The Simpsons Movie - In a summer of sequels and trequels, it's nice to finally see an original film... that's based on a tv show that will soon enter it's third decade of existence. Still, this is one of my most anticipated films of the year and I can't wait to see it.
VERDICT - SEE IT ASAP.
No Reservations - This definitely seems like a movie that should have waited until next month. It looks boring and I have little interest in it.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
I Know Who Killed Me - Lindsay Lohan's career hits a new low as the second catastrophic flop of the summer afflicts her now pointless career. Who wants to watch a slasher film in July, anyway?
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
Who's Your Caddy? - I'm pretty sure I've already seen this movie. It was called Caddyshack. It was a classic. You can't improve on it, so why are you trying?
VERDICT - AVOID IT.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Modern Rock Update
Albums:
In a slow week for Rock, the top debut is Yellowcard at #13. Also debuting this week was Rooney at #42, The Chemical Brothers at #65 and MXPX at #76.
Modern Rock:
At long last good triumphs over evil as the White Stripes get their first Number One song with "Icky Thump", which knocks Linkin Park off of the top of the Modern Rock Charts after 15 long weeks. Sadly, the new Linkin Park song just entered the top 10 this week, so this is probably a short-lived triumph. Still, the greatest band in the world at the moment has the #1 song. Cool.
Two new songs debuted in the top 20 this week as Incubus saw the third single off of Light Grenades, "Oil And Water" debut at #18 and Social Distortion saw their first song in the top 20 since I've been observing it with "Far Behind" at #20.
Mainstream Rock:
Ozzy remained at #1 again this week.
Debuting this week at #19 is Fair to Midland with "Dance of the Manatee" and Flyleaf "All Around Me" at #20.
In a slow week for Rock, the top debut is Yellowcard at #13. Also debuting this week was Rooney at #42, The Chemical Brothers at #65 and MXPX at #76.
Modern Rock:
At long last good triumphs over evil as the White Stripes get their first Number One song with "Icky Thump", which knocks Linkin Park off of the top of the Modern Rock Charts after 15 long weeks. Sadly, the new Linkin Park song just entered the top 10 this week, so this is probably a short-lived triumph. Still, the greatest band in the world at the moment has the #1 song. Cool.
Two new songs debuted in the top 20 this week as Incubus saw the third single off of Light Grenades, "Oil And Water" debut at #18 and Social Distortion saw their first song in the top 20 since I've been observing it with "Far Behind" at #20.
Mainstream Rock:
Ozzy remained at #1 again this week.
Debuting this week at #19 is Fair to Midland with "Dance of the Manatee" and Flyleaf "All Around Me" at #20.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
New Shit This Week
DVDs:
Zodiac - One of the best movies of 2007, this film was tragically overlooked in theaters. It's tense and creepy and surprisingly non-violent for a movie about a serial killer.
VERDICT - BUY IT ASAP
The Host - I haven't seen this one yet, but the buzz on it is that it's one of the best monster movies of all-time and like all great sci fi films, it's not entirely about the monster so much as the statements built into the film.
VERDICT - RENT IT
The Number 23 - By far Jim Carrey's strangest film choice since becoming a star, this movie is all about style over substance. It's an interesting movie with a decent plot twist towards the end, but still not quite worth a purchase.
VERDICT - RENT IT
Perfume - Based on a best-selling novel this movie failed to get much backing from the studio and disappeared quickly. The word is that it's not very good, but I'm curious.
VERDICT - RENT IT
CDs:
Sum 41 - Underclass Hero - Sum 41's never been the best political punk band, but they've also never been the worst. They're usually good for a classic or two per album, so hopefully this album will keep that trend going.
VERDICT - BORROW IT
Tegan And Sara - The Con - T&S are definitely an acquired taste, but I like them, but not enough to buy the CD outright.
VERDICT - BORROW IT
The Manic Street Preachers - Send Away The Tigers - Not my favorite band, but definitely worth a listen.
VERDICT - BORROW IT
Zodiac - One of the best movies of 2007, this film was tragically overlooked in theaters. It's tense and creepy and surprisingly non-violent for a movie about a serial killer.
VERDICT - BUY IT ASAP
The Host - I haven't seen this one yet, but the buzz on it is that it's one of the best monster movies of all-time and like all great sci fi films, it's not entirely about the monster so much as the statements built into the film.
VERDICT - RENT IT
The Number 23 - By far Jim Carrey's strangest film choice since becoming a star, this movie is all about style over substance. It's an interesting movie with a decent plot twist towards the end, but still not quite worth a purchase.
VERDICT - RENT IT
Perfume - Based on a best-selling novel this movie failed to get much backing from the studio and disappeared quickly. The word is that it's not very good, but I'm curious.
VERDICT - RENT IT
CDs:
Sum 41 - Underclass Hero - Sum 41's never been the best political punk band, but they've also never been the worst. They're usually good for a classic or two per album, so hopefully this album will keep that trend going.
VERDICT - BORROW IT
Tegan And Sara - The Con - T&S are definitely an acquired taste, but I like them, but not enough to buy the CD outright.
VERDICT - BORROW IT
The Manic Street Preachers - Send Away The Tigers - Not my favorite band, but definitely worth a listen.
VERDICT - BORROW IT
Modern Rock Reviews
Modern Rock Archive
The Decemberists - O Valencia - A
If it weren't for The Shins, The Decemberists would probably get a lot more publicity for their quirky and brilliantly written indie rock. This is one of their finest and with a slightly faster tempo might have earned an "A+".
The Editors - Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors - A-
The best Joy Division knock-off of the year so far (take that Interpol) is a gloomy and engrossing tune with a solid chorus. This is the best Editors song so far.
The Deftones - Hole In The Earth - A-
The best metal band around right now not named "Tool", the Deftones release their most melodic and radio-friendly single since "Change".
The Cat Empire - Sly - A-
A slowed-down Arctic Monkeys-esque single marks the arrival of The Cat Empire, a promising new indie band.
The Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds - B+
It's no "Hang Me Up To Dry", but it's still a cut above the usual assortment of indie rock and pop punk songs on the radio.
The Format - She Doesn't Get It - B+
This song is far above average, but it doesn't quite reach the elite heights of indie rock due to it's lack of a solid hook.
The Cinematics - Keep Forgetting - B+
Another solid single for The Cinematics, this time with a much better chorus.
The Clicks - Oh Yeah - B+
A solid debut for the indie rock band featuring above-average vocals and a solid beat.
The Cinematics - Break - B+
An above-average indie rock song with good verses, but a mediocre chorus.
The Deftones - Mein - B
A solid metal tune that doesn't quite hit on all the marks.
The Feeling - Sewn - B
A decent but timid emo song that isn't well-written enough to be weak but isn't hooky enough to overcome it's lyrical shortcomings.
The Colour - Save Yourself - B
A decent song that is badly in need of a chorus.
The Exies - Different From You - B-
A sludgy metal song that at the very least doesn't have an irritating vocal like most of them do.
The Dollyrots - Because I'm Awesome - B-
A great riot-grrl sound is betrayed by miserably bad lyrics. This wouldn't happen to be a Donnas side project, would it?
The Classic Crime - The Fight - B-
An average pop punk song. Not necessarily bad, but doesn't stand out in a crowded field.
The Decemberists - O Valencia - A
If it weren't for The Shins, The Decemberists would probably get a lot more publicity for their quirky and brilliantly written indie rock. This is one of their finest and with a slightly faster tempo might have earned an "A+".
The Editors - Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors - A-
The best Joy Division knock-off of the year so far (take that Interpol) is a gloomy and engrossing tune with a solid chorus. This is the best Editors song so far.
The Deftones - Hole In The Earth - A-
The best metal band around right now not named "Tool", the Deftones release their most melodic and radio-friendly single since "Change".
The Cat Empire - Sly - A-
A slowed-down Arctic Monkeys-esque single marks the arrival of The Cat Empire, a promising new indie band.
The Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds - B+
It's no "Hang Me Up To Dry", but it's still a cut above the usual assortment of indie rock and pop punk songs on the radio.
The Format - She Doesn't Get It - B+
This song is far above average, but it doesn't quite reach the elite heights of indie rock due to it's lack of a solid hook.
The Cinematics - Keep Forgetting - B+
Another solid single for The Cinematics, this time with a much better chorus.
The Clicks - Oh Yeah - B+
A solid debut for the indie rock band featuring above-average vocals and a solid beat.
The Cinematics - Break - B+
An above-average indie rock song with good verses, but a mediocre chorus.
The Deftones - Mein - B
A solid metal tune that doesn't quite hit on all the marks.
The Feeling - Sewn - B
A decent but timid emo song that isn't well-written enough to be weak but isn't hooky enough to overcome it's lyrical shortcomings.
The Colour - Save Yourself - B
A decent song that is badly in need of a chorus.
The Exies - Different From You - B-
A sludgy metal song that at the very least doesn't have an irritating vocal like most of them do.
The Dollyrots - Because I'm Awesome - B-
A great riot-grrl sound is betrayed by miserably bad lyrics. This wouldn't happen to be a Donnas side project, would it?
The Classic Crime - The Fight - B-
An average pop punk song. Not necessarily bad, but doesn't stand out in a crowded field.
New Movies This Week
Sunshine - Although it's not playing at a theater near you, Sunshine is easily the most interesting film this weekend, as far as I'm concerned. Danny Boyle has been a favorite director of mine and his take on the science fiction genre has been getting solid reviews so far.
VERDICT - See it.
Hairspray - I'm not the biggest fan of musicals, but this one is based on a John Waters film and it maintains a lot of his quirkiness and his lack of subtlety. It's a very fun movie, though it does drag towards the middle.
VERDICT - See it.
I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry - America is going to flock to this movie because it stars Adam Sandler and it's not a drama, but this movie is a piece of crap. The jokes are moronic and offensive. 20 years ago a movie came out about a guy who painted his face black in order to rip off affirmative action programs. This movie is as offensive to gays as that movie was to blacks. Sure, they add a "homophobia is bad" message, but they pretty much had to or else it would have been endorsed by the Klan.
VERDICT - Skip it.
VERDICT - See it.
Hairspray - I'm not the biggest fan of musicals, but this one is based on a John Waters film and it maintains a lot of his quirkiness and his lack of subtlety. It's a very fun movie, though it does drag towards the middle.
VERDICT - See it.
I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry - America is going to flock to this movie because it stars Adam Sandler and it's not a drama, but this movie is a piece of crap. The jokes are moronic and offensive. 20 years ago a movie came out about a guy who painted his face black in order to rip off affirmative action programs. This movie is as offensive to gays as that movie was to blacks. Sure, they add a "homophobia is bad" message, but they pretty much had to or else it would have been endorsed by the Klan.
VERDICT - Skip it.
Modern Rock Update
Albums:
The Smashing Pumpkins debuted at #2 with Zeitgeist.
Interpol enjoyed their best debut yet with Our Love To Admire starting out at #4.
Spoon debuted at #10 with Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, easily their highest debut.
Also debuting this week was Bad Religion at #35, Crowded House at #46, and Against Me at #57.
Modern Rock:
Linkin Park spends their 15th straight week at #1 with the same song. We're getting close to the record here.
Muse returns to the Modern Rock charts with "Supermassive Black Hole", the third brilliant single release from their latest album.
Mainstream Rock:
Ozzy remains at #1 with "I Don't Wanna Stop".
The Smashing Pumpkins debuted at #2 with Zeitgeist.
Interpol enjoyed their best debut yet with Our Love To Admire starting out at #4.
Spoon debuted at #10 with Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, easily their highest debut.
Also debuting this week was Bad Religion at #35, Crowded House at #46, and Against Me at #57.
Modern Rock:
Linkin Park spends their 15th straight week at #1 with the same song. We're getting close to the record here.
Muse returns to the Modern Rock charts with "Supermassive Black Hole", the third brilliant single release from their latest album.
Mainstream Rock:
Ozzy remains at #1 with "I Don't Wanna Stop".
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Battle Of The Bands 2007 - Round 2 - Bracket D
#1 Beck 3 - #32 Fall Out Boy 0 - Artistic and successful trumps trendy and successful.
#2 Pearl Jam 3 - #31 Eminem 0 - Thus ending hip hop's run in this tournament for good.
#3 Sparta 3 - #30 Seether 0 - Hey, does anyone still remember Seether? They used to be really popular? Yeah, me neither.
#4 Incubus 3 - #29 Interpol 0 - Interpol is yet another victim of the bizarre seeding syndrome that's overtaken this year's competition.
#28 The Gorillaz 2 - #5 Tenacious D 1 - Of the two bands, how is it possible that the band that takes itself most seriously also claims to be comprised entirely of cartoon characters? Also, this is the biggest upset of the bracket so far.
#6 The Strokes 3 - #27 Dirty Pretty Things 0 - DPT is clearly the victim of "who the hell are they" syndrome.
#39 Maroon 5 2 - #7 R.E.M. 1 - Which is a better question: How did Maroon 5 end up a 39 seed or how did R.E.M. end up a 7?
#8 The Raconteurs 3 - #25 The Transplants 0 - A bigger question than who is better is whether or not either band will ever release another album.
#9 The Yeah Yeah Yeahs 3 - #24 Placebo 0 - Placebo may have been too obscure in America to compete at this level.
#10 Iggy Pop 2 - #23 Panic At The Disco 1 - I cast the deciding vote in this match. It's not that Iggy's done that much lately, but Panic really irritates the hell out of me.
#11 K.T. Tunstall 2 - #22 Jack Johnson 1 - K.T. wins the adult contemporary face-off this round.
#12 Velvet Revolver 3 - #21 Flyleaf 0 - This vote actually took place before Velvet Revolver's new CD was released, so they probably would have been even higher ranked if that wasn't the case.
#13 Oasis 2 - #20 Norah Jones 1 - Oasis is fun to listen to, which is why they won.
#19 Guster 2 - #14 The Postal Service 1 - A surprising result, but it's good to know people are starting to find out about Guster.
#15 The Arctic Monkeys 3 - #47 Dashboard Confessional 0 - Dashboard made it further than they should have and the Monkeys are far too lowly ranked to lose a match like this.
#17 Evanescence 2 - #16 Ozzy Osbourne 1 - Ozzy gets knocked out early once again, this time by Evanescence, who were fueled by actually releasing a second disc this century.
#2 Pearl Jam 3 - #31 Eminem 0 - Thus ending hip hop's run in this tournament for good.
#3 Sparta 3 - #30 Seether 0 - Hey, does anyone still remember Seether? They used to be really popular? Yeah, me neither.
#4 Incubus 3 - #29 Interpol 0 - Interpol is yet another victim of the bizarre seeding syndrome that's overtaken this year's competition.
#28 The Gorillaz 2 - #5 Tenacious D 1 - Of the two bands, how is it possible that the band that takes itself most seriously also claims to be comprised entirely of cartoon characters? Also, this is the biggest upset of the bracket so far.
#6 The Strokes 3 - #27 Dirty Pretty Things 0 - DPT is clearly the victim of "who the hell are they" syndrome.
#39 Maroon 5 2 - #7 R.E.M. 1 - Which is a better question: How did Maroon 5 end up a 39 seed or how did R.E.M. end up a 7?
#8 The Raconteurs 3 - #25 The Transplants 0 - A bigger question than who is better is whether or not either band will ever release another album.
#9 The Yeah Yeah Yeahs 3 - #24 Placebo 0 - Placebo may have been too obscure in America to compete at this level.
#10 Iggy Pop 2 - #23 Panic At The Disco 1 - I cast the deciding vote in this match. It's not that Iggy's done that much lately, but Panic really irritates the hell out of me.
#11 K.T. Tunstall 2 - #22 Jack Johnson 1 - K.T. wins the adult contemporary face-off this round.
#12 Velvet Revolver 3 - #21 Flyleaf 0 - This vote actually took place before Velvet Revolver's new CD was released, so they probably would have been even higher ranked if that wasn't the case.
#13 Oasis 2 - #20 Norah Jones 1 - Oasis is fun to listen to, which is why they won.
#19 Guster 2 - #14 The Postal Service 1 - A surprising result, but it's good to know people are starting to find out about Guster.
#15 The Arctic Monkeys 3 - #47 Dashboard Confessional 0 - Dashboard made it further than they should have and the Monkeys are far too lowly ranked to lose a match like this.
#17 Evanescence 2 - #16 Ozzy Osbourne 1 - Ozzy gets knocked out early once again, this time by Evanescence, who were fueled by actually releasing a second disc this century.
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