"I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff - I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all."

Heavy Rotation

Sometimes music comes in a flurry. I have these 4 CD's in heavy rotation. Far and away the most interesting music is coming from Radiohead. Interesting moods are created, sounds are layered, thick and light at the same time, and provide atmospheric as well as rocking rhythms. As for the other 3, I find myself listening to Bruce's magic the most right now. And for just the opposite reasons I might play Radiohead. It is straight-ahead, comfortable, familiar, great songwriting from one of our best storytellers. Bruce makes statements, paints pictures, and provides melodic and rhythmic backgrounds. I've given Neil Young a couple of serious listens as I will be seeing him live this month. I see Neil as a direct descendant of Bob Dylan, a bit closer of a relative than Bruce. There are some very strong songs on this record, 2 of them being 14 minutes and 18 minutes long. Make the time for them. I don't think it is strong top to bottom as Bruce but a few more listens and a live performance later, I might be changing my tune. As for the Into the Wild, it is in rotation but I have yet to give it a serious listen.

Across The Universe

A musical adventure carried by the songs of the Beatles. Creative editing and technological effects carries the romantic story line over the backdrop of the events of the 1960's. Actors (named Jude, Sadie, JoJo, Prudence) sing most of the songs themselves. I couldn't even imagine how to put together all the elements of this film which makes it so enjoyable and entertaining. I also think it benefits from the big screen and big speakers. Have some fun and check it out! 8/10.

The Kingdom

Not quite the riveting movie that I thought it could be, but still a 7/10 for the suspense it did carry. Lots of violence, including scenes of children being murdered, so be forewarned. With all the suspense and serious nature of the film, there were some funny lines sprinkled throughout the film. The opening included the fastest history lesson ever about U.S.-Saudi relations. But it was the last scene that made a great statement on the perpetual cycle of terrorism. Will there ever be forgiveness?

Radiohead-In Rainbows

I would normally wait until I listen to a new record for a few times. However, I just have to post about how this record is being released. First, I got an email from the Radiohead mailing list that announced that a new CD was being released for download. I follow the links for pre-order and I find out I get to name my price for the 10 songs. I felt compelled to pay $10 (although I know some only paid a couple of cents). It will be interesting to see how much Radiohead brings in. They will be getting 100% of the money and distribution costs were minimal...an email and server costs. Additionally, they received tons of free P.R. just based on this marketing strategy. I'll post again after I feel ready to review In Rainbows.

Dylan & Costello In Concert

I went to see Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello at the RIT Fieldhouse (I was too late to see Amos Lee). While it's always fun to see a legend, I wasn't all that moved for most of the show. Bob's band was very good but only turned it loose a few times throughout the show. The re-arrangements really don't work for me...although I completely understand why you would want to rearrange a song after playing it for 45 years.
I felt Elvis Costello is a much stronger performer. His vocal range and power was much more than I expected as I don't really think his vocals come across the same way on his recordings. I enjoyed his stories and bantering with the crowd. Indeed, there was much more of an audience response for Elvis than Bob and I wish Elvis was the headliner (no disrespect to Dylan).

The Game Plan

I found myself taking my 9-year old daughter to see The Game Plan starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. A totally predictable movie with lots of Elvis Presley references, Johnson undergoes a tremendous transformation within one month of finding out he has a daughter. Wait for the 2nd run or DVD unless your kid has a birthday.