Music: Calexico - Nom de Plume - Garden Ruin
Mood: Lethargic
Somehow, in between studying for the 7 and working my fucking ass off, I have had a lot of weekend free time. Not surprisingly, I have spent the majority of it at the movies, catching all the latest and greatest summer releases. The following is a snapshot summary of the last five flicks I saw, and my ratings of their overall quality.
Pirates of the Carribean
Not exactly impressive, but it wasn't terrible either. The acting was as to be expected, with Depp Bloom and Knightley doing their best to keep the franchise alive and interesting. The plot seemed to drag itself from the depths of purgatory in the final fifteen minutes to reach its apex, which was not a good sign for those of us lulled to snoozes by the lack of substance in the middle of the flick. Yes, there was a Deus ex Machina that was never explained, and yes, there was plenty of eye candy for all viewers, and enough sarcasm to keep you snickering under your breath. But some of us don't want the usual, we want more. And if you're paying $10 bucks for admission, you deserve more from a blockbuster flick with an allstar cast.
6/10
Superman
A real ace in the hole. This movie was a visual beauty, with some of the most impressive graphics and effects we've seen in years. Bryan Singer (of Usual Suspects lore), got behind the lens this time to revive a dying franchise, and the results were magnificent. A new cast of characters bring color and a fresh feeling to what became a stale formula towards the end of the first go around. Brandon Routh channels his best Christopher Reeve impressions, while Kevin Spacey plays Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor with venomous chagrin. Kate Bosworth's Lois Lane was a tad too dramatic for my liking, but I appreciate the effort of trying to make the movie less of a visual effects orgy, opting instead to start the franchise off on a theatrical note, even though many of the scenes were over-the-top.
8/10
Clerks 2
I laughed so hard that I actually started crying during this movie. Kevin Smith is back with his insane Jersey-styled story of two 'Clerks' who spend the better part of their days jabbing left and right about nonsensical issues, but still find the time to have lengthy discussions about the direction of their lives. On a humor scale, this movie gets a 10, but if it weren't for some subtle miscues and a bit of poor acting, this would have gotten a much higher score. Jay and Silent Bob are there too, as is Rosario Dawson, a new addition to the group. Frankly, the plot doesn't matter in a Smith movie, rather, the dialouges and in-between moments are what draw you in, and this was another of Smith's great works, on the level of the first one and Mallrats.
7/10
A Scanner Darkly
Wow. Words really fail to do it justice. If you're a fan of Waking Life, then this is your movie. I feel like I am betraying it by trying to summarize its contents, so I'll just advise you all to watch it, because it's a phenominal adaptation of Dick's novel (so I'm told) and visually arresting. Robert Downy Jr plays the eccentric drug-addled companion of Keanu Reeves character and Woody Har.....fuck it. Just see the movie, because it's impossible to describe and totally worth the download time ;)
8/10
Little Miss Sunshine
Indie comedy that tore Sundance asunder hits the States this week, and is quickly generating some solid buzz. I had a chance to catch it last night at the Arclight, and I thought it was brilliant. The acting, with characters like Greg Kinnear's struggling motivational-speaker father and Steve Carrell's gay uncle who's the number one Proust scholar in America were fresh, inventive, and full of depth. I was endeared to those on-screen in a way that I haven't in years. The story revolves the angelic youngest child Olive's dream to enter into the "Little Miss Sunshine" pageant for under-10 girls. This family of malcontents somehow bands together to make this into a reality, hitting some serious hurdles (a character dies), rude awakenings (one realizes that his life's ambition can never come to fruition), and sad realizations (one's book deal falls apart). But through it all this cast of characters keep you engrossed. You feel for them at every turn, and its not often in today's world that this takes place. Every so often, a movie comes by that sort of enlivens your perspective. This was that movie for me. A true winner on all levels, even if people want to pan it as an 'artsy' flick. It was phenominal, and worth watching.
10/10
Mood: Lethargic
Somehow, in between studying for the 7 and working my fucking ass off, I have had a lot of weekend free time. Not surprisingly, I have spent the majority of it at the movies, catching all the latest and greatest summer releases. The following is a snapshot summary of the last five flicks I saw, and my ratings of their overall quality.
Pirates of the Carribean
Not exactly impressive, but it wasn't terrible either. The acting was as to be expected, with Depp Bloom and Knightley doing their best to keep the franchise alive and interesting. The plot seemed to drag itself from the depths of purgatory in the final fifteen minutes to reach its apex, which was not a good sign for those of us lulled to snoozes by the lack of substance in the middle of the flick. Yes, there was a Deus ex Machina that was never explained, and yes, there was plenty of eye candy for all viewers, and enough sarcasm to keep you snickering under your breath. But some of us don't want the usual, we want more. And if you're paying $10 bucks for admission, you deserve more from a blockbuster flick with an allstar cast.
6/10
Superman
A real ace in the hole. This movie was a visual beauty, with some of the most impressive graphics and effects we've seen in years. Bryan Singer (of Usual Suspects lore), got behind the lens this time to revive a dying franchise, and the results were magnificent. A new cast of characters bring color and a fresh feeling to what became a stale formula towards the end of the first go around. Brandon Routh channels his best Christopher Reeve impressions, while Kevin Spacey plays Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor with venomous chagrin. Kate Bosworth's Lois Lane was a tad too dramatic for my liking, but I appreciate the effort of trying to make the movie less of a visual effects orgy, opting instead to start the franchise off on a theatrical note, even though many of the scenes were over-the-top.
8/10
Clerks 2
I laughed so hard that I actually started crying during this movie. Kevin Smith is back with his insane Jersey-styled story of two 'Clerks' who spend the better part of their days jabbing left and right about nonsensical issues, but still find the time to have lengthy discussions about the direction of their lives. On a humor scale, this movie gets a 10, but if it weren't for some subtle miscues and a bit of poor acting, this would have gotten a much higher score. Jay and Silent Bob are there too, as is Rosario Dawson, a new addition to the group. Frankly, the plot doesn't matter in a Smith movie, rather, the dialouges and in-between moments are what draw you in, and this was another of Smith's great works, on the level of the first one and Mallrats.
7/10
A Scanner Darkly
Wow. Words really fail to do it justice. If you're a fan of Waking Life, then this is your movie. I feel like I am betraying it by trying to summarize its contents, so I'll just advise you all to watch it, because it's a phenominal adaptation of Dick's novel (so I'm told) and visually arresting. Robert Downy Jr plays the eccentric drug-addled companion of Keanu Reeves character and Woody Har.....fuck it. Just see the movie, because it's impossible to describe and totally worth the download time ;)
8/10
Little Miss Sunshine
Indie comedy that tore Sundance asunder hits the States this week, and is quickly generating some solid buzz. I had a chance to catch it last night at the Arclight, and I thought it was brilliant. The acting, with characters like Greg Kinnear's struggling motivational-speaker father and Steve Carrell's gay uncle who's the number one Proust scholar in America were fresh, inventive, and full of depth. I was endeared to those on-screen in a way that I haven't in years. The story revolves the angelic youngest child Olive's dream to enter into the "Little Miss Sunshine" pageant for under-10 girls. This family of malcontents somehow bands together to make this into a reality, hitting some serious hurdles (a character dies), rude awakenings (one realizes that his life's ambition can never come to fruition), and sad realizations (one's book deal falls apart). But through it all this cast of characters keep you engrossed. You feel for them at every turn, and its not often in today's world that this takes place. Every so often, a movie comes by that sort of enlivens your perspective. This was that movie for me. A true winner on all levels, even if people want to pan it as an 'artsy' flick. It was phenominal, and worth watching.
10/10
Music: Band of Horses - Part One - Everything All The Time
Mood: Dry
A few weeks ago, I wrote an amateur rant on how I feel that music and politics need to be separated. In light of a recent series of conversations with friends, I felt the need to clarify my talking points.
Since the Dixie Chicks had a pop at George Bush in 2003, there seems to be a worrying trend towards musicians writing political songs and using interviews as a political platform. It's like they've all realized that making a political point, however banal, is a quick way to get some attention. In the case of the Dixie Chicks, they didn't even have the courage to stand up for what they said and ended up apologizing, like they were only kidding all along. That sums up for me just how dim-witted most so-called political artists are.
Don't get me wrong. I think it's important for musicians to be politically aware, like Thom Yorke, but they shouldn't write songs about it because, when they do, they invariably end up sounding completely wanky. The list of offenders is endless. From Culture Club singing War is Stupid to Green Day's American Idiot album, it all sounds far too patronizing. I think we can all agree that war in Iraq is beyond stupid and that Bush and Blair are fucking idiots. I have my own opinions about politics and I know what music I like. I don't see why I should buy into a political belief when buying a record.
I'm not saying that there haven't been bands who've mixed music and politics successfully. A band like Dead Kennedys managed to make great, politically fired records like Holiday in Cambodia and California Uber Alles', that had a sharp satirical edge, but they backed it up by being involved in grass roots activism. There was something genuinely subversive about them. It's a long way from that to Pink's Dear Mr. President that's clearly come about as a result of a marketing team sitting around a glass table with a pie-chart, deciding that it's time for Pink to get a bit edgy.
In 2006, it's becoming very fashionable for acts to have a couple of 'political' songs. Next thing you know, it'll be Hillary Duff putting out a single telling us not to vote for the GOP. Can you imagine anything more horrific? Because if you need a pre-pubescent tweener to tell you that the GOP are not a good thing, then you're beyond hope. We're all better off with the likes of The Streets, Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, The Strokes, and countless other bands who write about the realities of their lives in a gritty, believable way and refuse to insult their audiences with slogans so generalized as to be so meaningless.
Mood: Dry
A few weeks ago, I wrote an amateur rant on how I feel that music and politics need to be separated. In light of a recent series of conversations with friends, I felt the need to clarify my talking points.
Since the Dixie Chicks had a pop at George Bush in 2003, there seems to be a worrying trend towards musicians writing political songs and using interviews as a political platform. It's like they've all realized that making a political point, however banal, is a quick way to get some attention. In the case of the Dixie Chicks, they didn't even have the courage to stand up for what they said and ended up apologizing, like they were only kidding all along. That sums up for me just how dim-witted most so-called political artists are.
Don't get me wrong. I think it's important for musicians to be politically aware, like Thom Yorke, but they shouldn't write songs about it because, when they do, they invariably end up sounding completely wanky. The list of offenders is endless. From Culture Club singing War is Stupid to Green Day's American Idiot album, it all sounds far too patronizing. I think we can all agree that war in Iraq is beyond stupid and that Bush and Blair are fucking idiots. I have my own opinions about politics and I know what music I like. I don't see why I should buy into a political belief when buying a record.
I'm not saying that there haven't been bands who've mixed music and politics successfully. A band like Dead Kennedys managed to make great, politically fired records like Holiday in Cambodia and California Uber Alles', that had a sharp satirical edge, but they backed it up by being involved in grass roots activism. There was something genuinely subversive about them. It's a long way from that to Pink's Dear Mr. President that's clearly come about as a result of a marketing team sitting around a glass table with a pie-chart, deciding that it's time for Pink to get a bit edgy.
In 2006, it's becoming very fashionable for acts to have a couple of 'political' songs. Next thing you know, it'll be Hillary Duff putting out a single telling us not to vote for the GOP. Can you imagine anything more horrific? Because if you need a pre-pubescent tweener to tell you that the GOP are not a good thing, then you're beyond hope. We're all better off with the likes of The Streets, Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, The Strokes, and countless other bands who write about the realities of their lives in a gritty, believable way and refuse to insult their audiences with slogans so generalized as to be so meaningless.
Oh The Memories, They Come Streaming
0 Comments Published by Devin on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 7:37 AM.
Music: Broken Social Scene - Almost Crimes - You Forgot it in People
Mood: Cambridge
We are THIS CLOSE to having the album mastered, and I can't fucking wait for you to hear it.
Off to work for the day.
Cheers.
D
Mood: Cambridge
We are THIS CLOSE to having the album mastered, and I can't fucking wait for you to hear it.
Off to work for the day.
Cheers.
D
Music: Incubus - Agoraphobia - A Crow Left of the Murder
Mood: Thirsty
It's fucking hot.
Usually California is privy to what we locals call 'dry heat', which is just blistering sunlight minus any east-coast humidity. But this year, somehow, we've been subjected to the usual 98 degree afternoons plus on average 30% humidity readings. So, instead of the summer we all know and love, we instead have to brave 118 degree days. Not so much fun when you're running down Ventura in your wool suit to grab a quick lunch.
My plans for the afternoon are as follows:
1. Nothing.
2. Swim.
3. Listen to music.
4. Nothing.
Saw Pirates of the Caribbean last week, and am proud to admit that I contributed to its massive record-breaking opening of $138 million (fuck you Spidey). The movie itself was good, with Mr. Depp doing his damn thing to perfection. There are very few method-actors in this day and age. Well, actually, that's not true. There are a fuck-load of method actors around, but he's one of the three at are 'real' method-actors, and not just writing that shit on their headshots and resumes to land exclusive roles in Charlie Kauffman and Andrew Kevin Walker scripts. He, Johnny, seems naturally capable of captivating an audience by embracing his character's subtleties so effortlessly. I recommend everyone check it out the flick for a better description.
It seems that War in the Middle East is a foregone conclusion. We've seen so much transpire this week, let's try and recap it all.
1. Israel is doing its best to blow Lebanon back 40 years, and succeeding thus far in 'disarming' the militant group Hezbollah
2. Hezbollah, which has almost twenty representatives on the Lebanese Parilament, refuse to back down from the threats of Israel, which secretly smuggling the captured Israeli soldiers to, of all places, IRAN!
3. The UN declares Lebanon a war-zone
4. President Bush issues a directive to Iran to comply with the security counsel or face economic sanctions
5. We still don't know who blew up the trains in Mumbai
6. The UN Security Counsel votes unanimously to disarm North Korea, which came as a real surprise because I felt that China would veto and Russia abstain
7. Ousted CIA operative Valarie Plaime sues Karl Rove, Cheney, and Lewis Libby
7. The Dow gave up its 2006 gains in the span of three days after said geopolitical events transpired.
All in all, this has been one of the craziest weeks in recent memory from a political perspective. History is being written from all angles, and thanks to CNN.com, we all have a front-row seat to the premiere.
Cheers.
Mood: Thirsty
It's fucking hot.
Usually California is privy to what we locals call 'dry heat', which is just blistering sunlight minus any east-coast humidity. But this year, somehow, we've been subjected to the usual 98 degree afternoons plus on average 30% humidity readings. So, instead of the summer we all know and love, we instead have to brave 118 degree days. Not so much fun when you're running down Ventura in your wool suit to grab a quick lunch.
My plans for the afternoon are as follows:
1. Nothing.
2. Swim.
3. Listen to music.
4. Nothing.
Saw Pirates of the Caribbean last week, and am proud to admit that I contributed to its massive record-breaking opening of $138 million (fuck you Spidey). The movie itself was good, with Mr. Depp doing his damn thing to perfection. There are very few method-actors in this day and age. Well, actually, that's not true. There are a fuck-load of method actors around, but he's one of the three at are 'real' method-actors, and not just writing that shit on their headshots and resumes to land exclusive roles in Charlie Kauffman and Andrew Kevin Walker scripts. He, Johnny, seems naturally capable of captivating an audience by embracing his character's subtleties so effortlessly. I recommend everyone check it out the flick for a better description.
It seems that War in the Middle East is a foregone conclusion. We've seen so much transpire this week, let's try and recap it all.
1. Israel is doing its best to blow Lebanon back 40 years, and succeeding thus far in 'disarming' the militant group Hezbollah
2. Hezbollah, which has almost twenty representatives on the Lebanese Parilament, refuse to back down from the threats of Israel, which secretly smuggling the captured Israeli soldiers to, of all places, IRAN!
3. The UN declares Lebanon a war-zone
4. President Bush issues a directive to Iran to comply with the security counsel or face economic sanctions
5. We still don't know who blew up the trains in Mumbai
6. The UN Security Counsel votes unanimously to disarm North Korea, which came as a real surprise because I felt that China would veto and Russia abstain
7. Ousted CIA operative Valarie Plaime sues Karl Rove, Cheney, and Lewis Libby
7. The Dow gave up its 2006 gains in the span of three days after said geopolitical events transpired.
All in all, this has been one of the craziest weeks in recent memory from a political perspective. History is being written from all angles, and thanks to CNN.com, we all have a front-row seat to the premiere.
Cheers.
Music: Oasis - Where Did It All Go Wrong - Acoustic Hits
Mood: Fresh
Many things, many many things since the last time. For starters, I saw Radiohead at the Greek last Friday, and came away totally impressed. Their new tracks are fantastic, and I can't wait to hear what else they come up with. They did two encores and played to a rapturous audience that practically refused to leave. I am going to try and slip a picture in here for your viewing pleasure.
Work has been progressing at a steady pace for the past few weeks. I've been getting in the groove of late, and have helped several FA's with existing deals, ranging from restructuring debt securities to selecting appropriate mutual fund positions. Studying for the Series 7 is also going along at a good pace, and I couldn't be happer with my situation.
Spent the entire holiday weekend recording the album, which is now complete, and in the process of being mixed/mastered. That in itself could take up to a month, but I am optimistic we can get it done sooner. The experience was a fantastic one, and we got some last minute help from a friend of ours who chimed in on some incredible bass lines. I can't wait for the finished product, so I can start mailing out press kits and the like.
I am torn between naming my new Fender Mira or Caroline. I believe Mira means something like 'the sight' or Caroline, which really doesn't have a meaning other than that I find it a soothing name to say. It does, however, mean "love" in Welsch. Problem is, Caroline invokes images of the sea, and Mira more of the red that comes from passion. It's a real toss-up. So, I need you to decide. Leave a comment, and tell me what you think it should be called.
Listen to some Manu Chao and drink Memosas.
These are some photoshopped pictures from the concert. Enjoy. Real ones to follow.
Mood: Fresh
Many things, many many things since the last time. For starters, I saw Radiohead at the Greek last Friday, and came away totally impressed. Their new tracks are fantastic, and I can't wait to hear what else they come up with. They did two encores and played to a rapturous audience that practically refused to leave. I am going to try and slip a picture in here for your viewing pleasure.
Work has been progressing at a steady pace for the past few weeks. I've been getting in the groove of late, and have helped several FA's with existing deals, ranging from restructuring debt securities to selecting appropriate mutual fund positions. Studying for the Series 7 is also going along at a good pace, and I couldn't be happer with my situation.
Spent the entire holiday weekend recording the album, which is now complete, and in the process of being mixed/mastered. That in itself could take up to a month, but I am optimistic we can get it done sooner. The experience was a fantastic one, and we got some last minute help from a friend of ours who chimed in on some incredible bass lines. I can't wait for the finished product, so I can start mailing out press kits and the like.
I am torn between naming my new Fender Mira or Caroline. I believe Mira means something like 'the sight' or Caroline, which really doesn't have a meaning other than that I find it a soothing name to say. It does, however, mean "love" in Welsch. Problem is, Caroline invokes images of the sea, and Mira more of the red that comes from passion. It's a real toss-up. So, I need you to decide. Leave a comment, and tell me what you think it should be called.
Listen to some Manu Chao and drink Memosas.
These are some photoshopped pictures from the concert. Enjoy. Real ones to follow.
