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.

Detroit Cobras

While this Detroit-based garage band has undergone numerous lineup changes, their ability to cover deep tracks of old R&B in a new swaggering style is refreshing. I recently missed them live at a local venue...but not next time. Try Ya Ya Ya, Nothing But a Heartache, and Leave My Kitten Alone.

Mr. Woodcock

There are certain movies you only get to see if you have a 12 year-0ld son and this is one of them. Mr. Woodcock makes life miserable for the fat losers in his gym class. One of them grows up, goes away and writes a successful book, only to come home to find out his mom is going to marry Mr. Woodcock. There are some funny moments (mostly because as a teacher myself, Mr. Woodcock actually does the things we can only dream about in the faculty room), but I would wait for the DVD, of course. I will say Billy Bob Thorton plays the character to perfection. Light entertainment.

The Illusionist

This movie was in my Netflix queue and I finally got around to watching it. I would give this movie a 7/10. The story line was interesting and kept one guessing through out. Just like a good illusionist...you know you are being tricked but you just can't quite figure out how it's done. It was a little plodding in places and lots of guys with beards but entertaining for sure. Edward Norton was excellent.

BRMC-In Concert

I attended the BRMC concert last week at Water Street Music Hall. Although it wasn't well-attended, the show was very solid. I believe this show was an add-on as BRMC played NYC the night before and were playing Philadelphia the night after, and the Rochester show was not originally on the tour schedule. In any event, I enjoyed the opportunity to finally hear a band I've been into since I heard Love Burns on their first CD. American X was excellent but I'm trying to figure out the Love Me Tender Elvis cover. I was teaching about Elvis the next day in my History of Rock & Roll class so maybe it was for me. Anyway, if you like Jesus & Mary Chain, or a heavy guitar bluesy feel...then you might want to check out BRMC.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club-Baby 81

I've been listening to a lot of BRMC in the past few days, as I'm gearing up for the local concert tomorrow night. Baby 81 is their 4th record, the title referring to a baby who survived the tsunami and had 9 sets of parents claim him. While I'm looking forward to hearing some of BRMC's older stuff like Love Burns (the first song that made me notice), I am looking forward to hearing Berlin, All You Do Is Talk, Weapon of Choice, Took Out A Loan, and 666 Conducer from the new record. I love their bluesy, Jesus & Mary Chain, guitar-driven sound. Check them out.

U2-Popmart DVD-Live in Mexico City

This is a re-release of the VHS version. It is a 2-dvd set. For me, all the extra stuff on disc 2 is interesting...stories about The Lemon, Sarajevo, Making of Last Night on Earth video, screen savers, wallpaper, and some other stuff I haven't checked out yet. I saw this tour from the front row in Toronto...probably one of the few concerts that would have been better viewed back from the stage. I need to take this DVD to my friend's house and watch on a widescreen plasma. While U2 had previously incorporated a multimedia spectacular into their live shows (Zoo TV), Popmart seemed to overwhelm the musical experience at times. Still, an amazing visual concert experience with the world's largest TV screen, a lemon mirrorball, and graphics that were constantly coming at you. The irony of this supermarket concept was lost on many and still doesn't seem to quite fit the U2 image. However, it's still U2 and by the time this concert was recorded, U2 was in good form for this tour and the songs from POP are better than most give credit.

Superbad

Ok...my 12 year-old son (almost 13) talked me into taking him to this movie. For some reason, I thought it was going to be like Napoleon Dynamite. It was a nice movie about friendship but of course it was buried under all the alcohol, sex, and profanity. McLovin and his police friends offered some comedic relief but it was not a good choice to take my son to this movie. Of course, it did open the door to have discussions about making choices.