Albums:
Maroon 5 debuted at #1, continuing what should be a blockbuster summer for record sales.
Also debuting this week:
Ozzy Osbourne at #3
The Used at #5
The Bravery debuted at #24, surprisingly low. Considering the Killers debuted at #1, that's really gotta sting.
Tim Armstrong of Rancid debuts at #59.
The National debuted at #68.
Modern Rock:
Linkin Park remained at #1 for the 8th straight week.
A big day for 90's revivalism sees "Tarantula" by Smashing Pumpkins debut at #5.
Also debuting this week at #20 is "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" by Fall Out Boy.
Mainstream Rock:
Linkin Park stays at #1... again.
Two 90's revival bands debut this week with Velvet Revolver at #12 with "She Builds Quick Machines" and Smashing Pumpkins at #18 with "Tarantula".
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Modern Rock Monday
2007 Modern Rock Archive
My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade - A+
I'm as shocked as anyone to say this, but My Chemical Romance has created one of the best albums of 2006 and while this song isn't the best song on said album, it's a perfect example of the conceptual genius of the album. If you listen to this song, you can hear hints of The Wall, American Idiot, Yoshimi and an awful lot of Bowie's Ziggy Stardust period. Congrats to a band that has acheived a hell of a lot more than I would have ever expected them to do.
Muse - Starlight - A+
A sweeping, well-written song by Muse, that ranks among the band's best songs.
My Chemical Romance - Teenagers - A+
The best teen rebellion song since "School's Out", this song is one of many highlights from the only My Chemical Romance CD worth owning.
Modest Mouse - Dashboard - A+
Yet another fantastic indie pop single from Modest Mouse with a solid chorus and a quirky beat.
Muse - Invincible - A
Muse does what they do best once again, creating a sweeping, radio-friendly version of Radiohead style music.
Muse - Supermassive Black Hole - A-
A different song from the usual Muse output, this song is more of a T. Rex-ish glam throwback that works extremely well.
Interpol - The Heinrich Maneuver - A-
A solid debut single from the band's new album brings back more of what you like to hear from Joy Di... I mean Interpol.
Modest Mouse - Missed The Boat - B+
A more subtle and downbeat song than Modest Mouse usually releases. It's still really good, but it doesn't have the pop that you expect from a MM song.
My Chemical Romance - Famous Last Words - B+
Another good song from "The Black Parade", but not in the same league as the other two singles.
Mushroomhead - Just Pretending - B
A decent hard rock song, but nothing that will stand out in the long run.
Dogboy - Can't Buy Soul - B
A fun but somewhat forgettable song.
Mika - Grace Kelly - B
Indie hipster aims to be Freddie Mercury and misses, but admirably so.
Funeral For A Friend - Into Oblivion (Reunion) - B-
Another typical indie rock song that is missing the x factor that makes it great.
Killswitch Engage - The Arms Of Sorrow - B-
Technically solid, but not much fun to listen to.
Evans Blue - The Pursuit - C
A boring and ordinary hard rock song that never sets itself apart from all the rest.
Mower - Broken Hands - C-
A sludgy noise metal song that doesn't impress or set itself apart from the usual Disturbed/Mudvayne crowd.
In Theory - A New Medication - D+
An annoying pop punk song with a TERRIBLE chorus.
My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade - A+
I'm as shocked as anyone to say this, but My Chemical Romance has created one of the best albums of 2006 and while this song isn't the best song on said album, it's a perfect example of the conceptual genius of the album. If you listen to this song, you can hear hints of The Wall, American Idiot, Yoshimi and an awful lot of Bowie's Ziggy Stardust period. Congrats to a band that has acheived a hell of a lot more than I would have ever expected them to do.
Muse - Starlight - A+
A sweeping, well-written song by Muse, that ranks among the band's best songs.
My Chemical Romance - Teenagers - A+
The best teen rebellion song since "School's Out", this song is one of many highlights from the only My Chemical Romance CD worth owning.
Modest Mouse - Dashboard - A+
Yet another fantastic indie pop single from Modest Mouse with a solid chorus and a quirky beat.
Muse - Invincible - A
Muse does what they do best once again, creating a sweeping, radio-friendly version of Radiohead style music.
Muse - Supermassive Black Hole - A-
A different song from the usual Muse output, this song is more of a T. Rex-ish glam throwback that works extremely well.
Interpol - The Heinrich Maneuver - A-
A solid debut single from the band's new album brings back more of what you like to hear from Joy Di... I mean Interpol.
Modest Mouse - Missed The Boat - B+
A more subtle and downbeat song than Modest Mouse usually releases. It's still really good, but it doesn't have the pop that you expect from a MM song.
My Chemical Romance - Famous Last Words - B+
Another good song from "The Black Parade", but not in the same league as the other two singles.
Mushroomhead - Just Pretending - B
A decent hard rock song, but nothing that will stand out in the long run.
Dogboy - Can't Buy Soul - B
A fun but somewhat forgettable song.
Mika - Grace Kelly - B
Indie hipster aims to be Freddie Mercury and misses, but admirably so.
Funeral For A Friend - Into Oblivion (Reunion) - B-
Another typical indie rock song that is missing the x factor that makes it great.
Killswitch Engage - The Arms Of Sorrow - B-
Technically solid, but not much fun to listen to.
Evans Blue - The Pursuit - C
A boring and ordinary hard rock song that never sets itself apart from all the rest.
Mower - Broken Hands - C-
A sludgy noise metal song that doesn't impress or set itself apart from the usual Disturbed/Mudvayne crowd.
In Theory - A New Medication - D+
An annoying pop punk song with a TERRIBLE chorus.
New Movies This Week
Obviously the biggie this week is Pirates of the Caribbean: At The End Of The World. It's expected to be the biggest movie of the summer and one of the biggest of all-time by the end of it's run. I intend to see this movie as soon as possible.
Also opening this weekend is Bug, a weird little movie with no buzz whatsoever. It might be a decent film, but I'm going to wait until DVD release for this one.
Also opening this weekend is Bug, a weird little movie with no buzz whatsoever. It might be a decent film, but I'm going to wait until DVD release for this one.
Rock Charts Update
Albums:
Linkin Park debuted at #1, as expected.
Wilco's Sky Blue Sky debuted at #4 with their biggest opening yet.
Megadeth's United Ambominations started out at #8.
Rufus Wainwright's Release The Stars debuted at #23.
Modern Rock
Linkin Park remained at #1 again this week.
The White Stripes "Icky Thump" moved up to #4.
Mainstream Rock
Linkin Park's "What I've Done" remains at #1 yet again, continuing the "Summer of Crap".
Debuting in the top 20 this week are (ugh) Three Days Grace's "Never Too Late" at #17 and Green Day's "Working Class Hero" at #20.
Linkin Park debuted at #1, as expected.
Wilco's Sky Blue Sky debuted at #4 with their biggest opening yet.
Megadeth's United Ambominations started out at #8.
Rufus Wainwright's Release The Stars debuted at #23.
Modern Rock
Linkin Park remained at #1 again this week.
The White Stripes "Icky Thump" moved up to #4.
Mainstream Rock
Linkin Park's "What I've Done" remains at #1 yet again, continuing the "Summer of Crap".
Debuting in the top 20 this week are (ugh) Three Days Grace's "Never Too Late" at #17 and Green Day's "Working Class Hero" at #20.
New Shit Tuesday (Past Two Weeks)
Things have been a little bit hectic lately, so I'll update the past 2 weeks of stuff now.
DVDs:
Letters From Iwo Jima - This is the last Best Picture Nominee from 2006 that I have yet to see. Eastwood is one of the world's finest directors and while this movie isn't as exciting as Million Dollar Baby, it's still easily worth a purchase. I bought it as part of the 5-disc set (2 discs of Iwo Jima, 2 discs of Flags Of Our Fathers, 1 disc of related documentaries).
VERDICT: Buy it ASAP.
Apocalypto - Strangely, this movie didn't do very well at the box office, despite the fact that it's an excellent action film with a lot of great visuals and an outstanding pace. For a movie that's over 2 hours long, the film flies by without the viewer ever noticing it. This movie is worth a purchase. I picked it up on Blu-Ray because I have a Playstation 3 and the visuals of the film are worth the extra 10 dollars for the hi-def treatment.
VERDICT: Buy it.
The Good German - A decent movie that REALLY disappointed at the box office, German doesn't quite merit a purchase, but it is good enough for a rental at the first opportunity.
VERDICT: Rent it ASAP.
Venus - I don't really know much about this movie, but Peter O'Toole was nominated for an Oscar for his performance, so that should be good enough. Hopefully it doesn't turn out to be this year's Junebug, a movie that's literally only worth seeing for one performance and otherwise sucks.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Hannibal Rising - The movie's a piece of shit. It's ugly and stupid and convoluted. The lead actor couldn't act his way out of a paper bag and goes out of his way to prove that he's Hannibal Lecter, to the point of hilarity. Still, it's not even the worst release of this post.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Epic Movie - I don't know why people keep going to see these movies. With Scary Movie, at least they're making attempts at creativity, but with Date Movie and Epic Movie, it seems that all they're doing is taking original ideas and adding fart jokes to them. There's really no reason that these movies need to exist outside of Mad Magazine. Please, America, stop seeing these movies.
VERDICT: Avoid it.
CDs:
The Bravery - The Sun And Moon - Far from being the best of the indie dance rock bands, The Bravery is often regarded as the "unoriginal" one and an undue amount of scorn is heaped upon them by critics and fans alike. Their debut was ok, but nothing great. The follow-up is an improvement, but still isn't on the level of Franz Ferdinand or The Killers. The first single, "Time Won't Let Me Go" is outstanding.
VERDICT: Buy it.
Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Before Long - Obviously, this is the CD that is going to be flying off of the shelves in the near future, though the band will continue to remain deadset in the mediocre column, just shy of greatness.
VERDICT: Borrow it.
Ozzy Osbourne - Black Rain - I don't know what to make of this CD. Ozzy's always been pretty reliable, but it's been a long damn time since he's put out an album of original material and he's aged a LOT since then. Still, it'll probably be worth a listen.
VERDICT: Borrow it.
The Used - Lies For The Liars - The Used is one of the better emo / screamo bands out there these days. When they're screaming, they're actually pretty good, but when they're merely singing... not so much. Their first album was great, their second album average. Let's hope this one builds on the first rather than slumping along with the second.
VERDICT: Borrow it.
DVDs:
Letters From Iwo Jima - This is the last Best Picture Nominee from 2006 that I have yet to see. Eastwood is one of the world's finest directors and while this movie isn't as exciting as Million Dollar Baby, it's still easily worth a purchase. I bought it as part of the 5-disc set (2 discs of Iwo Jima, 2 discs of Flags Of Our Fathers, 1 disc of related documentaries).
VERDICT: Buy it ASAP.
Apocalypto - Strangely, this movie didn't do very well at the box office, despite the fact that it's an excellent action film with a lot of great visuals and an outstanding pace. For a movie that's over 2 hours long, the film flies by without the viewer ever noticing it. This movie is worth a purchase. I picked it up on Blu-Ray because I have a Playstation 3 and the visuals of the film are worth the extra 10 dollars for the hi-def treatment.
VERDICT: Buy it.
The Good German - A decent movie that REALLY disappointed at the box office, German doesn't quite merit a purchase, but it is good enough for a rental at the first opportunity.
VERDICT: Rent it ASAP.
Venus - I don't really know much about this movie, but Peter O'Toole was nominated for an Oscar for his performance, so that should be good enough. Hopefully it doesn't turn out to be this year's Junebug, a movie that's literally only worth seeing for one performance and otherwise sucks.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Hannibal Rising - The movie's a piece of shit. It's ugly and stupid and convoluted. The lead actor couldn't act his way out of a paper bag and goes out of his way to prove that he's Hannibal Lecter, to the point of hilarity. Still, it's not even the worst release of this post.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Epic Movie - I don't know why people keep going to see these movies. With Scary Movie, at least they're making attempts at creativity, but with Date Movie and Epic Movie, it seems that all they're doing is taking original ideas and adding fart jokes to them. There's really no reason that these movies need to exist outside of Mad Magazine. Please, America, stop seeing these movies.
VERDICT: Avoid it.
CDs:
The Bravery - The Sun And Moon - Far from being the best of the indie dance rock bands, The Bravery is often regarded as the "unoriginal" one and an undue amount of scorn is heaped upon them by critics and fans alike. Their debut was ok, but nothing great. The follow-up is an improvement, but still isn't on the level of Franz Ferdinand or The Killers. The first single, "Time Won't Let Me Go" is outstanding.
VERDICT: Buy it.
Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Before Long - Obviously, this is the CD that is going to be flying off of the shelves in the near future, though the band will continue to remain deadset in the mediocre column, just shy of greatness.
VERDICT: Borrow it.
Ozzy Osbourne - Black Rain - I don't know what to make of this CD. Ozzy's always been pretty reliable, but it's been a long damn time since he's put out an album of original material and he's aged a LOT since then. Still, it'll probably be worth a listen.
VERDICT: Borrow it.
The Used - Lies For The Liars - The Used is one of the better emo / screamo bands out there these days. When they're screaming, they're actually pretty good, but when they're merely singing... not so much. Their first album was great, their second album average. Let's hope this one builds on the first rather than slumping along with the second.
VERDICT: Borrow it.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Modern Rock Monday
2007 Modern Rock Review Archive
Mastodon - Colony Of Birchmen - A-
If not for Tool or Wolfmother, Mastodon would be the hottest name in metal at the moment. This song is the best new metal song to be released as a single since "The Pot".
Green Day - Working Class Hero - A-
I've heard three versions of this song and this is the weakest (behind John Lennon and Ozzy Osbourne), but it's still an excellent song and a great performance.
Mando Diao - Long Before Rock N Roll - B+
A solid song that borrows too heavily from Franz Ferdinand and the Libertines to get an "A".
Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder - B
More pleasant but unremarkable music from Maroon 5. This one isn't up to the standards set on their previous album, but it's still alright.
Madina Lake - House Of Cards - B
The vocals are a bit too screamed for my tastes, but it's a well-structured song with a good chorus.
Lostprophets - The New Transmission - B
Credit where it's due, this is easily the best Lostprophets song I've ever heard. It would be an average song for Fall Out Boy or a disappointment for Rancid or Green Day, but still, it's easily my favorite from this improving band.
Jesse Malin - Don't Let Them Take You Down (Beautiful Day) - B
A solid pop-rock song with a bit more oomph than the usual John Mayer, Jack Johnson type song.
Kittie - Funeral For Yesterday - B-
This song is a very toned down Kittie compared to previous efforts. The music is lighter and you can understand what the singer says. These are not good things. Now they kinda sound like Evanescence. Please go back to real metal soon.
Linkin Park - What I've Done - B-
I'm not particularly happy to see Linkin Park back again, but at least they sound better this time around. I think it's mostly because they benched that screeching idiot who's ruined most of their first two albums. That's not to say this song is particularly good, mind you, but at least it's pleasant.
Lacuna Coil - Within Me - B-
A perfectly good Evanescence song. Wait, this isn't Evanescence? Dammit, why does everything sound like Evanescene these days? Get your own sound, kids, THEN start a band, ok?
Mickey Avalon - Jane Fonda - C-
A clumsy white hip-hop song that reminds me of slowed-down version of that awful Crazytown song. Ugh.
Korn - Politics - C-
Yeah, could we not talk about this song either? Talking about politics is probably more interesting by far.
Hopesfall - Magnetic North - D+
This can't possibly be a single can it? There's virtually nothing that happens in this song.
Marilyn Manson - Heart Shaped Glasses (When The Heart Guides The Hand) - F
Normally I'm the one in the conversation defending Manson's music, but what the fuck is this? It's a completely different sound for Marilyn and it REALLY SUCKS. I mean A LOT. The story of the song is lame, the style is pathetic and it's one of the worst songs I've heard in the past few years not to be produced by the usual suspects (Nickelback, Godsmack, Three Days Grace). Know when to hang it up.
Korn - Freak On A Leash (Unplugged) - F
No, no, no, no, no! What the fuck were you thinking, making an unplugged Korn album? The band is best known for it's heavy sound and swirling guitar. All this song reveals is Johnathan Davis' complete inability to sing and many of this song's lyrical weaknesses. Did you think bringing in Amy Lee would make the song sound better? Now it sounds like one of her dreary songs! Congrats on killing the memory of one of your best songs, Korn.
Mastodon - Colony Of Birchmen - A-
If not for Tool or Wolfmother, Mastodon would be the hottest name in metal at the moment. This song is the best new metal song to be released as a single since "The Pot".
Green Day - Working Class Hero - A-
I've heard three versions of this song and this is the weakest (behind John Lennon and Ozzy Osbourne), but it's still an excellent song and a great performance.
Mando Diao - Long Before Rock N Roll - B+
A solid song that borrows too heavily from Franz Ferdinand and the Libertines to get an "A".
Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder - B
More pleasant but unremarkable music from Maroon 5. This one isn't up to the standards set on their previous album, but it's still alright.
Madina Lake - House Of Cards - B
The vocals are a bit too screamed for my tastes, but it's a well-structured song with a good chorus.
Lostprophets - The New Transmission - B
Credit where it's due, this is easily the best Lostprophets song I've ever heard. It would be an average song for Fall Out Boy or a disappointment for Rancid or Green Day, but still, it's easily my favorite from this improving band.
Jesse Malin - Don't Let Them Take You Down (Beautiful Day) - B
A solid pop-rock song with a bit more oomph than the usual John Mayer, Jack Johnson type song.
Kittie - Funeral For Yesterday - B-
This song is a very toned down Kittie compared to previous efforts. The music is lighter and you can understand what the singer says. These are not good things. Now they kinda sound like Evanescence. Please go back to real metal soon.
Linkin Park - What I've Done - B-
I'm not particularly happy to see Linkin Park back again, but at least they sound better this time around. I think it's mostly because they benched that screeching idiot who's ruined most of their first two albums. That's not to say this song is particularly good, mind you, but at least it's pleasant.
Lacuna Coil - Within Me - B-
A perfectly good Evanescence song. Wait, this isn't Evanescence? Dammit, why does everything sound like Evanescene these days? Get your own sound, kids, THEN start a band, ok?
Mickey Avalon - Jane Fonda - C-
A clumsy white hip-hop song that reminds me of slowed-down version of that awful Crazytown song. Ugh.
Korn - Politics - C-
Yeah, could we not talk about this song either? Talking about politics is probably more interesting by far.
Hopesfall - Magnetic North - D+
This can't possibly be a single can it? There's virtually nothing that happens in this song.
Marilyn Manson - Heart Shaped Glasses (When The Heart Guides The Hand) - F
Normally I'm the one in the conversation defending Manson's music, but what the fuck is this? It's a completely different sound for Marilyn and it REALLY SUCKS. I mean A LOT. The story of the song is lame, the style is pathetic and it's one of the worst songs I've heard in the past few years not to be produced by the usual suspects (Nickelback, Godsmack, Three Days Grace). Know when to hang it up.
Korn - Freak On A Leash (Unplugged) - F
No, no, no, no, no! What the fuck were you thinking, making an unplugged Korn album? The band is best known for it's heavy sound and swirling guitar. All this song reveals is Johnathan Davis' complete inability to sing and many of this song's lyrical weaknesses. Did you think bringing in Amy Lee would make the song sound better? Now it sounds like one of her dreary songs! Congrats on killing the memory of one of your best songs, Korn.
New Movies
Once again we have a weekend where everything is running scared of the 800 lb. Gorilla. This week, it's Shrek The Third.
Shrek The Third - It's remarkable, but for the highest grossing film of the millennium (seriously), I can't remember a damn thing about Shrek 2. I know I've seen it, but while Shrek was an instant classic that I can still recall vividly, I can't remember a thing about the sequel. I don't imagine I'll remember this one much better, either. Having seen it, I can tell you that it's alright, but nothing fantastic.
VERDICT - See it.
Shrek The Third - It's remarkable, but for the highest grossing film of the millennium (seriously), I can't remember a damn thing about Shrek 2. I know I've seen it, but while Shrek was an instant classic that I can still recall vividly, I can't remember a thing about the sequel. I don't imagine I'll remember this one much better, either. Having seen it, I can tell you that it's alright, but nothing fantastic.
VERDICT - See it.
Weekly Modern Rock Review
Albums:
Bjork's Volta was the highest debuting new rock album at #9.
Also, Elliott Smith's New Moon debuted at #24 and Travis' The Boy With No Name starts out at #58.
Modern Rock:
Linkin Park stayed at #1.
The second single off of Year Zero, Capital G, debuts in the top 20 at #12.
Green Day's cover of John Lennon's Working Class Hero also breaks into the charts this week, debuting at #14.
Mainstream Rock:
Linkin Park stayed at #1. I imagine it'll be there most of the summer. Shame, too. It's not a good song.
Two new songs hit the top 20 this week as Daughtry's follow-up single What I Want starts out at #21 and Soulcrusher by Operator is at #19.
Bjork's Volta was the highest debuting new rock album at #9.
Also, Elliott Smith's New Moon debuted at #24 and Travis' The Boy With No Name starts out at #58.
Modern Rock:
Linkin Park stayed at #1.
The second single off of Year Zero, Capital G, debuts in the top 20 at #12.
Green Day's cover of John Lennon's Working Class Hero also breaks into the charts this week, debuting at #14.
Mainstream Rock:
Linkin Park stayed at #1. I imagine it'll be there most of the summer. Shame, too. It's not a good song.
Two new songs hit the top 20 this week as Daughtry's follow-up single What I Want starts out at #21 and Soulcrusher by Operator is at #19.
Monday, May 14, 2007
New Shit Tuesday
New CDs:
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky - There's almost no buzz whatsoever on this cd, but that didn't stop the Dave Matthews Band from opening at #1 a couple years back. I think it'll be an interesting CD, but I'm not in a rush to buy it.
VERDICT: Buy it, if you can find it on sale.
Linkin Park - Minutes To Midnight - This album will most likely debut at #1 and dominate the charts for a month or two. Of course, I hate Linkin Park, so I'm clearly biased, but I really hope this CD doesn't succeed.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Rufus Wainwright - Release The Stars - I've heard this album and it's boring as hell. I know that he's supposed to be a big thing in indie music right now, but that won't stop him from boring me to tears.
VERDICT: Skip it.
DVDs:
Pan's Labyrinth - I've been trying to see this movie in theaters since it came out, but I've never had the chance. The reviews for this movie essentially peg it as the best fantasy movie since the Lord of the Rings trilogy and from what I've seen I'm sure that's true.
VERDICT: Buy it, ASAP.
The Fountain - The classic love it or hate it type of movie. Most critics hated it, but I loved it. Not enough to buy it, mind you, but enough to rent it. The bottom line is that you won't like this movie if you absolutely need to know what's going on at any given point in a movie from start to finish with no thought required.
VERDICT: Rent it, ASAP.
The Dead Girl - I know nothing about this movie, but it was up for damn near every IFC movie award, so it must be at least a little good.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Seraphim Falls - A lost western movie starring Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson. I've heard good things, but I have no details whatsoever.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Arthur And The Invisibles - Remember when Pixar would put out a CG movie every 3 years and it would be Oscar worthy and not just as a cartoon? Those days are gone. Forever. CG movies are so easy to make these days that this kind of crap doesn't even warrant an advertising campaign. Does anyone know what this movie is about? Anyone?
VERDICT: Skip it.
Stomp The Yard - Remarkably, this is the highest grossing 2007 movie I have yet to see. And it will remain the highest grossing movie I have yet to see until something passes it. I don't know how a movie like this topped 60 million at the box office, but it did. It's about breakdancing or something. I guess people still like that shit.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky - There's almost no buzz whatsoever on this cd, but that didn't stop the Dave Matthews Band from opening at #1 a couple years back. I think it'll be an interesting CD, but I'm not in a rush to buy it.
VERDICT: Buy it, if you can find it on sale.
Linkin Park - Minutes To Midnight - This album will most likely debut at #1 and dominate the charts for a month or two. Of course, I hate Linkin Park, so I'm clearly biased, but I really hope this CD doesn't succeed.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Rufus Wainwright - Release The Stars - I've heard this album and it's boring as hell. I know that he's supposed to be a big thing in indie music right now, but that won't stop him from boring me to tears.
VERDICT: Skip it.
DVDs:
Pan's Labyrinth - I've been trying to see this movie in theaters since it came out, but I've never had the chance. The reviews for this movie essentially peg it as the best fantasy movie since the Lord of the Rings trilogy and from what I've seen I'm sure that's true.
VERDICT: Buy it, ASAP.
The Fountain - The classic love it or hate it type of movie. Most critics hated it, but I loved it. Not enough to buy it, mind you, but enough to rent it. The bottom line is that you won't like this movie if you absolutely need to know what's going on at any given point in a movie from start to finish with no thought required.
VERDICT: Rent it, ASAP.
The Dead Girl - I know nothing about this movie, but it was up for damn near every IFC movie award, so it must be at least a little good.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Seraphim Falls - A lost western movie starring Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson. I've heard good things, but I have no details whatsoever.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Arthur And The Invisibles - Remember when Pixar would put out a CG movie every 3 years and it would be Oscar worthy and not just as a cartoon? Those days are gone. Forever. CG movies are so easy to make these days that this kind of crap doesn't even warrant an advertising campaign. Does anyone know what this movie is about? Anyone?
VERDICT: Skip it.
Stomp The Yard - Remarkably, this is the highest grossing 2007 movie I have yet to see. And it will remain the highest grossing movie I have yet to see until something passes it. I don't know how a movie like this topped 60 million at the box office, but it did. It's about breakdancing or something. I guess people still like that shit.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Modern Rock Reviews
2007 Modern Rock Review Archives
Jet - Shine On - A-
The "Look What You've Done" of their second album, Jet once again captures a modern interpretation of the Beatles sound of the 60s in a way few bands ever have.
Joan Jett And The Blackhearts - Change The World - A-
An excellent throwback to her riot girl roots finds Joan recapturing the 80s style of political punk that she helped to create.
Keane - Nothing In My Way - B+
Another excellent, but not quite unforgettable Coldplay-lite song from Keane.
Idlewild - No Emotion - B+
Sounding like a sped up Death Cab or a slowed down Franz Ferdinand, this song has an interesting sound and good lyrics.
Keane - A Bad Dream - B+
An interesting and well-written song, but it definitely sounds like Keane could write this type of song in their sleep at this point. What keeps them from moving to the Coldplay level of their genre is the depth factor that's missing from their music. This is a really good pop song, but like any other pop song, it'll be forgotten in a matter of months.
Jet - Stand Up - B
A solid song that borrows too much from the Black Crowes to be a truly great song. Kind of like how Jet borrows too much from other bands to ever be a truly great band.
Jonezetta - Hot Machete - B
A decent indie dance rock song, but not particularly notable.
Incubus - Dig - B
Not the best follow-up single from this album, but still an above average song.
Jay-Z - Show Me What You Got - B
An unusual pick from Bradboard, this isn't one of Jay-Z's best, but it's still pretty good.
Killswitch Engage - My Curse - B-
Good early Metallica-esque chops, but the vocals and lyrics are lacking.
Kings Of Leon - On Call - B-
I might be the only one to say this, but I really prefer Kings of Leon's old sound to what they're doing now. This song isn't bad, but it's no "The Bucket" or "Molly's Chambers".
Hoobastank - Born To Lead - B-
Easily the best Hoobastank song in years, this song proves that the band is best when ripping off more talented bands. In this case, it's Shinedown instead of the usual Incubus.
In This Moment - Beautiful Tragedy - C+
Imagine a lyrically bankrupt Coheed And Cambria. That's this song.
Hurt - Falls Apart - C+
Generic but not necessarily bad metal song #1334465 checks in. Does everything need to sound like everything else these days?
Ima Robot - Creeps Me Out - D
An annoying and stupid song with very few redeeming qualities.
Jet - Shine On - A-
The "Look What You've Done" of their second album, Jet once again captures a modern interpretation of the Beatles sound of the 60s in a way few bands ever have.
Joan Jett And The Blackhearts - Change The World - A-
An excellent throwback to her riot girl roots finds Joan recapturing the 80s style of political punk that she helped to create.
Keane - Nothing In My Way - B+
Another excellent, but not quite unforgettable Coldplay-lite song from Keane.
Idlewild - No Emotion - B+
Sounding like a sped up Death Cab or a slowed down Franz Ferdinand, this song has an interesting sound and good lyrics.
Keane - A Bad Dream - B+
An interesting and well-written song, but it definitely sounds like Keane could write this type of song in their sleep at this point. What keeps them from moving to the Coldplay level of their genre is the depth factor that's missing from their music. This is a really good pop song, but like any other pop song, it'll be forgotten in a matter of months.
Jet - Stand Up - B
A solid song that borrows too much from the Black Crowes to be a truly great song. Kind of like how Jet borrows too much from other bands to ever be a truly great band.
Jonezetta - Hot Machete - B
A decent indie dance rock song, but not particularly notable.
Incubus - Dig - B
Not the best follow-up single from this album, but still an above average song.
Jay-Z - Show Me What You Got - B
An unusual pick from Bradboard, this isn't one of Jay-Z's best, but it's still pretty good.
Killswitch Engage - My Curse - B-
Good early Metallica-esque chops, but the vocals and lyrics are lacking.
Kings Of Leon - On Call - B-
I might be the only one to say this, but I really prefer Kings of Leon's old sound to what they're doing now. This song isn't bad, but it's no "The Bucket" or "Molly's Chambers".
Hoobastank - Born To Lead - B-
Easily the best Hoobastank song in years, this song proves that the band is best when ripping off more talented bands. In this case, it's Shinedown instead of the usual Incubus.
In This Moment - Beautiful Tragedy - C+
Imagine a lyrically bankrupt Coheed And Cambria. That's this song.
Hurt - Falls Apart - C+
Generic but not necessarily bad metal song #1334465 checks in. Does everything need to sound like everything else these days?
Ima Robot - Creeps Me Out - D
An annoying and stupid song with very few redeeming qualities.
New In Theaters
Hollywood plays up to the hole by releasing a bunch of movies that have no chance to competing with Spiderman 3 or Shrek 3 or Pirates 3 or any of the other original movies coming out this summer, but might squeak by for some decent results in the margins in between.
28 Weeks Later: The original 28 Days Later was one of the greatest action movies of the past 10 years. The buzz on the sequel (without any of the original's stars or director) is that it isn't nearly as good, but nonetheless I can't wait to see it.
VERDICT: See it, ASAP.
The Ex: Zach Braff, Jason Bateman and Amanda Peet star in a movie with the wicked premise of having Bateman playing a man in a wheelchair who might be faking it? Sounds fucking awesome... so why is it only opening in 1000 theaters? After Grindhouse, this marks the second major failure on the part of the Weinstein Company. Still, I'd like to see it if I get the chance.
VERDICT: See it.
Georgia Rule: Lindsey Lohan continues to piss her talents down the drain with this boring pile of shit, which is more well-known for it's disastrous on-set problems than anything regarding it's story.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Delta Farce: So Larry The Cable Guy stars in a movie about a bunch of idiots who somehow mistakenly end up being shipped to fight in Iraq, only to end up in Mexico where they fight a bunch of Mexicans, who gull durn it, look just like Iraqis? You mean there's a movie starring an idiot that features idiotic plot devices and an incredible amount of racism and hatred disguised as redneck humor? Wait, in the ads there's a bunch of gay jokes too! Amazing...
-ly bad.
VERDICT: Bitch-slap anyone you know who wants to see this movie.
28 Weeks Later: The original 28 Days Later was one of the greatest action movies of the past 10 years. The buzz on the sequel (without any of the original's stars or director) is that it isn't nearly as good, but nonetheless I can't wait to see it.
VERDICT: See it, ASAP.
The Ex: Zach Braff, Jason Bateman and Amanda Peet star in a movie with the wicked premise of having Bateman playing a man in a wheelchair who might be faking it? Sounds fucking awesome... so why is it only opening in 1000 theaters? After Grindhouse, this marks the second major failure on the part of the Weinstein Company. Still, I'd like to see it if I get the chance.
VERDICT: See it.
Georgia Rule: Lindsey Lohan continues to piss her talents down the drain with this boring pile of shit, which is more well-known for it's disastrous on-set problems than anything regarding it's story.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Delta Farce: So Larry The Cable Guy stars in a movie about a bunch of idiots who somehow mistakenly end up being shipped to fight in Iraq, only to end up in Mexico where they fight a bunch of Mexicans, who gull durn it, look just like Iraqis? You mean there's a movie starring an idiot that features idiotic plot devices and an incredible amount of racism and hatred disguised as redneck humor? Wait, in the ads there's a bunch of gay jokes too! Amazing...
-ly bad.
VERDICT: Bitch-slap anyone you know who wants to see this movie.
Rock Charts Update
Albums:
Surprisingly, Rush's Snakes And Arrows was the top rock album of the week, debuting at #3. Did I fall asleep and wake up in 1977 or something?
Avril fell from #1 down to #4.
Tori Amos debuted at #5 with American Doll Posse, the latest album in her career-killing downward spiral. Really, it's not very good. I won't be buying her next album until she bounces back.
Feist debuted at #16 with The Reminder, a remarkable feat considering that it's much better than Broken Social Scene's ever done on the charts.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's Baby 81 debuted at #46. A promising start that will hopefully get better as the brilliant "Weapon Of Choice" leaks out onto rock radio stations.
Also debuting this week was the comeback album from Dinosaur Jr., Beyond, which started out slowly at #69.
Modern Rock:
Linkin Park stayed at #1. Sadly, I'm sure I"ll be saying that a lot in the near future.
Plain White T's "Hey, Delilah" moved up from #6 to #3, making it the top-ranked "good" song of the week.
The White Stripes "Icky Thump" jumps all the way from #24 to #7 to debut in the top 20. Not the best Stripes song, but how freakin' awesome is it for a band this good to become this popular without selling out in a U2 sort of way?
Also debuting in the top 20:
The Almost "Say This Sooner" at #18.
Surprisingly, Rush's Snakes And Arrows was the top rock album of the week, debuting at #3. Did I fall asleep and wake up in 1977 or something?
Avril fell from #1 down to #4.
Tori Amos debuted at #5 with American Doll Posse, the latest album in her career-killing downward spiral. Really, it's not very good. I won't be buying her next album until she bounces back.
Feist debuted at #16 with The Reminder, a remarkable feat considering that it's much better than Broken Social Scene's ever done on the charts.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's Baby 81 debuted at #46. A promising start that will hopefully get better as the brilliant "Weapon Of Choice" leaks out onto rock radio stations.
Also debuting this week was the comeback album from Dinosaur Jr., Beyond, which started out slowly at #69.
Modern Rock:
Linkin Park stayed at #1. Sadly, I'm sure I"ll be saying that a lot in the near future.
Plain White T's "Hey, Delilah" moved up from #6 to #3, making it the top-ranked "good" song of the week.
The White Stripes "Icky Thump" jumps all the way from #24 to #7 to debut in the top 20. Not the best Stripes song, but how freakin' awesome is it for a band this good to become this popular without selling out in a U2 sort of way?
Also debuting in the top 20:
The Almost "Say This Sooner" at #18.
Sick Puppies "All The Same" at #20.
Mainstream Rock:
Linkin Park was also #1 on Mainstream. They were also on Saturday Night Live this week and their new album is sure to debut at #1 next week. Surrender, Dorothy, it's over. There is no refuge from the shitty rap metal bullshit phalanx.
Nothing else really significant this week though Red "Breathe Into Me" did debut at #17.
Mainstream Rock:
Linkin Park was also #1 on Mainstream. They were also on Saturday Night Live this week and their new album is sure to debut at #1 next week. Surrender, Dorothy, it's over. There is no refuge from the shitty rap metal bullshit phalanx.
Nothing else really significant this week though Red "Breathe Into Me" did debut at #17.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
May 2007 Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees
May 2007 saw seven bands inducted into my rock n roll hall of fame:
Stone Temple Pilots
Elvis Presley
Elvis Costello
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Metallica
Neil Young
The Ramones
For more details, click here.
Stone Temple Pilots
Elvis Presley
Elvis Costello
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Metallica
Neil Young
The Ramones
For more details, click here.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
New Shit Tuesday
New CDs:
After being spoiled by the one-per-week pace of cd releases over the past few months, this week is pretty tame. There isn't a single CD that I'm rushing out to buy, but there's plenty of stuff worth a listen:
Travis - The Boy With No Name - The aging Brit-pop band that never quite made it in America, Travis is still a decent band.
Elliott Smith - New Moon - Yet another "lost songs" album from Smith, who died years ago, officially making him the Tupac Shakur of indie rock.
New discs by The Clientele, Electrelane and The View - Basically a bunch of sink or swim discs that depend on personal taste.
Bjork - Volta - Well, Yoko Ono just released a disc a few weeks back, so short of having them together in the same room at the same time, this is the closest we'll get to having actual proof that they're not the same person.
VERDICT: Run away, quickly.
DVDs:
Again, a mediocre week for new DVDs. There aren't any I would personally buy, but aside from a slew of chick flicks there is one movie that's of great interest to me.
Deliver Us From Evil: This Academy Award nominated documentary examines the child molestation scandal within the Catholic Church and the cover-up within the church. The reviews say that it pulls no punches and gets right to the core of the issue by interviewing one of the head priests involved in the scandal.
VERDICT: Rent it ASAP.
The Painted Veil: Edward Norton is one of my favorite actors at the moment and while this period piece seems dull and uneventful, it's probably still worth a peek.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Fur: Word has it that this bio pic starring Nicole Kidman is just plain awful, but I'm still interested in seeing it.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Music and Lyrics, Because I Said So, Catch And Release - And here we have the three movie estrogen dump of the week. Each movie has maybe one thing going for it (respectively Hugh Grant, Lauren Graham and Kevin Smith), but that's not nearly enough to recommend any of them to anyone with taste similar to mine.
VERDICT: Avoid it.
Well, there you have it... In a word: Mediocre. Hopefully, next week will be better.
After being spoiled by the one-per-week pace of cd releases over the past few months, this week is pretty tame. There isn't a single CD that I'm rushing out to buy, but there's plenty of stuff worth a listen:
Travis - The Boy With No Name - The aging Brit-pop band that never quite made it in America, Travis is still a decent band.
Elliott Smith - New Moon - Yet another "lost songs" album from Smith, who died years ago, officially making him the Tupac Shakur of indie rock.
New discs by The Clientele, Electrelane and The View - Basically a bunch of sink or swim discs that depend on personal taste.
Bjork - Volta - Well, Yoko Ono just released a disc a few weeks back, so short of having them together in the same room at the same time, this is the closest we'll get to having actual proof that they're not the same person.
VERDICT: Run away, quickly.
DVDs:
Again, a mediocre week for new DVDs. There aren't any I would personally buy, but aside from a slew of chick flicks there is one movie that's of great interest to me.
Deliver Us From Evil: This Academy Award nominated documentary examines the child molestation scandal within the Catholic Church and the cover-up within the church. The reviews say that it pulls no punches and gets right to the core of the issue by interviewing one of the head priests involved in the scandal.
VERDICT: Rent it ASAP.
The Painted Veil: Edward Norton is one of my favorite actors at the moment and while this period piece seems dull and uneventful, it's probably still worth a peek.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Fur: Word has it that this bio pic starring Nicole Kidman is just plain awful, but I'm still interested in seeing it.
VERDICT: Rent it.
Music and Lyrics, Because I Said So, Catch And Release - And here we have the three movie estrogen dump of the week. Each movie has maybe one thing going for it (respectively Hugh Grant, Lauren Graham and Kevin Smith), but that's not nearly enough to recommend any of them to anyone with taste similar to mine.
VERDICT: Avoid it.
Well, there you have it... In a word: Mediocre. Hopefully, next week will be better.
Modern Rock Monday
2007 Modern Rock Archive
Amy Winehouse - Rehab - A
The best song off of her new album, "Rehab" is a fun R&B song with a top-notch beat.
Guster - Satellite - A
A slow but entrancing indie rock song with a fantastic chorus and hook.
Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces - A
A smooth and cool indie rock R&B song from the masters of that rare genre.
Autovein - Save Me - A-
The best Foo Fighters song released in 2007 so far, this song is quite good, but has trouble getting past it's obvious influence.
Black Sabbath - The Devil Cried - B
Over the top, heavy, goofy and all in all the most Dio-tastic song of the year.
Anberlin - Godspeed - B
An interesting song that doesn't take off, but is certainly above average.
Fu Manchu - Hung Out To Dry - B
A good, but not great stoner rock song.
Hello Goodbye - Here In Your Arms - B-
A weird but interesting Death Cab meets Daft Punk indie song.
H.I.M. - Join Me - C
A pleasant sounding song with goofy lyrics.
Good Charlotte - The River - C
Not a bad song for Good Charlotte, but it would be a disappointment from a better band.
Ghost Machine - Siesta Loca - C
very confused song that shifts midway through from ripping off Tool to ripping off Slipknot. In the future, pick one successful artist steal from and stick with it.
A Change Of Pace - Shoot From The Hip - C
Yet another timid Fall Out Boy knock-off. Very boring with a lousy chorus.
Hellyeah - You Wouldn't Know - D+
Sludgy noise metal with no redeeming qualities.
Hinder - Better Than Me - D-
The best thing I can say about this song is that it's not as radio friendly as "Lips Of An Angel", so at least I won't have to listen to it on infinite repeat. Crappy lyrics, lousy vocals and a terrible chorus. Yikes. Radio can do much better than you as well.
Godsmack - The Enemy - D-
More dull shit from Godsmack. Honestly, I think they've given up on good music and just record the same song over and over again, just to see if anyone notices.
Amy Winehouse - Rehab - A
The best song off of her new album, "Rehab" is a fun R&B song with a top-notch beat.
Guster - Satellite - A
A slow but entrancing indie rock song with a fantastic chorus and hook.
Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces - A
A smooth and cool indie rock R&B song from the masters of that rare genre.
Autovein - Save Me - A-
The best Foo Fighters song released in 2007 so far, this song is quite good, but has trouble getting past it's obvious influence.
Black Sabbath - The Devil Cried - B
Over the top, heavy, goofy and all in all the most Dio-tastic song of the year.
Anberlin - Godspeed - B
An interesting song that doesn't take off, but is certainly above average.
Fu Manchu - Hung Out To Dry - B
A good, but not great stoner rock song.
Hello Goodbye - Here In Your Arms - B-
A weird but interesting Death Cab meets Daft Punk indie song.
H.I.M. - Join Me - C
A pleasant sounding song with goofy lyrics.
Good Charlotte - The River - C
Not a bad song for Good Charlotte, but it would be a disappointment from a better band.
Ghost Machine - Siesta Loca - C
very confused song that shifts midway through from ripping off Tool to ripping off Slipknot. In the future, pick one successful artist steal from and stick with it.
A Change Of Pace - Shoot From The Hip - C
Yet another timid Fall Out Boy knock-off. Very boring with a lousy chorus.
Hellyeah - You Wouldn't Know - D+
Sludgy noise metal with no redeeming qualities.
Hinder - Better Than Me - D-
The best thing I can say about this song is that it's not as radio friendly as "Lips Of An Angel", so at least I won't have to listen to it on infinite repeat. Crappy lyrics, lousy vocals and a terrible chorus. Yikes. Radio can do much better than you as well.
Godsmack - The Enemy - D-
More dull shit from Godsmack. Honestly, I think they've given up on good music and just record the same song over and over again, just to see if anyone notices.
New Releases This Weekend
There were only 2 new releases this weekend, one of them huge and widely anticipated to be one of the highest grossing movies of all time, the other one Spider-Man 3.
Spider-man 3: The official kickoff of the summer movie season arrives with this sequel to one of the most successful franchises of all-time. Word on the street is that there's way too much plot in this movie and it's the weakest of the three, but that's not going to stop me or anyone else from seeing it the first chance I get.
VERDICT: See it, ASAP.
Lucky You: So your movie's been on the shelf for 2 years despite having a first-rate director, a legendary actor, Drew Barrymore and an actor who at the time seemed like he was on his way to the A-list and now it's finally opening... against Spider-Man 3. Good luck.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Spider-man 3: The official kickoff of the summer movie season arrives with this sequel to one of the most successful franchises of all-time. Word on the street is that there's way too much plot in this movie and it's the weakest of the three, but that's not going to stop me or anyone else from seeing it the first chance I get.
VERDICT: See it, ASAP.
Lucky You: So your movie's been on the shelf for 2 years despite having a first-rate director, a legendary actor, Drew Barrymore and an actor who at the time seemed like he was on his way to the A-list and now it's finally opening... against Spider-Man 3. Good luck.
VERDICT: Skip it.
Billboard Rock Charts Review
Albums:
Avril Lavigne's new album stayed at #1 for some reason while NIN slipped from #2 to #3. Debuting at #7 is the second major album from The Arctic Monkeys: "Favourite Worst Nightmare". Also debuting in the top 100: "Fear of a Black Planet" by Porcupine Tree at #59 and "Twelve" by Patti Smith at #60.
Modern Rock:
Linkin Park was #1 again with "What I've Done". Debuting this week at #18 is Finger Eleven's Franz Ferdinand ripoff "Paralyzer", which has been on the mainstream charts for months.
Mainstream Rock:
All your bases are belong to Linkin Park as they take over the #1 spot on both rock charts for the first time in a couple years. Debuting this week is yet another song from Saliva called "Broken Sunday".
Avril Lavigne's new album stayed at #1 for some reason while NIN slipped from #2 to #3. Debuting at #7 is the second major album from The Arctic Monkeys: "Favourite Worst Nightmare". Also debuting in the top 100: "Fear of a Black Planet" by Porcupine Tree at #59 and "Twelve" by Patti Smith at #60.
Modern Rock:
Linkin Park was #1 again with "What I've Done". Debuting this week at #18 is Finger Eleven's Franz Ferdinand ripoff "Paralyzer", which has been on the mainstream charts for months.
Mainstream Rock:
All your bases are belong to Linkin Park as they take over the #1 spot on both rock charts for the first time in a couple years. Debuting this week is yet another song from Saliva called "Broken Sunday".
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
New Shit Tuesday
CDs:
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Baby 81 - One of the best underground bands in indie rock makes a play for a mainstream audience with this fantastic new disc. If you like the Jesus and Mary Chain, you'll like BRMC.
Verdict: Buy it ASAP.
Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond - The reunion disc for legendary 80s indie band Dinosaur Jr. is a fantastic return to form from a great band that's been overlooked.
Verdict: Buy it.
Tori Amos - American Doll Posse - Tori's still pretty reliable, but she's been in a major slump as of late. This disc doesn't pull her out of said slump.
Verdict: Borrow it.
Feist - The Reminder - This Broken Social Scene spin-off is good, but not to my particular tastes.
Verdict: Buy it if you like BSS, otherwise, skip it.
DVDs:
Little Children - Todd Field's follow-up to In The Bedroom is an obscure, but supposedly brilliant look at the dark lives lived in quiet suburbs. I plan to rent it the first chance I get, but it's not quite on my buy list.
Verdict: Rent it ASAP.
Dreamgirls - The movie that Best Picture forgot is an interesting, but middle-of-the-road musical that tracks the history of rock n roll from Motown through disco through the eyes of artists who are absolutely not based on The Supremes and James Brown.
Verdict: Rent it.
Alpha Dog - I haven't seen it, but I've heard that the movie is actually surprisingly good.
Verdict: Rent it.
The Hitcher - At some point Hollywood decided that instead of coming up with new ideas for trashy slasher pics it would be easier to just re-make the slasher pics of last generation and market them as though they'll be interesting now. The original Hitcher was one of the classiest and creepiest suspense movies of the 80s. From what I've heard, the re-make doesn't touch the original in any way, which is typical of this type of film. Is it really that hard to make a slasher film? All you need is a killer with a mask and a bunch of teenagers... Do you really need to steal someone else's ideas to come up with that?
Verdict: Skip it.
All in all, a decent week for new releases. 2 top shelf CD releases and a trio of movies worth renting make for the best week in a good while.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Baby 81 - One of the best underground bands in indie rock makes a play for a mainstream audience with this fantastic new disc. If you like the Jesus and Mary Chain, you'll like BRMC.
Verdict: Buy it ASAP.
Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond - The reunion disc for legendary 80s indie band Dinosaur Jr. is a fantastic return to form from a great band that's been overlooked.
Verdict: Buy it.
Tori Amos - American Doll Posse - Tori's still pretty reliable, but she's been in a major slump as of late. This disc doesn't pull her out of said slump.
Verdict: Borrow it.
Feist - The Reminder - This Broken Social Scene spin-off is good, but not to my particular tastes.
Verdict: Buy it if you like BSS, otherwise, skip it.
DVDs:
Little Children - Todd Field's follow-up to In The Bedroom is an obscure, but supposedly brilliant look at the dark lives lived in quiet suburbs. I plan to rent it the first chance I get, but it's not quite on my buy list.
Verdict: Rent it ASAP.
Dreamgirls - The movie that Best Picture forgot is an interesting, but middle-of-the-road musical that tracks the history of rock n roll from Motown through disco through the eyes of artists who are absolutely not based on The Supremes and James Brown.
Verdict: Rent it.
Alpha Dog - I haven't seen it, but I've heard that the movie is actually surprisingly good.
Verdict: Rent it.
The Hitcher - At some point Hollywood decided that instead of coming up with new ideas for trashy slasher pics it would be easier to just re-make the slasher pics of last generation and market them as though they'll be interesting now. The original Hitcher was one of the classiest and creepiest suspense movies of the 80s. From what I've heard, the re-make doesn't touch the original in any way, which is typical of this type of film. Is it really that hard to make a slasher film? All you need is a killer with a mask and a bunch of teenagers... Do you really need to steal someone else's ideas to come up with that?
Verdict: Skip it.
All in all, a decent week for new releases. 2 top shelf CD releases and a trio of movies worth renting make for the best week in a good while.
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