labyrinth at 5 Points Theatre

Well, folks. This weekend, 5 Points Theatre is yet again showing a classic, beloved film that I've never seen – 1986’s Labyrinth. Directed by Muppet maestro Jim Henson and produced by George Lucas, the film features Jennifer Connelly as a young girl trying to rescue her brother from a maze in another world ruled by a Goblin King named Jareth (David Bowie).

 The film is notable for different reasons. It was the last film Henson directed before his death in 1990, which is sad, because it didn’t do that well when it was released, especially compared to his earlier film, The Dark Crystal (guess what, haven’t seen that either). According to IMDb, Labyrinth’s budget was an estimated $25,000,000 and only grossed $12,729,917 in America. Although it wasn’t considered a hit back then, it’s obviously loved enough today to get a special screening at 5 Points, and I learned through Wikipedia that there’s even a Los Angeles-based masquerade ball devoted to the film called “Labyrinth of Jareth” (yikes).

After watching that trailer, all I know for certain is that the film looks very '80s and there's an unusual amount of characters falling off and through things.

I grew up watching similar films like The Neverending Story and Willow so I'm not sure why I haven't seen Labyrinth. Maybe I was scared of Bowie (and how come he’s the Goblin King but he isn’t a goblin…?) or I knew that Jennifer Connelly would only grow up to break my heart in Requiem for a Dream (you guys know what I’m talking about).

So in short, I'm stoked to see the film – at the late night screening, no less. Check out 5 Points’ website for more info.

Check the Chimney Tonight...

For anyone who watched The X-Files back in the day, remember the guy that could stretch though smalls spaces in order to kill his victims? Take it away, Wikipedia:

“Eugene Victor Tooms, played by Doug Hutchison in the episodes "Squeeze" and "Tooms". An animal control worker in Baltimore, Maryland, Tooms was a mutant capable of stretching and contorting his body into positions physically impossible for a normal human. This gave him access to his victims through small openings such as ventilation shafts, chimneys, and toilets. Every thirty years, Tooms came out of hibernation, killing five people to obtain their livers for sustenance. It is possible that Tooms was over one-hundred years old when Mulder and Scully encountered him; he was linked to similar murder sprees in 1963 and 1933, as well as a single murder in 1903. In the episode "Tooms", Mulder tracked him to his "nest" underneath a shopping mall. When he attacked Mulder, Tooms was presumably crushed to death under a moving escalator.”

“Why are you bringing up Tooms?” you might be asking me. “I just stopped double checking my toilet before I go to bed at night and now you’re going to awaken the nightmares!” Well here’s the deal. Apparently Mr. Hutchison just married a 16 year-old in Las Vegas, NV. Here’s a snippet of the article I read:

“Doug Hutchison, a character actor best known for roles in The Green Mile, Lost and The X-Files, married aspiring country singer Courtney Alexis Stodden on May 20 in Las Vegas. He is 51. She is 16. ”

Okay, so that’s a little odd and that’s probably putting it mildly. But here’s the real reason for this post. Notice how young Hutchison looks and he’s supposedly 51? And recall that Tooms awoke every 30 years to kill some more victims? Well I’ll leave you with this – the earliest credit on Hutchison’s IMDb page only goes back to 1988. Guard your liver well, Mrs. Hutchison. Or should I say – Mrs. Tooms?

Escape by Fording a River: Meek’s Cutoff

Meek’s Cutoff, if nothing else, is a meticulous and gorgeous film. Following three families and their guide making their way along the Oregon Trail in the covered wagon days, the film is nothing but scenic prairie land and sky. There were quite a few shots of clouds rolling across the night sky that were simply beautiful.

As a story, Meek’s Cutoff is a little difficult to review. It almost seems more like a documentary rather than a narrative-driven film – there are many dialogue-free scenes of the group just doing chores and making their way across the trail. It’s really kind of unrelenting when it comes to portraying what life was like back then and it isn’t afraid to take its time – I don’t think anyone spoke until 10-15 minutes in to the film.

There are themes of mistrust and paranoia. Stephen Meek, the guide that the three families hired to take them through the desolate wilderness, proves himself increasingly useless, which turns the majority of the group against him. Around halfway through the film, the families capture an Indian played by Rod Rondeaux (who has the most pornish awesome name I’ve heard in a while). The group is torn on whether to kill him or bring him along, since he seemingly knows the area and where to find water. Michelle Williams, as young wife Emily Tetherow, is the nicest to him. “I want him to owe me one,” she says while fixing his boot.

Bruce Greenwood, as the blustery and confident Meek, plays a great character, but all of the actors are solid. Williams, Greenwood, Paul Dano and Will Patton all disappear into their roles.

Now that I’ve said all that, I have to say that the film makes it hard to get close to the characters and I feel like I never really came to know them. I feel like there were few intimate and/or close up shots of the actors, and between that and the somewhat scarce dialogue, I had sort of an unwilling fly-on-the-wall feeling throughout the whole film (more so than normal anyway).

Theoretically, there's some pretty interesting insight into the mind of early Americans in the movie. “Will the territory go American?” characters ask Meek. “You can’t even imagine what we’ve done,” Emily remarks while fixing the Indian’s boot. “The cities we’ve built.”

The film is in some ways about the relationship between men and women. Meek equates women to chaos and men to destruction at one point and his desire to kill the Indian and Emily’s desire to keep him safe sort of validates this. You could say that Emily’s goal produces chaos – the families are quite chaotic as long as the Indian is around (although chaos is sort of the norm in this film) – and Meek’s goal is destruction.

Speaking of chaos and destruction, one of the most interesting scenes in the film is one in which the families try to get their wagons down a steep hill. The scene is pretty intense and leads to a great confrontation between Emily and Meek.

I recommend the film as a one-time watch if you’re up for a slow recreation of what it was like to wander across early America. Don’t expect a cut and dry story with this one – the film’s ending will probably leave you unsatisfied.

Pat's Top 10

I’ll be honest when it came to this list I had to step up my game so I could keep up with my Escape Hatch counterparts. Although I love to watch movies, out of the four of us, I’m probably the least “in the know” about coming attractions. However after watching hours of trailers, I give you my Top 10 Must See Movies (at least until September.) They’re in order by release date.

Horrible Bosses: July 8th - If you’ve had a job, then you’ve had a horrible boss. Horrible Bosses is a comedy about three friends who devise a plan to get rid of their asshole employers. You soon realize that they’re not professionals. Starring: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx and others.

The Ledge: July 8th - This movie portrays the true test between a believer vs. a non-believer. When you throw in some sex, suspense and betrayal, you have The Ledge. As we found out in Insidious and Hard Candy, Patrick Wilson plays a not so nice guy very well. Starring: Wilson, Liv Tyler, Terrence Howard and Charlie Hunnam

Lucky: July 15th - An unassuming serial killer (Hanks), wins the lottery. You know what those reality shows tell us about people who win the lottery. Oh to kill or to spend millions? How ‘bout both! Since Orange County, I’ve wanted to like Hanks, here’s hoping he comes through. Starring: Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor, Jeffrey Tambor

Good Neighbors: July 29th - How well do you really know your neighbors? In this suspenseful thriller, secrets make it hard to trust anyone. I love watching psychological mind fucks and the last time I saw Scott Speedman in one, he was tied to a chair. This time he’s in a wheelchair, however looks can be deceiving. Starring: Speedman, Emily Hampshire and Jay Baruchel

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Aug 5th - Any time man is made to look vulnerable I’ll take a gander. Who has really evolved here? The original “monkey” movies were entertaining and I think this one will fall right in line. I had a friend say, “spoiler alert, I think we know that the apes win.” I’m ready to settle in and find out for sure. Starring: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox

30 Minutes or Less: Aug 12th - The last time a pizza delivery boy brought so many laughs, Patrick Dempsey was delivering extra anchovies. With this cast and Zombieland ties, I think 30 Minutes or Less will bring more than a chuckle or two. Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Nick Swardson and Aziz Ansari

Our Idiot Brother: Aug 26th - We all have that one relative who marches to their own beat. We are slightly embarrassed by them, but love them for who they are. In Our Idiot Brother, Ned (Paul Rudd) is that relative. I didn’t see Rudd’s previous release How Do You Know? (by choice), but that won’t stop me from seeing this idiot. Starring: Rudd, Emily Mortimer, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Steve Coogan

Straw Dogs: Sept 16th - All I have to say to my fellow Hatcher Tiffany is, “Alexander Skarsgard, shirtless” and truth be told I’d really only have to say his name and she’d be there. Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, this is a remake of the 1971 Dustin Hoffman flick. I can relate to it because I grew up in a very rural southern town and I think I recognize some of the characters. Starring: Skarsgard, James Marsden, Kate Bosworth.

50/50: Sept 30th - Two Friends, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen, try to fight a terrible disease (cancer) with humor. Ok, so I know what you’re thinking, “this sounds familiar”, I’ll stop you it’s not Funny People 2. Starring: Gordon-Levitt, Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard (No offense Richie, but how did she come from your loins?)

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil: Sept 30th - Boy toothless, inbred hillbillies and/or mountains have given us some terrifying movies, Deliverance, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, I Spit on Your Grave (watch the trailer for the 1979 original), Wrong Turn, House of 1000 Corpses and the follow-up The Devil’s Rejects. In Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, two hillbilly friends have to live down that murderous stereotype. The body count grows, but so do the laughs. Starring: Alan Tudyk, Tyler Labine, Katrina Bowen

Honorable Mention:
Captain America: July 22nd
Another Earth: July 22nd
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Aug 26th
Apollo 18: Sept 2nd
Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star: Sept 9th
A Good Old Fashioned Orgy: Sept 16th

A Peek Through the Hatch: Scenes from the Suburbs

Get ready kids! Christmas is coming in August this year!

Arcade Fire, the greatest band of all time, recently announced the release of The Suburbs Deluxe CD and DVD on August 2nd. You know what I always say…the only thing better than Arcade Fire is more Arcade Fire! Well, most of you don’t know I say that. But it’s still gospel!

The Deluxe CD will feature an extended version of Wasted Hours, as well as two recently released bonus tracks – Culture War and Speaking in Tongues (which David Byrne of Talking Heads adds vocals on). If you haven’t listened to these tracks, you’re in for a treat. They are classic Arcade Fire – weird and beautiful and sobering. Win Butler opens up Culture War, sadly singing “now the future’s staring at me like a vision from the past.” Sigh. Oh my sweet Win Butler…when you sing, I feel it all the way to my toes.

The new tracks are awesome, but it’s the DVD I’m most excited about. The DVD will feature a 30-minute short film, directed by Spike Jonze, entitled Scenes from the Suburbs. The band teamed up with Jonze last year for the video for the title track of The Suburbs. I remember watching it over and over again the day it was released. His depiction of these suburban kids – how they grow together and grow apart, all while living closed within those suburb walls, is touching and haunting and is something I think we can all relate to. If you haven’t seen it, please do yourself a favor and check it out. I mean now. Right now!

Both the CD and DVD are currently available for pre-order. This news pretty much made my summer. I love Arcade Fire more with each album they release and I can’t wait to see what they do next!

Robert’s Top 10

Sometimes, you just gotta make a list of 10 films you want to see throughout the rest of the year! Without further ado, and in no particular order, here’s mine…

1. The Thing: October 14^th
The original The Thing (John Carpenter’s version) is one of my favorite horror films. The implications of what happened before the events of the film, while limited in screen time, are huge in terms of the mood of the film and the story, so I’m stoked to see what happened via this prequel. I’m excited to see some more disturbing human/dog/alien hybrid monsters and a lot of gore. My only criticism is that the film sort of looks like a remake in prequel’s clothing.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who was great in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Joel Edgerton should make for an interesting cast. I honestly haven’t seen a lot of Edgerton but he’s got Warrior coming up. As for Winstead - a girl in a Thing movie??? The closest we got to a woman in Carpenter’s version was the voice of MacReady’s computer game, and he drowned the old girl with his scotch!

2. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil: August 26th On Demand/September 30th Theatrical

This one holds a special place in my heart, as I’ve been really trying to find a way to see it. Magnet films just acquired it and slapped some release dates on it so it looks like my wish has been granted. I’ll get to see lovable hillbillies Tucker and Dale fight some evil when they’re mistaken for redneck killers!

3. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: August 26th
Very intrigued here. Guillermo del Toro produces a remake of a made-for-TV movie about demonic little creatures that terrify the family that moves in to their big, spooky mansion. The trailers have been sufficiently creepy and gothic. Guy Pearce is always a treat.

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2: July 15th
This is the big one, folks! I dug out my ticket for the first Potter film, which I saw in theaters some 10 years ago with my sisters. Has it been that long? Nothing more to say, other than the film looks good, and director David Yates has really taken over the franchise and has yet to disappoint.

5. Captain America: The First Avenger: July 22nd
This is kind of the last big, fun, action movie of the year in my opinion. Also of note – it’s the last of the Marvel films before the big one hits – The Avengers. It will be interesting to see how Joe Johnston can do after the sufficient but underwhelming The Wolfman. And this is the second Marvel character Chris Evans has portrayed. P.S. I think this is like, the 5th comic book character he’s played total.

6. Another Earth: July 20th
If I had a choice between this film and Melancholia, another drama/planetary sci-fi mashup, I’d take this film any day. The beginning of the trailer, with footage of one of Earth’s scientists making contact with her “Earth 2” counterpart interlaced with beautiful imagery of “Earth 2” hovering in the sky over our own planet, is chilling and wonderful. “Has the other me made the same mistakes I’ve made?” someone asks. “And is that me better than this me?” “Whoa!” says my soul.

7. 30 Minutes or Less: August 12th
I’m curious to see what director Ruben Fleischer can do post Zombieland. I think both Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari are solid comedy actors, and Danny McBride is obviously always awesome. And Nick Swardson has been saved from Adam Sandler movie hell!

8. Our Idiot Brother: August 26th
Here we go. This is how I like my Paul Rudd. He was really just annoying in I Love You, Man and How Do You Know (although I didn’t see the latter because of the vibe Rudd was giving off in the trailers – among other things). He’s best when he’s playing goofy, like here and Anchorman or dickish, like in The 40 Year Old Virgin or Role Models. The rest of the cast looks great as well. Very excited.

9. Paranormal Activity 3: October 21st
Paranormal Activity was creepy and Paranormal Activity 2, while not as creepy, kept me guessing as to the plot until a few months before the film dropped. I’d much rather see a PA movie every year than a Saw film. I’m excited for this one, even though the plot, according to this article I read at JoBlo is really stupid (a prequel when the sisters were kids??? Is it on VHS?). I think that plot smells a little fishy (and no, it’s not because the filmmakers this time around are the people behind Catfish (ugh). My prediction on the actual plot – daughter from the second teams up with docs from the first to find Katie and Hunter.

10. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: December 21st
Love the original. Love the character of Lisbeth Salander. Love Daniel Craig. Love Fincher. Rooney Mara scares me. I’m in!

 

Honorable Mention:

1. Green Lantern: June 17th
2. Fright Night: August 19th
3. Terri: July 1st
4. Cowboys and Aliens: July 29th
5. Rise of the Planet of the Apes: August 5th
6. Conan the Barbarian: August 18th
7. Apollo 18: September 2nd
8. A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas: November 4th
9. The Sitter: August 5th
10. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows: December 16th
11. The Adventures of Tintin: December 23rd
12. War Horse: December 28th