The best thing that happened to me all week!

I JUST GOT A COPY OF ICKY THUMP! AIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Ok, it’s not the best quality copy, but I have it. [passes out]

I want to marry them. Both of them.

Consumer report

In which I do the thinking for you and tell you what you should be watching/listening to.

Newsradio; I don’t know why I have been watching sitcoms lately. I kind of rully want to work at this station. And little known fact: I find Andy Dick hilarious.

Tim Armstrong, A Poet’s Life: Rancid/Operation Ivy founding member has a solo album. He is a phenomenal songwriter and his recognizeable voice is always a comfort to hear, but I HATE solo albums from people from my favorite bands (except for A.C. Newman). Just make another Rancid album. [official release: May 22]

The Macabees, Colour It In. No, it’s not Jewish-themed as far as I know, but it is still catchy but this thing will be hyped to death pretty soon. If you can stand the hype, check it out. [official release: May 10 ]

Get “All In Your Rows“

Polyphonic Spree, The Fragile Army. I previously found this band obnoxious and gimmicky, but this one they actually spent time caring about the music. [official release: June 19]

Get “Get Up And Go“

The Chemical Brothers; We Are the Night: Sounds like every other electonica Chemical Brothers album, but that’s a good thing. [official release: June 21]

Get “All Rights Reversed“

Amy Winehouse

…is on the cover of Rolling Stone. Finally, they have a cover of someone who deserves it. Despite having a massive sunstance problem, she’s pretty cool. I love her style. And, of course, the music. In case you don’t already have Back to Black, here are some of the best tracks.

You Know I’m No Good / Some Unholy War / Back to Black

List: unintentionally hilarious outfits on Sex and the City

I caught some TBS episodes and really wondered why I ever liked the show. The first three seaons were quirky and enjoyable, the characters were like bizarre charactures and didn’t take themsleves to seriously. But then the characters got so serious and Carrie acted like a five year old. They created all these disgusting generalizations about women and they all acted like selfish c*nts. Once babies are involved, you know it is going downhill. But the fashion! Okay, so they gave Monolo Blahnik a household name and made flower broches sell millions, but sometimes it was like watching a modern Emporer’s New Clothes. Just because it is designer doesn’t mean it looks good. Half the time they looked like hookers from 1981 or escaped mental patients, or five-year olds dressing themselves for the first time. A lot of it was fun, but there were some DOOZIES. Here are the most hilarious ones. Take that, Patricia Field!

10. Carrie, you forgot your pants!

9. Hookers looking for work.

8. I can’t believe she found a pink garbage bag.

7. Minnie Mouse couture.

6. I don’t even know what to say.

5. It’s like a Halloween hobo outfit you’d buy at CVS.

4. Liederhosen is soooooo right now.

3. Look closely. There are feathers coming out of her ass.

2. THe belt can’t really serve its lfe purspose if it is doing that.

1. She looks like a homeless hooker who raided the dumpster behind a Jessica McClintock store.

song of the day

The Macabees, “Precious Time” This band will be huge.

song of the day

A new track from the New Pornographers. I canNOT wait for this album.

The New Pornographers, “My Rights Versus Yours“

Control

There is a biopic of Ian Curtis that is supposed to be amazing. If you don’t know who Ian Curtis is, don’t ever fucking talk to me.

California

So most of you have heard by email by now.

I GOT A NEW JOB!

I’M MOVING TO CALIFORNIA (Berkeley to be exact).

It hasn’t really hit me yet. My blogging will be decreased, due to my time spent packing and breathing into a o paper bag.

sexiest veg

Don’t forget to vote for the sexiest vegetarian.  Of course, Joaquin will always be te reigning king, but Justin Theroux? Mos Def? It’s a toughie.

So now you know

When I saw the trailer for Knocked Up, I thought that it had subtle hints of pro-life propaganda. I mean, a woman gets pregnant by a one night stand, and decides to raise the baby, and what I am ASSUMING happens is that she ends up falling in love with the guy. Sure, it’s great that she decides to keep the baby and be a responsible parent….but is that likely to happen? Is it likely that she would choose to keep the baby? Is this some sort of weird message being sent to people? A profile on Judd Apatow also asks the same question.

Oh my God! The LAST thing America needs is an overwight American Idol! Fox News, you are the best.

Jeez, they are totally stealing the idea from me. I already did this, but here are 77 more music movie moments.

Ruh roh…the Strokes are on an indefinate hiatus. I don’t have a good feeling about it.

an oldie but goodie

I just watched Dream A Little Dream for the first time in maybe 15 years.  You know what? It is pretty damn good. The Coreys are in full form and even 80s jovk hottie William McNamara makes a good showing. The plot is also kind of some meta-Zen Buddhism shit. And who can forget the fantastic dance sequence where Corey Feldman channels Michael Jackson.

Also, I wanted to BE Lainie soooo bad. Damn this movie for giving me a warped and unrealistic view of what high school is.

In other shameful news, I sat through Bring It On: All or Nothing. Seriously, they should show this movie to the UN to help solve race relations.

Song(s) of the Day

I’m now hosting music right on my blog server! This should make it easier for you to get. Just right-click-and-save-as.

Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley) featuring Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie) and Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes) covers The Traveling Wilburys’ “Handle With Care“. What an indiie supergroup! My head is spinning! (the streaming audio should be working now)

Brand New, “Flying at Tree Level“

Feeling some 90s nostalgia- Sneaker Pimps, “Low Place Like Home“

White Stripes, how could I have doubted you?

I wasn’t so thrilled with “The Icky Thump” single when I first heard it, but somehow seeing the video totally made me realize its full potential. It’s nice to see them going back their roots — Jack shredding and Meg pounding, plus the monochrome red outfit.

Now I am really excited for the album the ‘Stripes have a tendency to alternate good albums with bad ones. Self-titled (eh), De Stijl (great), White Blood Cells (terrible), Elephant (life-changing), Get Behind Me Satan (blech). They are due for a masterpiece. And Jack White, what else can I say…DM!

Consumer reports

Ok, there are a ton of awesome new albums/dvds out right now, and since I am shying away from illegally uploading albums, you are all lucky that I am here to tell you what to get and what to skip. Also, I figured out a new feature on WordPress where you can stream the trackright from my entry. Just hit the “play” button when you see it.

Kitchen Confidential, The Complete Series : I think this was on for about .76 episodes. It’s loosely based on Anthony Bourdain’s nonfiction work, which I liked. It’s probably worth a rainy Saturday afternoon. Also, I support anything with Wet Hot American Summer alum.

Coconut Records, Nighttiming: yes, that’s the name of a band. And it’s Jason Schwartzmann’s new band (he left Phantom Planet). As much as he annoys me, the album is not bad. This album won’t blow you away, but at least he understands the concept of a melody and a hook. His singing isn’t too bad. (official release:)

Coconut Records, “Back to You“

———

Queens of the Stone Age, Era Vulgaris: Songs for the Deaf (2005) was a masterpiece, Lullabies to Paralyze (2004) was horrific. This one seems to fall in between. I’m liking it. [Official release: June 12]

Queens of the Stone Age, “Sick. Sick, Sick“

—

The Bravery; The Sun and the Moon: When their self-titled debut came out in, there was a lot of criticism that they were a manufactured indie band. Whatever. I liked the first album. This one is….terrible. Very forced and not so much of the dance-y stuff of the first one. Skip it. [Official release: May 22]

The Bravery, “Time Won’t Let Me Go“

——–
The Editors, An End Has a Start. When The Back Room came out last year, they were overhyped and I wasn’t too impressed. This one is kind of blowing me away right now. It may be one of the best albums of the year. I may be in lust right now and the honeymoon period may end, but this is one you definately want to get. [Official release: June 26]

The Editors, “The Weight of the World“

————

Rihanna, A Girl Like Me: This is sure to sell a gazillion copies, and you will probably be sick of it for a while, but I have to admit that I have been listening to it lately. It’s good gym music. [Official release: June 5]

I posted about it here.

—-

And if you want these albums bad enough, email me and we can work something out. (SHhhhhhhhhh…)

Read me.

I have big news. Huge. Life-changing.

Here’s a hint: listen to this.

or here:

List: best Madonna videos

On the way back from DC, Brandon and I had a three-hour Madonna singalong. So, I was thinking of doing a list of my favorite Madonna songs, which actually may have gotten too complicated. Her videos are also some of the best, and I’m feeling nostalgic, so here are my favorites, in order.

Express Yourself: this should be made into a Broadway musical

Bedtime Story: gives me nightmares

Hung Up: I want that boombox

Music: Ali G!

Like A Prayer: remember all the controversy?

Nothing Really Matters: remember when she had her geisha fetish? More like a geisha zombie fetish.
Deeper and Deeper: I liked her flapper-disco look.

What It Feels Like For a Girl: banned!

Open Your Heart: she’s so understanding of children. When they want to see a peep show, she makes it happen.

Bag Girl: moral is: if you are a hooker, you will be murdered

song of the day

Music and Lyrics was dreaaaaaaadful. I mean, physically painful. The first three minutes was the only enjoyable part. That’s because it was a video for High Grant’s fictional band Pop! which was really dead on for an 80s band. And the song is pretty catchy. You’ll see. [video]

Pop; “Pop Goes My Heart“

an open letter to the ladies that work out at my gym

Hi gals,

It’s great that you go to the gym. It’s not only a goodfaith effort for you to take care of yourself, but it is a worthwhile way to spend your time. It’s even okay when you chat with your friend on the eliptical next to you, although I can still hear your chatter with my headphones on. It’s okay. I’ll forgive that one.

But, for the LOVE OF PETER, please stop hogging the ab machine. I know that women generally don’t like their abular area. But, sitting on the machine, doing three to four half-assed reps, then sitting for five minutes picking your nails or talking on the phone, and then doing three or four more, and then calling it a day is not going to do anything. Try some upper body training. Working on your shoulders will make you look good in tank tops. Really, you don’t even need a machine. Save us all the heartache and do some crunches during commercial breaks during Grey’s anatomy. Doing a full circuit will do wonders for you. Plus, I want to get on the machine. I have a circuit training going on.

Oh, and while I have your attention, when you are in the bathroom, take five fucking seconds to lock the fucking stall. That will prevent me from walking in on you and you can save your embarassment and my annoyance.

song of the day

Travis, “Selfish Jean“

It’s actually a little upbeat for your typical Travis song. Also, the video features the adorahilarious Dmetri Martin.

movies lately

I’ve been floating in a sea of crappy movies lately (Eragon, anyone?), but two have really stuck out. Notes on a Scandal was basically a textbook of good acting. Although, Judi Dench’s character is me in 30 years. Brandon confirmed this and mentioned that the way she treated Cate Blanchett’s character is the way that I treat him. I would have gotten really angry but he was actually quite correct. It’s rare that you get a movie that is a slice of realness.

I didn’t think that I could think Kate Winslet was anymore incredible, but Little Children totally proved me wrong. Her character was supposed to be somewhat frumpy, so that part was unconvincing. Finally a movie that does not make being married and having children the happy ending of the fairy tale. I’m not so much a Patrick Wilson fan. I still see him as a gay Mormon or Raoul from Phantom of the Opera, and I will never forget him for being in that douchey Gap commerical with Claire Danes. The movie may actually be better than the book. THis was also the case for Election, which was also by the same author.

Pirates 3 actually looks good. I like how they made Keira Knightley kick some ass. I’d better watch the second one pretty soon. I tried several times but fell asleep.

the most racist thing you will ever see

Perhaps I am exaggerating, but maybe not. Take away the racism and it’s still horrible. How many laughs can you get from a kick to the groin?  Brett Ratner, fuck off and die.

Christopher Plummer, you should be ashamed of yourself.

adventures in FM radio

Well, there are some unfortunate times when I am driving that I have to listen to the radio. To my chagrin, they edited the hell out of Pink’s “U & UR Hand”. They beeped out the word “suck”. I can see if it was used as a verb, but it was used as” you suck”. What? The Pussycat Dolls are all over about looking at my hah hah, and Pink can’t even song an arguably empowering song about not being used as a sex object. Why am I surprised?

In embarassing news, I kind of really like Rihanna’s new single “Umbrella”. It’s good for the gym. Although, she thinks that umbrella has four syllables, which I was not aware of. Is she going to the liberry after this? And then going to eat pasketti?

Rihanna (feat. Jay-Z); “Umbrella”

Wait, I was liking it until I saw the redonculous video.First off, she looks like a real-life Bratz doll. Second of all, dancing and cool outfits are great, but this whole video is basically to show off how skinny she is, and not for the benefit of female empowerment.

I’m getting old.

Is it just me…

or was Pan’s Labrynth boring as hell?

In other news, 28 Weeks Later was fantastic. Dare I say, better than 28 Days Later.

Song of the Day

I’m feeling a lil bit country.

Old 97s, “Big Brown Eyes“

song of the day

I’m going all hipster today.

Peter Bjorn and John, “Paris 2004“

YESSSS

Although that I am annoyed that I am getting my news from Perez Hilton, John and Jessica are DUNZO!

“He was way tipsy and was spending a lot of time with an ugly brunette that was not Jessica Simpson,” a spywitness tells us.

Apparently, they mean me.

Song of the Day

Spoon, “My Little Japanese Cigarette Case“

It’s from their newest album, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Yes, that’s really what it is called.

you know you’re getting old when

you make a reference to Tiger Beat magazine and the people you are talking to have no clue what you are referring to. Then you try to explain and mention people like Kirk Cameron, Luke Perry, and/or Chad Allen and then they still don’t know what you are talking about. And then you throw your hands in the air in disgust and stomp off.

cease and desist

So, I took down the Chromeo album because I got a pretty stern letter from the record label. Ok, fair enough. I understand that right now it is illegal, so I was at fault. But it just begins to infuriate me. The record labels are the ones that have their panties in a bunch. Sharing the album and spreading the word actually helps the artists, it gets the word out, especially for any band not on a major label. They don’t get a lot of their income from record sales. And not that laws should change because people are breaking them. For instance, the drinking age should not change simply because most people drink underage, nor should be marijuana laws be changed because people enjoy smoking pot. [There are reasons that these laws should be changed, but it has to do with other political/sociological needs, not just because many folks disregard it. That's another post. Let me get back to my point.] However, the times are a-changing. Record labels are still grasping to the idea that they are going to sell physical albums. It’s not happening. It’s just not the medium that people are experiencing music through. They need to change the way they market and sell music. I don’t know what that new way of marketing music would look like. But it’s sad. When I was in San Francisco, I finally got to go to Amoeba Music. Five years ago, I would have been in heaven. I mean, just look at the place! But sadly, I didn’t spend much time there. I already owned practically every album they had featured.

There is certainly a downside to all this. Some bands barely have to work to gain a following. They can form, some buzz forms on the internet, and a few months later they can even have a video on MTV. There are so many examples- Robbers & Cowards, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Arcade Fire, Tapes N Tapes….no wonder CBGBs closed. There will never be a scene anymore. We will never see another Ramones, Operation Ivy, Nirvana, Social Distortion, Minor Threat…bands form too quickly and get recognition. It’s rather sad. Kids these days rarely get attached to one band and become a true fan and listen to the entire album on repeat constantly, because they can shuffle the 10,000 songs on their ipod.

Not that I am innocent of perpetuating any of this. Although I feel I was born 20 years too late and would have loved to experience the punk movement of the 70s, I am glad I experiences SOME sort of movement. I was around to truly appreciate the Norvana breakthrough, the grunge movement, and own some cassettes and spend hours reading the liner notes.

So, unfortunately, for the time being, I will not be sharing anymore albums on here. Too bad, the new Spoon album is to die for! I’ll still put up singles, and still reccomend stuff, and I hope you’ll be able to get your hands on it somehow.

bad videos: Secondhand Serenade

I haven’t done one of these in a while…so yay. Secondhand Serenade is so obviously a weak reincarnation of Dashboard Confessional. And if you thought Dashboard was bad….oy. This is so so so so painful. The song is blah enough, but picking out the cliches in the video are like reading the back of a Highlights magazine. Sweatbands, vintage t-shirt, beach scene, photo montage, emo girlfriend. It’s all there. [shuddering from the doucheiness]

Sick sick sick

Is the name of the new video/single from the Queens of the Stone Age album. It’s aight, but the video is pretty disturbing/intriguing. Julian Casablancas does the backup vocals, but is not in the video. Damn.  Josh Homme, as always, looking good.

some stuff I’ve been reading

Anne Coulter, on reflecting on the death of Jerry Fallwell, still manages to be incredibly homophobic and demeaning. Why am I shocked?

So, does drinking milk really promote weight loss? I was always skeptical, and I think it was some marketing plan devised by the dairy association.

The sexiest nerds. EXCUSE ME? Mos Def? Ewan? Really, I don’t know who wrote this.

Patrick Wolf luuuurrrves Amy Winehouse. Now there’s a power couple.

Elijah Wood to play Iggy Pop? Fo real?  Has he seen a mirror?

Song of the day

M.I.A., “Hit That“

Wow, it sounds like Wreckz N’ Effectz’ “Rumpshaker”. But in a good way.

Song of the day

Hole, “Boys on the Radio“

Remember when Hole was good?

Travis

One of my favorite Brit bands.

[TRAVIS; The Boy With No Name]

The Comas

I realize that I have not shared music on here for a while. Well, to make up for it, prepare to recieve a shitload of albums.

Starting things off is one of the best of this year.

[THE COMAS; Spells]

Across the Universe

Oh my god this looks amazing. Julie Taymor directs. It is based on Beatles songs. With the exception of the annoying Evan Rachel Wood, I am beyond excited. Could it be the next Moulin Rouge?

List: best movie song moments part 4

Here’s part one, part two, and part 3.

The Ramones, “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg” from School of Rock
I LOVE that they used this Ramones song, because it is so well done and not typical of the Ramones. And what better song to use of a montage of Jack Black teaching kids the basics of “real” Rock n Roll.

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mitch and Tich “Hold Tight” from Quentin Taratino’s Death Proof
The most amazing sequence of the movie Jungle Julie requests the song on the radio and says the band’s name about a thousand times. They all rock out and then Stuntman Mike collides with them and it is the most.gruesome.carc.rash.on.film.ever. [video]

Michael Jackson, “The Way You Make Me Feel” from Center Stage
Omg. Here we go, the epitome of ballet schools, supposed to be at the forefront of dance, and the rogue choreographer does this really dumb act that mimics the drama going on among the character. There are motorcycles driven onstage. And simulated sex with a teenager. And 2 second outfit changes. If you have seen this movie, you know the end sequence OWNS. [video]

Huey Lewis and the News, “Hip to Be Square” from American Psycho
Patrick Batemen explains the subtle and intricate social messages of the song while bludgeoning Jared Leto with an axe. Beautiful. The movie did no justice to the book, but this scene came close. [video]

Venus in Furs, “Tumbling Down” from Velvet Goldmine
The whole movie is full of great moments and music, but this video is fantastic and symbolizes the downfall of all the character. Oh, and Ewan McGregor and Christian Bale bask in the afterglow of the sex they just had. Yeeeee! [video]

hong kong danger duo!

Coming July 31! I’ll be squirming in my pants while I wait!

lists, not my own

I’ve been neglecting my own lists, so here are some that have kept me fascinated.

Vintage creepy advertisements. SCARY!

World’s top futuristic hotels. AMAZING!

Worst Cover songs ever. WITH VIDEO!

cute aminal fix

What is cuter than cross-species friendships? I can’t take it!

A German Shepard nurses piglets! Ahhhh! Their little behinds! Squeeee!

Turtles and cats!!!!!!! Can’t….breathe…..

Gaaah! New song!

The Go! Team have a new song out….can they plz release a new album soon?

In other news, I think I like the new Maroon 5 album.

Beat It

Just when Fall Out Boy was starting to irk me, they go and do a cool cover of “Beat It”. Sears, why does Pete Wentz get all the glory?

Rant

OMG! I am a horrible fan. I didn’t even realize that Chuck Palahnuik’s newest novel was out. How was it possible to top Haunted? Don’t know. This one reads like an oral history. I’m liking it so far.

In his eighth novel, Palahniuk uses a new form–oral history–to revisit the themes that have always informed his oeuvre. Buster “Rant” Casey, a naturopathic serial killer, is dead, and those who survive him–family, friends, enemies, and hangers-on–are trying to make sense of the void left by his passing. Perhaps offering a meditation on celebrity, the author explores the topics that have always intrigued him: uniqueness and belonging, cross-generational panic, the search for authenticity, and the consume-or-die worldview. If this suggests that Palahniuk’s biggest influence here is himself, this Tom Sawyer on methamphetamine (the first 100 pages depict Casey’s boyhood as a poison-obsessed, priapic Pied Piper) belies the influence of William S. Burroughs (in its satire of boys’-own adventures), William Gibson (characters “boost” each others’ neural transcripts of lived experience), and J. G. Ballard (Casey’s clique crashes cars in order to feel more alive). Outrageous but not quite over the top, full of energetic humor, Rant (Casey’s nickname is said to be onomatopoeic for the sound of children vomiting) is a memorable portrait of the cults that gather around authentically different people and a portrait of dystopia that feels unsettlingly contemporary. Palahniuk is no Studs Terkel, but Terkel’s heartland probably looks more like Palahniuk’s nowadays.

catching up

Yes, the template changed, the other was easy for me to manage from the road. Don’t like the constant changing? Deal with it.

While, I was away, some breaking news!

• The Informers Film Is A Go
• Ewan McGregor Earns Minimum Wage, but doesn’t show peen…this time
• Zanessa: It’s Official! : they couldn’t hide it for long!
• Misshapes-The Band? why God why?

In a few short hours I’ll be back on the plane home. Sigh.

Luke Wilson is dead to me

Anyone who actually wants to see this should not be allowed to live. I can’t believe John Mayer likes to stick it in that.

It means Saint Francisco

Wow, I’m on the West Coast. It’s a miracle.  Some observations:

• SF’s Chinatown kicks all other Chinatown’s asses.
• The hills are awesome. Everyone has great calves (well, not everyone).
• Black people are not allowed in SF. They are only allowed in Oakland.
• The whole city is quieter and a bit nicer. Everyone is oddly polite. I’m not used to it.
• Alcatraz is a major selling point. In the touristy areas, prisoner-striped t-shirts are all the rage. Even baby onesies. I kind of have a problem with that.
• Mountains are awesome. I’ve taken this for granted, I’ve never really been around mountains. (The Pocanos don’t count.) We drove to the top of the ridge and looked down at the city and I almost cried.
• For some reason, I keep thinking of The Sweetest Thing.
• There are a lot of punks in Berkeley, but they are not Hot Topic punks. They are all middle-aged and I saw some grays in their mohawks. Awesome.

A new addition to the family

Well, I am happy to announce that John and I finally made our dream a reality: a blog all about perving out. For those of you that enjoy my fawning over attractive celebrities, bad news: I won’t be doing it so much here anymore. Well, I guess there is good news; the perv blog is one that you can go to that will contain it all in one place. Enjoy.

p.s. suggestions and requests always welcome. Bookmark it toute suite!

lists lists lists

You know my feeling on lists, and there have been a ton of them lately.

Worst to Best movies based on comic books. Batman Begins! X-Men! No, they weren’t on top.

The Pink List: most influential gays. Will Young? Huh?

25 saddest songs ever. I love every one of them.

Top 25 Scifi moments. What, no Roswell?

Also, Ginger Spice and David Walliams DATING? WTF?

I wish I went to the gayest high school in america

Squeeeeee!!!! Pics from High School Musical 2! Not that I’m excited or anything.

AhhhhhAAAAAHHHHaaaahhhhhh!

Sharpay looks like a drag queen, Ryan looks….uh…Troy looks plastic and Gabriella looks anorexic and like she had botox.

Oh, apparently, the cast members of color had to be in a separate picture.

Oh, there’s a plot? Apparently “Once East High is out for the school year, the cast heads to the Country Club for the summer”. Duh, obviously that’s what you do once school is out.

I hate myself.

More here.

A good chain letter

Saw this on another blog and thought I’d give it a try. I invite you to do the same. Put your music collection on shuffle, and to answer each question, press next and see what song comes up. I adjusted a little for the answers to make sense as an answer.

What does next year have in store for me?
“South Side” – The Radio Dept. [uh, does that mean I'll be living on the South Side? Of what? Mississippi?]

What does your love life look like?
“Honey, Honey” – ABBA [I don't know if that means I call someone honey or it is it someone taking pity?]

What do I say when life gets hard?
“Intravenous Agnostic” – Manic Street Preachers [heh]

What do I think when I get up in the morning?
“An Experiment” – Mates of State [fo' sho]

What song will I dance to at my wedding?
“Not Great Men” – Gang of Four

What do you want as a career?
“Somewhere at 1am” – The Subways [hooker? on-call nurse?]

Your favorite saying?
“The Jetset Life is Gonna Kill Ya” – My Chemical Romance

Favorite place?
“Sin City” – the Mekons [okay, I skipped a while til I found an actual location]

What do you think of your parents?
“Neither Haeaven Nor Space” -Nada Surf

Where would you go on a first date?
“Ferris Wheel” – Pernice Brothers

Drug of choice?
“Writer’s Block” – Peter Bjorn and John

Describe yourself:
“Nothing Stays the Same” – Elastica [so true]

What is the thing I like doing most?
“Girls on Film” – Duran Duran

The song that best describes the president?
“Season of the Witch” – Hole [for real, that's what came up]

What is my state of mind like at the moment?
“Over” – Jimmy Eat World [yikes]

How will I die?
“Face to Face” – Siouxsie and the Banshees [great, I'll die in a duel]

What’s your deepest , darkest secret?
“Liebe Zu Dritt” – Stereo Total [does anyone speak German?]

What am I doing right now?
“None of Your Business” Salt-n-Pepa

West Coast style

Ok, one thing I am seriously embarassed about is my lack of travel. I’ve been off the East Coast maybe once or twice, and I think it was a family vacation to St. Louis which happened eons ago (Branson, MO wooooot!). I can’t believe I will be in the Bay Area next week. I feel like I will be in a different country. I am scared shitless for the plane ride of course. I won’t be there too long, and I am scared I am not going to be able to do everything and see everything I want to see. Because I go to bed at 8pm. So, that’s where I will be for this upcoming week, expect little to no posts, but when I do get back I do have some surprises.

Oh, and I can’t wait to deal with this mess on I-580.

weekend reading

I know I spend a lot of time hating on a show I don’t even watch, but the Times made note of the ridiculousness of the Grey’s Anatomy spinoff.

Sex isn’t the problem with the new series; it’s the subjugation. Addison looks up her old friend from medical school whose perfect marriage has just ended and finds herself enmeshed with two other mature, reputable professionals: a fertility specialist and a psychotherapist. All three women are lovelorn, sex-starved and prone to public displays of disaffection.

Female empowerment my ass. In Captain Obvious news, the Geico Caveman pilot is dreaaaaadful.

Now comes the most mind numbing, stupendously stupid and astoundingly misguided part of this fiasco: The creators have tried to infuse social satire by making the show an allegory for prejudice. They draw astoundingly leaden parallels to every minority group in the world without a laugh in sight.

Seriously, leave the social commentary to Battlestar, or even to South Park.

I wasn’t prepared to see this on the news…some unknown sea creature thing. It is beyong disgusting and creepy. It’s like a living intestine. Pretty much the most heinous nightmarish creature I could ever encounter. Yeesh!

I am going to try to replace the image in my mind with the world’s smallest dog.

List: best movie song moments, Part 3

In case you missed it, here’s part one and part two.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit/Can Can” from Moulin Rouge
I went into this movie with no idea what to expect. When the well-dressed gentleman of the can-can nightclub broke out into this, I knew that Baz Luhrman was a fucking god. This whole sequence is like an awesome acid trip. [video]

CeCe Peniston, “Finally” from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
In a movie about drag performers, one would hope that the performance sequence would be a good payoff. It was. Love the Maria Antoinette dresses. [video]

Johnny Cash, “When The Man Comes Around” from Dawn of the Dead
I can’t think of a better song to set the tone for an end of the world scenario. Johnny Cash was one morbid guy. Mass world panic, political strife, and religious overtones. Best opening sequence ever. God, I love this movie. [video]

Lou Reed, “Pefect Day” from Trainspotting
For a low-bidget movie, the special effects of sinking into the carpet are perfect to illustrate the overdose. [video]

“Wig in a Box” from Hedwig and the Angry Inch
The best song from this whole show. And one of the best costumes ever–made from humain hair. And let’s talk about the keytar. [video]

Animal Collective, “Winter’s Love” from Shortbus
A great song to use to show sexual/emotional frustration. So that’s what caused to the NYC blackout!

Thank you Target clearnance rack

It’s like 70s porn Barbie. Slutty outfit, rollerskates, lollipop for thesubmissive-daughter-role-play, and star sunglasses. Yessssss!!!!!

Also, did you know there were High School Musical Dolls? I have to get the Troy doll and undress it immediately.

List: best movie song moments, Part 2

Here’s part one if you missed it.

The Pixies, “Where is My Mind?” from Fight Club
Although the literal relationship of the lyrics to the plot could be too obvious, how can you go wrong with using a Pixies song? Plus, blowing up Wilmington, DE needs a soundtrack. This is a rare time where the movie may actually be better than the book. Even Chuck P. thought so. [video]

Echo & The Bunnymen, “People Are Strange” from The Lost Boys
Another literal interpretation of lyrics. Corey Haim/Jason Patric observe their new home in California (Santa Cruz maybe?) in a montage of people with mohawks, piercings, and hanging out by Ferris Wheels.

“Cell Block Tango” from Chicago
Ok, picking a song from an ACTUAL musical may be cheating, but the director totally got the idea of the dream sequence aspect, which the stage production totally missed. Plus, Catherine Z-J is orgasmically amazing in this whole movie. “pop, squish, cicero, lipshitz” or whatever. [video]

Erasure, “A Little Respect” from D.E.B.S.
The supervillainess tries to win back the heart of her lesbian undercover special girlfriend, with the help of her evil henchman. That certainly calls for a montage! [video]

ABBA, “Waterloo”, from Muriel’s Wedding
Can you believe I didn’t really know who ABBA was until I saw this movie? The recreation in costumes and focial expressions and choreography was hokey but enjoyable. It may surprise you to know that I actually don’t love love this movie. I think it was terribly uneven and unfocused. I thought it was a comedy…until Rachel Griffiths has cancer and the mother burns the front lawn and then kills herself. Hahahahaha, funny. [video]

Access Hollywood

Because I Said So + The Last Kiss + Keeping the Faith + Mrs. Doubtfire =

LICENSE TO WED!

John Krasinski, you are terribly adorable, but make terrible character and film choices. This looks so horrible. So bad I may need to go see it and liveblog through the whole thing.

This is kind of pathetic…Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal are reprising their roles as Roger and Mark. Give it up! It was ten years ago! I think the characters are supposed to be 22, tops. Also, the show is about as relevant as video cassette rewinders. Anthony R. cannot let go…he recently wrote a book about being in the show and I saw him speak last year and he was still talking about it. Ugh. And it makes me mad that tourists are spending $100 to see that show. I knew a woman who had seen it 11 times and liked to brag about it. Yes, I hated her.

Yay! I have discovered what I will be doing this summer. Rome season 2 is out August 14. Extras season 2 is out July 10.  Heroes comes out sometime in August too.

celebcrushwatch: Eric Bana talks about wearing codpieces,  Cillian Murphy, DM! and again! Patty Wolf at the Virgin mega…back to red hair.

List: best song movie moments

I’m combining some of my favorite things: movie, music, lists, and downloads. I’ve been rewatching some of my old dvds before I sold them on ebay and realizing some filmmakers truly know how to incorporate a song. I recently did the overall soundtrack list, but I’m going to explore the best use of a song in a movie. Not just because the song is good, because it really makes the scene. Some are contrived, I know. There is also a ban on any Cameron Crowe movie or Zach Braff movie. Because they are idiots and try to hard to untilize a soundtrack. Although the “Tiny Dancer” scene in Almost Famous was good the first time I saw it, but is now obnoxious. I digress. If I own the song, I’ve included it.

Edith Pilaf, “Je ne regrette rien” from The Dreamers
Ok, so you’ve just had a threesome with your boyf and your twin brother, then try to commit suicide because your parents found out, but are interrupted by a revolution brewing outside. Random political ending to a movie that is 99% about sex, incest, and daddy issues. Roughly translated means “I’m not sorry for anything”.

Coyote Shivers, “Sugar High” from Empire Records
To save the independent record store, the crazy crew of employees stage an impromptu concert on the roof to raise money. Rene Zellweger fullfills her dream of singing in a band and she’s horrible. She also dances around and chops her hands through the air. It’s bad. But her miniskirt, cardigan, and scrunchie SCREAM mid-90s and I love it. [video]

Tears for Fears, “Head Over Heals” from Donnie Darko
Ok, this is like a film school student saying their favorite movie is Casablanca. This is kind of an obvious one. It’s the single-shot montage of Donnie’s private school where we see his lust for that Jena Malone monstrosity, conflict with the school bully, intro of Patrick Swayze, and a Sparkle Motion rehearsal. And setting the 1980s tone. [video]

Amber, “This Is Your Night” from A Night At the Roxbury
The whole soundtrack is dance music, but this one has a choreographed dance. I love spontaneous choreography in movies (see Superstar). Also, it’s fucking hilarious.

Paul Westerburg, “Waiting for Somebody” from Singles
Maybe it is cheating to use opening credits, because it is easy to incorporate music into it. But the song and the random shots of Seattle in the early 90s completely set the scene and made my 14-year old self want to throw on some thermal pants, cuttoff shorts, and flannel shirt and move into the apartment next to Campbell Scott.

I call her Red

MSCL is officially coming to dvd.  Totally rad. I just now realized how annoying Claire Danes has become and how egomaniacal Jared Leto has become. What has become of the other cast members? I’ll bet the others run up to them at movie premiers or at Mr. Chow’s and they won’t give them the time of day. To celebrate, here are some of my favorite MSCL moments:

• “Your cuticles look like little moons”.
• Angela’s outfit when she asked out Jordan (because I unsuccessfully tried to emulate it): a blue floral dress, clogs, and a flannel shirt.
• Ther Frozen Embryos performing “I Wanna Be Sedated” (I used to have an mp3 of it)
• All the talk of the Buffalo Tom concert
• Jordan can’t read!
• Rayanne Graff singing the Sesame Street theme song.

How Sassy Changed My Life

How Sassy Changed My Life: A Love Letter to the Greatest Teen Magazine of All Time. In the late ’80s and ’90s, when teen fare was homogeneous, Sassy magazine,a teen cult favorite,was the cool new kid on the block, speaking to girls on their level, giving them an in to alternative pop culture while acting as confidant and wise dispenser of advice. New York–based writers Jesella and Meltzer were part of the Sassy demographic and decided that a “love letter” to the publication was in order. The result is a behind-the-scenes, warts-and-all look at the magazine’s office culture, including sections on the glossy’s coverage of feminism, celebrity and girl culture. Struggles with advertisers, publishers, religious conservatives and other detractors are described in detail (in a very us-against-them tone), allowing insight into how editorial content was developed. Much of the book is written in a cooler-than-thou tone, often at the expense of every other teen magazine on the market and of the typical American girls who read them. This attitude arguably contributed to Sassy’s demise in 1996. In the end, the book—written in a style reminiscent of the magazine itself—is a testament to a publication that changed the face of teen media.

Fantastic. I loved this magazine! I wish I still had some copies, I used to read them over and over and over. While I was doing my Spring cleaning, I found that I had kept the best and most impactful issue, the one with Kurt and Courtney. Never again had they posed together. I totally fell in love with them after I read this issue. Squeeeeee!!!!!!

on dvd today!

Yay! This is when it gets better. They all hang out at the beach club! Brenda takes acting classes! The Walsh’s parapalegic cousin visits! Kelly almost gets raped on Halloween! The kids meet Color Me Badd! Oh my god is gets so much better.

google earth

It is always funny to see the search terms that people are using that lead them to this bog.

“Nick Simmons shirtless”
This seemed to bring tons of traffic. You freaks! He’s only 17. Gross. [And if I had pics of that, don't you think it would be posted already?]

“Jessica Simpson John Mayer sex tape”
Uhhhhhhh….the most awkward thing ever.

“anatomically correct action figures”
not for sale here

“hot Swedish girls”
also not for sale here

“i love john krasinski”
Love is kind of a strong word. I guess I like-like him right now.

When will the day come where “intelligent insights into pop culture and life” leads people here?