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.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
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.
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