To account for the fact that I have been very neglectful of this idea sharing space, I have decided to come back in full force.
Look out for posts every day during the month of December.
You'll never know what the topic will be, but I am considering it a "Favorite Things December", as an homage to our lady of Oprah Winfrey. Anything that is lovely to me at that moment will be heavily featured, as we celebrate the holidays and count down to the end of 2015! (Excuse me while I have a minor panic attack.)
(Okay. I'm back.)
Today, I have already jumped into my first listen of a yearly December tradition, the lovely Thomas Newman score to Little Women. Even though I may be fulfilled with my unofficial soundtrack to Christmas, I still have another musician lad on my mind.
Every day for the last month I have been crushing hard - I'm talking about big time love for an album that should have been on my radar way back in the spring of this year.
Well, late is better than never as they say, and an old timey phrase like that is perfect for the excellent throwback sound coming out of the mouth of Leon Bridges.
Fans of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding will especially feel like Bridges could have been one of their peers. Maybe some guy that was left under appreciated for years and then in 2015 was plucked out of obscurity by some rando shopping in a record store. Then, after becoming bewitched with the songs, felt compelled to share these old glorious tunes with the world and uploaded it on YouTube.
That fantastical tale isn't true, but the real story is just as wonderful. Bridges, at 26-years-old, is making that long lost sound relevant again.
Head to toe, from his shoes to his smooth voice, from that big band backing him up to his black and white music videos, this boy is a vintage dream. Even the nostalgic album artwork makes you feel like you are picking up a $.50 album single from a 1950s record store.
Every song, from the one focused on his number one gal ("Coming Home"), to the sweet ditty about his mother's life ("Lisa Sawyer"), and the gorgeously soulful album ender ("River"), there is a consistently sweet theme about relationships and family. Subjects that seem simple, but we all know are actually vast as we each reach our highs and lows in life. It's something everyone can relate to. A good tune that hits on these points, with a beautiful melody to boot, will always leave listeners weak at the knees.
Just like the immensely talented men he is compared to, Bridges is proving that a solid love song never gets old or feels dated. It can even last a lifetime.
He also covered my favorite Sam Cooke jam. I wish the audio was better, but be still my heart anyway.
You too could check out Leon Bridge's album, Coming Home. Early prediction: I will be listening to this one for years to come. It just has that classic, timeless feel.
While the Winter Olympics are dominating NBC, the networks regular scheduled programming is taking to the Net. Anyone not interested in the cold and snowy (somewhat) conditions of Sochi can keep warm with the Texas spirit brought back to life by a few folks from Dillon.
In a master stroke of genius, Jason Katims decided to spend the Olympics hiatus bringing together two of his critically acclaimed, yet criminally under-watched television masterpieces - yeah, that's right, the worlds of Parenthood and Friday Night Lights are converging right now.
There is no way to properly explain the amount of happiness that filled my heart when I clicked onto the 18 minute "webisode" and found Landry (aka Lance) jamming with his band Crucifictorious at the Luncheonette recording studio and Amber donning some East Dillon Lions apparel - dreams brought to reality.
People may argue that there are continuity issues - I'm already reading complaints by some who wonder how Amber could possibly be friends with Becky - but hey, let's not take it so seriously! This is simply an opportunity to create a fun filled inside joke for anyone who loves both of these shows.
Boy, are there many references to savor, specifically, a shout out to The Landing Strip and a certain "local car dealership". Also, Billy Riggins playing football with Max is precious, and let's get serious, Landry would be really good for Amber.
For those out of the loop on these two shows, I've ranted about this many times before, so make these your next TV show obsession faster than you can say Riggins Rigs.
(Check out Friday Night At The Luncheonette here.)
All this talk of merging got me thinking about those great crossover episodes from years past. They always seemed to be thrown in during sweeps or when the network was trying to get viewers hooked on some new show. Some from my childhood are marvelous, but it seems like now those types of episodes are reserved for the dramatics of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Oh, what I would have given to somehow find Tracy Jordan hanging out with Walt Jr.
Let's remember the good times, and those classic TV crossover episodes from the days of yore:
The Simpsons Meets The X-Files
"The Springfield Files" episode of The Simpsons may have entirely went over my head back in the day, since I had never seen The X-Files, but that didn't stop it from becoming (and still being) my favorite episode from the long running cartoon.
Now that I have successfully completed getting sucked into all the adventures of Dana Scully and Fox Mulder (best. name.) I can properly fan-girl out about this classic crossover.
The episode finds Homer, after a night at Moe's, traversing the outskirts of Springfield only to have a close encounter with, what he believes, is an alien. Obviously, since they also had their own hit TV show at the time, Scully and Spooky Mulder are called in to investigate.
Sometimes crossover episodes are awkward and forced. For this episode the setting is a cartoon world that has no limits to creativity and wackiness, and that's what makes this pairing absolutely perfect.
Mad About You Meets Friends
Several years before she became part of the six single best friends living the dream in NYC, Lisa Kudrow played a role on another successful NBC show, Mad About You.
Once she got the gig playing Phoebe Buffay, what's the network to do? Of course! Make the characters twin sisters! Kudrow played double duty starring on Friends, as the lovably kooky Phoebe, and still popping back up every so often on Mad About You as Ursula the flighty waitress.
The episodes of Friends where Ursula would pop up to cause Phoebe some sort of grief were always hilarious. Just like when they both dated Sean Penn that one time - he thought he could dump Ursula, start it up with Phoebe, but he could only look at her without his glasses, because she would look fuzzy and he could call her "Blur-sula". Oh the hyjynk!
Phoebe ended up married to Paul Rudd, so it all really worked out for everyone.
Full House Meets Family Matters
If there could only be one cultural icon to represent each decade of television , without a doubt the 50s would be represented by Lucille Ball, the 70s would be Mary Tyler Moore, and the 90s would have to be all about Steve Urkel.
"Did I do that?" Yes, Urkel, you did. The fact that this was a character that rocked the nation in high waisted pants and suspenders makes me elated.
For a time it seemed like you could find Urkel crossing over to just about every TV show, but facing down Uncle Jesse, cardigan to sweater vest, has to be the all time greatest. Well, besides when he turns into the hunky Stefan Urkel. PLEASE tell me Jaleel White has a thousand Emmys for that transformation alone.
I seem to remember an instance where Salem, from Sabrina The Teenage Witch, spent an entire night crossing over to each show on the T.G.I.F. line-up. Didn't this have something to do with Boy Meets World going back in time to WWII?
There was no video proof on the internet to back this assertion up, so it will just have to remain in the illustrious television crossover film vault and, of course, in our memories.
From buses to grocery stores and windows to wardrobes, everywhere you look in the Pacific Northwest there is a loud and proud presence boasting support for the Seattle Seahawks.
Each year around this time the entire country bursts into football fever, but not since our team took on the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006, during Super Bowl XL, has my part of the country been filled with overflowing cheer.
It's not every day the Hawks make it to the nations biggest sports stage and we are all making the most of it after an unstoppable season that started way back in the pre-season games of September.
Pop culture fanatics can also be sports fans; isn't it better though when the two can meld together?
Inspirational sports movies - I know, just the term could make many want to hurl a box of popcorn at a movie screen, but, at least in my opinion, they aren't all eye roll inducing.
In honor of the Hawks beating the Broncos (that's right, I'm calling it now) in the "Super High Bowl", here are a few treasured football flicks to get you in the spirit before tomorrow's game.
Rudy
Fans of football get wrapped up in the hopes and dreams of success each time their teams rally out onto the field. Rudy Ruettiger wasn't just a fan - striving to play that game, all while sporting a Notre Dame uniform, was the utmost goal that made him keep living.
Based on a real story, this kid started as a nobody highschool football player. Rudy was always told he wasn't big enough for the sport, yet played anyway. With bad grades his only hope for a future was working in the steel mill with his dad and brother.
His determined attitude makes for a triumphant tale that still leaves audiences cheering 20 years later. It also boasts one of the most motivating, uplifting scores ever written. You may recognize it from its uses in hundreds of movie trailers over the years. Just thinking about the music makes me all teary-eyed and at the same time tremendously inspired to get busy living.
Remember The Titans
Nearly every movie based in the 1960s and early 70's is something I love. It was such turbulent and heartbreaking time in American history, with endless stories to tell.
Another true story (what a lot of sports movies have in common, well, except for Rookie Of The Year) finds Denzel Washington as one of the coaches of a newly integrated football team.
It's Disney, so we're not looking at a movie that tackles (unintentional pun) controversial topics in a revolutionary way, but it's a well done movie that even in little ways reminds us all of the struggles people must conquer and to be kind to one another.
Plus, it features a soundtrack packed with glorious classics from the era, a younger Ryan Gosling, and many other familiar faces.
The Blind Side
Sometimes I think about Sandra Bullock winning an Oscar for The Blind Side and think, what happened there?
Then, like recently, I re-watch the movie and remember why it was an excellent choice. Every controlled, yet snippy word, out of Bullock's mouthas she traverses the side lines of high school football games or calls out bitchy ladies at a lunch are just some of the highlights of her performance.
Bullock plays the adoptive mother to Michael Oher, who eventually grows up to play football for the Baltimore Ravens. This event happened right before the movie's release and is the team he still plays for to this day. Let's just say my mom became a Ravens fan after this movie came out.
Yes, another "Based On a True Story" y'all. Isn't real life where the best stories start anyway?
Some things I've read about this flick are not as flattering - many cringe at these, "rich white ladies" saving the world stories, but I think that's looking at this movie pessimistically. It's a dynamic story about a nice kid who goes from a rough childhood to being a successful football player. Oher got a push from a nice family, but the talent was all his own.
We Are Marshall
Having a box of tissues at hand will be necessary for any of the before mentioned flicks, but reserve an entire one just for another true to life tale told in We Are Marshall.
This film follows the rebuilding of a treasured college football team after the majority of the players and coaches are killed in a plane crash. Heavy. Shit.
The family and fans are in grief, but one surviving player, who wasn't on the plane, rallies Marshall University to put a team back together. With no other players to choose from, the Freshman are brought in with new coaches, and so begins the quest to start over again.
It's a movie about how to keep living after tragedy, with football being merely the backdrop for the story to unfold. Plus, McConaughey is there, so that's a pleasing sight to clear away all those tears.
Friday Night Lights
Fans of theremarkable NBC drama Friday Night Lights, should go back and check out the original movie. Both are based on the same book written by H. G. Bissinger and are equally great.
There is no Tim Riggins, or the better looking Coach, but Tami is there!
Director Peter Berg later became the executive producer on the small screen version and that lead to both the movie and TV show having the same realistic, distinctive filming quality, that makes you feel like you are actually in the stands cheering on the team.
This movie and TV show brilliantly capture the somewhat bleakness of small town life mixed with the charming nature of being part of a tight-knit community. For some people this kind of life always leaves them thinking about how to break out and move on to a bigger and better existence. Just like Rudy Ruettiger, football might be the thing that gets these kids out, or something else could be the motivating factor. Either way the desired end is the same.
Jerry Maguire
Jerry Maguire is not necessarily 100% a football movie, or a sports movie even, but none of these movies are - they're about life!
There is a large majority of the time spent on Jerry's profession as a sports agent and talking about Cuba Gooding Jr's football career, well, and bees sensing fear, but there's a ton of romancey stuff happening to keep a well rounded audience satisfied. Remember when Tom Cruise was loveable? Those were the days! It's Cameron Crowe in all his glory, making one of the most memorable sports themed movies of all time. Come on, there's all that, "Show me the money!!" business and "You + Me = Us (Calculus)"...or is it, "You complete me"? Yeah that's the one. This movie has it all, including Bonnie Hunt's perfect comedic delivery, and does it well.
They always say there's no crying is baseball, but, man alive, is there a ton of weeping surrounding football movies. Sheesh.
If you're into the Super Bowl, I hope it's a good day for whatever team you are choosing to root for.
Remember - the Seahawks have never won before. Just passing that info along, since whenever my favorite team isn't playing I always root for the underdog.
With 2014 creeping closer and closer, there is nothing enthusiasts of pop culture like to do more than review what happened during all those weeks that brought us to this point.
Like every year, our lives are dominated by the titans of entertainment - what books, movies, TV shows, music, and events made up your year?
To kick things off, here is a random sample of what I was watching, listening to, and adoring the most out of anything else over the last 12 months.
The Year Of Janney
[The fact this scene exists made my life.]
Pinpointing the exact moment Allison Janney made me crack up for the first time means stepping back into the halls of middle school. It could have been her short scene as an aspiring romance novelist/real life high school principal in 10 Things I Hate About You, but more than likely it was her playing that big haired, trashy broad, with a heart of gold from Drop Dead Gorgeous.
For nearly the last fifteen years it has been a treat whenever her face simply pops up on a screen. Janney's bold presence continually stands out in ensemble casts, like in Juno, Hairspray,The Hours, andThe Help, and can spice up ill-fated shows, seen most recently during Matthew Perry's ABC comedy, Mr. Sunshine.
It really has been a Janney year - for me, on the first day of 2013 I finally settled in to discover (and quickly love) her most famous role, Claudia Jean Cregg (aka The Flamingo) on The West Wing, plus she had a few new standout performances to add to her enormous pile.
Anyone who has seen The Way, Way Back can attest that she completely, and brilliantly, stole the first fifteen minutes(and maybe the entire movie), busting onto the screen with one hilarious line after the next.
Janney also gave more life to Showtime's latest, Masters Of Sex. It was well done from the beginning, but when she showed up several episodes in as a befuddled housewife, the show got its most heartbreaking and enthralling storyline, wonderfully acted by Janney, obviously. I'm sure she is completely killing it on her new sitcom, Mom, as well, but I just can't watch those types of comedies anymore - no offense to this American treasure.
Everything is really better with her in it, and that's just the Janney effect. Embrace it, if you haven't already.
Local Girl - Neko Case
This year was momentous on the live performance front when I finally got to see Neko Case do an entire concert. Two years in a row she was faced with her performances cut short due to inclement weather at the Sasquatch Music Festival, which, as an audience member, I sadly understood.
Case's release of her latest album, The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You, meant a tour, and in October this gal gleefully headed to Seattle to check her out at the safeness of an indoor venue. Some have found her new tracks not as strong as the ones on her previous release, Middle Cyclone, but with the powerful pipes that Case has, I will follow her and those songs anywhere. The entire CD spent many hours on repeat this year, but "Local Girl" is the one stuck in my head on a daily basis - more than likely you will catch me singing the chorus while I bake.
Frozen
At age 26, just like when I was 7, my dad decided we needed to go see the latest Disney movie together - some traditions never change, and I hope they never do.
And that's what Frozen embraces, family bonds. In the case of this (yes, I'm already saying it) new Disney classic, it's about sisters, a refreshing spin that delightfully plays with all of our expectations for the typical fairy tale.
There wasn't much convincing needed to get me to the theater, since I was completely sold once I saw a commercial with Olaf, the buck teethed snowman who likes warm hugs. Even being a total sap I never think animated movies are going to win me over as much as they do, but this tale is wonderful and enjoyable from start to finish.
I won't give any more details away, because it's better to be surprised (a plus from the non-revealing trailers for this flick). However, I must say, be prepared to be completely dazzled by the song "Let It Go". Don't listen to it before hand, just get swept up by this Broadway-esque showstopper as it plays out in front of your eyes.
Nashville
After the December 11th episode of Nashville, how could I NOT include this as an essential part of television in 2013. If you watched it you know how much drama was in just the final ten seconds.
In the past it has been The O.C. or reruns of Beverly Hills 90210, but right now, nothing feeds my need for some sort of soapy ridiculousness more than this gem. Plus, this one comes with musical performances (even if it is countrified).
I've dished in length about this one before (even in my 2012 year end wrap up), so that's all I have to say about that. Watch it or don't, but you probably should check it out.
Gravity
Recently the crew of the international space stationhad to perform several space walks in order to fix a broken cooling system. As this story was flashing by my eyes on CNN my heart began to pick up a more brisk beat.
After a couple minutes I realized it was because of Gravity.
Anyone who ran to the theater for this Bullock and Clooney grandiose odyssey might have had the same feeling. Since being confronted and amazed by every second of that movie, I can't help but be panicked for astronauts who are actually circumnavigating the cosmos.
Gravity is essentially a 90 minute space experience unlike any other movie, as far as I'm concerned, that has ever been released. We are right along with the characters calmly observing the picturesque Earth from afar and in the terror filled moments of surviving torpedoing asteroids.
It may have left hearts poundig wondering how/if the characters were going to survive, but it is definitely worth feeling anxious. The somewhat cheesy dialogue at times is its own issue, but all is completely forgotten with the extraordinary imagery of the action packed moments and the rather philosophical undertone feeding the characters need for survival.
Hands down my favorite movie outing of the entire year.
Young and Beautiful - Lana Del Ray
Last year brought all the buzz for Lana Del Ray that made me annoyed. Too much press for anyone make me cringe, and I wanted nothing to do with her. By May 2013 I had to retract all negative opinions previously lamented and admit that I was wrong.
While her voice is still less than desirable (it sounds highly supported by auto-tuning), that Leo charm must rub off good vibes, because all it took was one scene in The Great Gatsby with Lana's haunting song, "Young and Beautiful", for me to completely change my mind. I got goosebumps.
Her sorrowful, almost longing singing tone combined with the melody and theme is so perfectly suited for this film and it became my most listened to song for the rest of the year. I'm definitely a sucker for songs with big orchestral sections.
Sometimes people can change their minds, and I have in a big way, even becoming interested in several of her other tracks ("Radio" anyone?).
About Time
When it comes to unexpected movie surprises for this year, About Time might surpass them all.
Coming from the likes of Richard Curtis, the king of modern romantic movies (of Love Actually, Notting Hill fame), it was clear his latest written/directorial effort would be simply lovely. What I wasn't expecting was to find a real treasure, a movie clearly more people should have seen and enjoyed at cinemas around the world.
Were people thrown off by the time travel business? There's so much more to the story, and as the film progresses you can't help but be wrapped up by it all. Yes, the main character can travel back to a point in time, but how we all use time in our lives each day, and who we choose to spend time with is really where the story hits with creating a movie worth watching.
It does seem like advertising for a film like this one could never fully capture all of its unique charm, but I heavily assert that you look for it at a theater or as soon as it comes out to rent.
Closer - Tegan and Sara
Back in 2004, Tegan and Sara had an alternative rock hit on their hands with the release of "Walking With a Ghost", so I never expected one of the danciest, synth pop songs of the summer to come from this sisterly duo.
That is something to admire about these two - they mix up their sound and go after whatever kind of music they want to make all without sacrificing the quality behind the tunes.
My spring and summer were all about this song blasting through car speakers, and cut to me upper-body dancing behind the steering wheel. I know I'm not the only one.
We're just getting started! Check back for more tomorrow.
Christmas time is just another reason to pop on some flicks. Those ones that are so engrained as tradition that if you didn't watch them while decorating the tree or sipping hot cocoa it would be as if something was missing.
It's definitely to each their own when it comes to the immense and vastly assorted Christmas canon, but for me it's really about the real classics - those filmed fifty years before I was alive, in black and white, with classy broads waving cigarettes while covered in their glamorous fur's.
Those oldies are Christmas to me, but being a modern movie watcher means a little Love Actually,While You Were Sleeping, Prancer, and the 1994 version of Little Women are all thrown in for good measure.
I try to expand from the usuals and find at least one new treasure each year. Normally it is nothing too slapsticky or "dumb", but for some reason this year, I have fully embraced the ridiculous amount of cheese playing on TV. Sometimes it just feels good to laugh at a crappy movie - I bet you may find one, or five, playing on TV right this second.
Lifetime, ABC Family, and Hallmark have been playing Christmas movies 24/7 since at least early November. At first that little bit of Scrooge inside me exclaimed, "too soon!", but I have since caved big time.
Are these good? Why, no. Are they worth watching? Oh, why yes!
It appears that all holiday themed made for TV movies have a simple formula: A pair of C List Actors + HYJYNX! = L.O.V.E. Don't forget a dash of a holiday pun for the title, and BOOM, you've got yourself a movie! The location will change, the actors will be different, but boy are they all the same story.
Here is just a sampling of a few that have been playing on repeat the last two months:
The Mistle-Tones
Doesn't every town have an accepella singing competition at the mall that is the highlight of the entire holiday season? I thought so.
This story finds Tia Mowry audtioning for The Snow Bells, the same singing group her deceased mother joined. Cue Tori Spelling, the reigning queen of the group, who turns down the talented Tia in a fit of jealousy .
With nowhere else to turn, Tia recruits a rag-tag group from her office, even her boss who is a secret Karaoke enthusiast, to form (yes, you guessed it) The Mistle-Tones! When word gets around to Tori that Tia's group is totally killing their version of "Winter Wonderland", and that The Mistle-Tones have enough talent to beat The Snow Belles, she extends Tia the offer of a lifetime - to join The Snow Belles just like her mother. Will she turn her back on her new friends or follow the light with Tori?
This one gets the honor of best pun in a title, but be sure to tune in for a spot on lip-sync performance from Ms. Spelling and a cameo from Carl Winslow!
I need my Tori Spelling fix each Christmas, and The Mistle-Tones is filling the void since Hallmark decided to only show the truly riveting, A Carol Christmas, at 4:00 AM! For shame.
12 Trees Of Christmas
One quiant NYC borough library is about to be closed by an evil, manly contractor, so what's a dedicated librarian to do? She organizes a Christmas Tree decorating contest to give the library publicity of course!
At first the librarian and contractor butt heads, but...are those sparks flying in between the tension? Stick with this boring story and questionable acting for a true shining star to make a cameo - Scary Spice shows up in this mess! Why she is in this movie is questionable, however, does it really matter?
Holidaze
Having not actually watched this one, but couldn't ignore the brilliant title, I just want the wonderful synopsis to speak for itself:
"Holidaze stars Jennie Garth (90210, What I Like about You)
as Melody, a successful and adventurous business woman who begrudgingly
returns to her hometown for work. While there she takes a tumble and
wakes up in an alternate reality where she never left town and married
her childhood sweetheart, Carter McClure, played by Cameron Mathison (All My Children, Good Morning America). Could this experience change Melody’s decision to leave home?"
So much hyjynx!
Ben's Christmas
First of all, Erik Von Detton did it better in 1996 with his 90's Leo hair.
For this version, I should have known just by the boring title that it should be avoided. We find ourselves with a teenager named Ben who is reliving the same Christmas Day over and over again, because he's ungrateful for his family? Not entirely sure here.
The problem is this kid has the most monotonous Christmas Day of all time - nothing that exciting or terrible even happens (unless you count your parents awkwardly salsa-ing down a hallway). When the premise is a kid's Christmas will play over and over, make it interesting at least.
Eventually, nearly 45 minutes later, Ben understands he doesn't have to do the same thing every time he wakes up and it's Christmas again, and he stops moping around, but that was about the time I checked out. I'm sure there is a happy ending.
Let It Snow
When DJ Tanner and Mr. Seaver show up in a TV movie together, just sit down and give it a try.
There's a little role reversial here, as the woman (DJ) plays the capitalist homewrecker trying to shut down a popular mountain inn, and some handsome dude plays the sensible son of the inn owners. With snowball fights, cookie making, and sledding he tries to instill holiday cheer in DJ's black heart so that she will want to keep the inn open with all the down home charm.
Turns out her father (Alan Thicke) is the president of their company, and he is the real Humbug. Will the inn be saved? Will love bloom? Will DJ ever leave the mountains? So many questions, and thankfully, as one would expect, they are all answered.
A Snow Globe Christmas
What's with all the alternate universe movies? I've been cynical about the rest of these, but this is one I didn't finish, but definitely could have if I didn't have something better to do. Hence, it's not terrible.
This one finds a "cynical, overworked TV executive" in a perfect wonderland life after getting hit on the head with a snow globe. I know, hilarious, these just write themselves!
In this world she is a nice homebody with two kids and an adorable husband (played by Murray from Clueless). They even produce the town Christmas play together! No joke Donald Faison makes this movie actually cute.
Her bad tendencies were starting to kick in about the time I stopped watching. My theory is, influenced by her upstanding fake husband, she changes her ways, and stays in the snow globe kind of like Reese Witherspoon in Pleasantville.
Scratch that. Instead, she wakes up in her dreary office, storms out onto the streets with new vigor for life, and meet -cutes with the real version of Donald Faison in the streets of NYC. Credits roll. Curtains close. Fin. Masterpiece.
I'm living for these movies - just the plot descriptions have been making Christmas 2013 a while lot more hilarious! What have been some of your favorites? There's only about 100 more to choose from.
Surprises were big this week. We had lovely extended summer high temps, and numerous simple joy's turned the last seven days into a real treat.
Besides the glorious fact that my sunflowers finally decided to bloom (!), here's a sampling of things I found to soak up over the last week, and hey, I think you'll like it too.
Ellie Goulding - "In My City"
If memory, or perhaps blog history, proves correct, a couple years ago there was a feature published here filled with complaints about all the twenty-something female singers emerging from the U.K. at the same time.
While I will never recant my feelings about Jessie J, after the addicting, "Anything Can Happen" and, "I Need Your Love" got into my ears over the summer, I caved and have since given Ellie Goulding a fair chance.
While her live performances often present a voice that is still mostly screechy and less than desirable, all of that is forgiven once her actual recorded synth-pop tracks start streaming through my head phones.
Anyone trying to find more albums to keep you motivated, while trying to work or exercising, look no further than Goulding's 2012 album, Halcyon. Mostly I have to keep my need for dancing at a minimum while working, restricted to a lil' toe tapping or the coveted chair swivel move, but it proves difficult while cranking this album.
Gouldling doesn't completely limit herself to a dancey beat either. She can also be found beautifully crooning with a choir of voices on the haunting piano ballad, "I Know You Care".
Freebie Premium Channels
Guys, I'm stressed - as of this past weekend I have full access to the cable glory that is Showtime and HBO.
Being a constant worrier, finding somewhat unimportant things to be anxious about can take a lot of edge off the daily stresses of life and those issues outside our reach, like anxiety about the safety of people in Syria and how tons of molasses is pouring into the harbor in Hawaii and killing the wildlife.
For everyone's sake, let's take a break and all stress about finding the time for consuming top notch entertainment. Agreed?
Any TV fan can relate to this interminable question: what the heck do I catch up on first? Zillions of episodes magically cascading endlessly out in front of you, all set up as On Demand for your pleasure, has actually caused me to break out in a cool sweat.
Once the awe faded away, I was able to make a rational decision - start with the shows I'm only a couple seasons behind on and progress from there. Brand new series will just have to wait.
Being an avid follower of the The Big C for two seasons, I was stoked when season three began last year. Due to computer difficulties I gave up trying to find the episodes on the world wide web and decided to wait for legal viewing options.
That time has now come, and while the story falls a smidgen off course, guest stars like Susan Sarandon, Alison Janney, Hamish Linklater, and one of those Streep kids, is a reminder that wonderful actors playing unusual characters is what makes this show stellar. Entirely recommended to anyone looking for something new, if even just for the endlessly enjoyable relationship between brother and sister pair, Cathy (Laura Linney) and Sean (Sean Tolky).
Typical Washington weather is slowly creeping its way back in making for perfect guilt free television viewing. On stack next will be finishing up Homeland and Dexter.
(The first three seasons of The Big C are also available on dvd.)
The Hobbit
How are they turning The Hobbit into three movies? That is the question perplexing my brain as I flip through the pages of the only Tolkein book I will (presumably) ever read.
Not to say this one is such rubbish that I would detest the others, it's just... I'm more of a one book kind of gal, not a trilogy - too much commitment.
Seriously though, 270 pages into three movies- how will they do it?
When the first movie came out earlier this year, I was half way stuck between believing I had read the tale of Bilbo Baggins in elementary school and, on the flip side, not remembering the plot at all. Three weeks ago I decided it was much better just to read it (re-read it?) and find out. Long story short, my memories were wrong - I never read this book, but I'm now glad that I did.
Besides the fact that many of the sections feel hurried along with a lack of much details, the story of one delightful hobbit dragged along by 13 dwarves on a trek to find a mountain full of treasure guarded by a dragon, turns into quite an exciting adventure. After watching the three Lord Of The Rings movies earlier this year, it was also quite tremendous to finally learn how exactly Bilbo ended up with "The Ring" in the first place.
This is definitely recommended to anyone looking for a quick read of classic, epic proportions.
There's two more movies coming out, so you better get reading.
Enjoy Sunday and the week to come everyone! I'll be cooking up my mass crop of tomatoes and making sauce all day, while cheering for the Seahawks, and freaking out about Walter White in the desert with creepy Todd. Good day indeed.
[Stunned that I have a relevant, but not good, Sopranos photo from my own camera. Paparazzi, Paparazzi]
James Gandolfini - that guy scares me.
I don't want to be mean, I'm sure he's nice and all, but he just has that whole intimidation thing going on. This is why I have never watched his little show, The Sopranos.
Proving why 7th grade me was not a casting agent in 1999 and had no right to critical judgements based on a scary exterior, that demeanor which put me off is also what lead to Gandolfini's successful stint playing a mob dude for six seasons.
All my sense of detachment from that show was thrown for a loop today.
When a sophisticated voting body declares a show that I already referred to as "little", as the greatest television show ever written, I begin to question where my mind has been in the years since it became age appropriate - there could have been many weekends marathoning through this HBO hit.
Just because the Writer's Guild of America says that The Sopranos tops the list of the 101 Best Written television shows, doesn't mean it actually is, right? Actually, all likelihood points to yes - writing seems like it's their specialty.
Sure, Gandolfini scares me, and I have felt personally intimidated by several other cast members bombarding a local Olean, NY street fair (only Vincent Pastore was caught in a quick snapshot, as seen above), but shouldn't I have known their show was well written! Ball dropped.
I already have the mindset that solid storytelling is where brilliance begins, so the WGA endorsement has pushed me to put aside my preconceived notions in order to be depressed by swarms of people getting sent to swim with the fishes in New Jersey. But seriously, I will be giving it a chance.
The number two slot on the list also went over my head. Seinfeld wasn't a staple in my household and not even the WGA could convince me to get wrapped up in that right now.
It wasn't until I browsed to spot number seven that my eyes really lit up; anyone watching Mad Men can attest that it is the brilliantly written characters and mysteriously simple, yet enthralling plot which makes it unmatchable week after week.
Other favorites of mine that strived to make non-typical, thoughtful, mind bending, and wacky stories, like 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Breaking Bad, The X-Files, Arrested Development, and I Love Lucy, also placed in the Top 50.
Going through an epic list of 101 TV shows made me realize, I love TV, but there is still loads to catch up on, including (but not limited to); The Wire, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Deadwood and Battlestar Galactica.
Check out the full list here and start compiling your own list of new shows that will continue your addiction to well made television. While you're at it, give yourself a little praise for those that made the list which you already knew were excellent.
Modern technological advances may have made it possible for handy pocket sized devices to give us access to the internet night and day, but that doesn't mean we all have to like it.
Sure, the mobility comes in handy; as a news obsessive, it's lovely to be able to access the headlines from the AP News app at a single click away from my trusty iTunes all day. However, using it as your only source of computing? How do people do it?
I was without a laptop for over a month and it nearly killed me.
The time spent between the old and new devices could have been cut in half if I hadn't been so picky selecting the most extraordinary computer money [read: the amount I budgeted] could buy. Ah, the desperation of those seeking out the best deals.
Now the friendly click-clack as I press down on the individual smooth plastic keys feels especially warm and cuddly after the madness of attempting to write anything via a flat touch screen. Only once did I attempt to publish something to this blog, and frustrated with continually deleting HTML coding by accident, backed away slowly until UPS knocked on my door with a very special delivery.
It has been so long world wide web! Oh, the things to catch up on! To kick it all off fresh, it only seems appropriate to round up the previous week of exciting events and interests.
Just in time to celebrate the beginning to my 26th year here on Earth, the PNW was raging with sunshine (perfect for days reading outside), and summery releases on the big screen and on the music charts had me filled with excitement. Spring is here, but summer here we come.
"I Remember You" - Rilo Kiley
If you are in a band with a name that could be spun into a pun on the word archive, it is essential that you throw together an album filled with unreleased tracks.
Whether or not this was Rilo Kiley's inspiration behind putting together RKives, fans have been rejoicing the last couple weeks over getting a "new" album from the band that was thought to be defunct and never to be heard from again. Based on the quality of each of their albums spanning from 1999 to 2007, it's not surprising that there was just as many amazing tunes left on the cutting room floor.
As the songs are pulled from various recording sessions throughout the years, it's a treat that one album spans the entire band's history. With every song you can hear the band's progression.
I've had this album blasting on repeat in my room and in the car with the windows down for over a week now, and while the first track, "Let Me Back In", gives me the weepies, it's the dancey, dare I say adorable, "I Remember You", that is the albums most refreshing inclusion. Both songs were from the Under The Blacklight recording sessions, and it's a wonder how it was that these two gems didn't make the cut. Thankfully, they are now released for the world to enjoy.
Anyone still trying to hunt down the bands Initial Friend EP (that costs a pretty penny), will happily note that the album ends with a song back from where the band began.
An homage to a cinema masterpiece, The Frug, filled with hand claps and Jenny Lewis' sweet voice, proves that they were always a talented bunch who forged their own sound. Lewis and Blake Senett just solidified themselves as master songwriters with each album as they grew a little older and wrote songs with increasing punch, beauty, and bravado.
Gatsby
"I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy."
One of the novels most famous lines uttered by Jordan Baker (as played by Elizabeth Debicki), couldn't seem more true as the glorious specatacle of Jay Gatsby's infamous parties have been brought to life like never before.
When I read The Great Gatsby in high school, like many teenagers, the biggest impression this novel left on me (besides the tragic love story and those deep discussions we had about the symbolism of the green light and the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg), was the exciting idea of the roaring 20's and being at a Gatsby party.
If you ever wondered what this would have been like, head out to the movie theater this instant and see Baz Luhrmann's visually stunning interpretation explode on the screen.
Critics are already nagging, but I say if there was anyone meant to take on the challenge of filming one of the most adored novels in America, it is Luhrmann. He created Gatsby as big and glitzy as we all imagined, but done in a way that no one else could have ever dreamed.
Oh, the sparkles, sequins, fringe, and endless furs - the shiny cars, expansive mansions, and the glittering lights of NYC - between the magnificent costumes and sets, anyone should admit to drooling over this movie for days.
As the story goes on, the visage of elegance fades, and it is simply enjoyable to find Leonardo DiCaprio in a role like Gatsby. There's no espionage, mental facilities, or historically set courtroom scenes, just a guy who's (crazy) in love. Not since his under-appreciated performance in Revolutionary Road, have I been this excited to find Leo, impeccably dressed, on the giant screen in front of me.
There's no debating Leo's performance, but the use of modern music has had many up in arms. In my eyes it totally works.
Bringing in the twist of mixing Hip-Hop, pop, and old timey jazz makes this classic tale feel like it could be happening in any time period, even though the story is set in the 1920's. Indeed a timeless tale for the ages.
Although the soundtrack isn't perfect from start to finish, I could still easily post an entire page detailing that I have the haunting, "Young and Beautiful" on repeat, and how entertaining it was to hear "Izzo (H.O.V.A)", start playing as Nick and Gatsby drove into the city. It's fun and actually adds to the story - this is exactly a terrific soundtrack at work.
Maybe I'm sounding a little too glowy, as it's not without some issues (little story points left out here and there), but I guarantee that there is no other movie like Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby. Anyone looking for this kind of experience will be just as equally riveted.
Lester Bangs
Lester Bangs is the king of music reviews, so settling down to read a book of his accumulated essays is more than a treat for fans of 60s and 70s rock.
It may have been his profession, but music was also his life.
With every one of his electric words and expertly manic sentence his passion for bands and records transfers from the pages of the book and up into your pores. Man, I didn't give a crap about The Yardbirds before picking up this book, but the words of Bangs have made me a believer.
Since none of us will ever get to bash around a record store with Lester by our side, this is the next best option - read, experience, enjoy, and leave with enough music recommendations for a lifetime.
This has been a non-stop week of finding new entertainment to obsess over! What about y'all?
Anything else I should add to my list for next week?
Being a true Pollyanna, it is easy for me to find joy and excitement in the littlest moments of everyday life. Those big top themed containers that I just found scrounging through the clearance section at Target are still giving me a little thrill.
Circus themed products might not do it for everybody, but the rest of this week has been brimming with opportunity to be entertained in simple fun, especially with a day spent marathon viewing the years biggest awards show and jotting down memories in a new favorite journal.
Let's dive in:
The Oscars
The topic of award show hosts is surprisingly brash. No one is ever completely satisfied, so it's no wonder Seth MacFarlane got an overwhelming number of scathing reviews over his Oscar hosting abilities.
He sang, he danced, he beamed his love of the movies, all while performing a mix bag of hysterical bits and telling a few tasteless jokes. Come on! What about this doesn't make for a perfect Oscar host?
Movie fans are always reeling over classy acts like Billy Crystal hosting, but then complain when he does his same old routine. Then, the Academy tries to mix it up by hiring Hathaway and Franco to bring in the young, hip crowd, and what unfolded bridged on disastrous.
MacFarlane was edgy yetchanneled Frank Sinatra at the same time, and in doing so bridged the gap between the young and the old, something that no host has been able to achieve. Apparently this still wasn't good enough. Will it ever?
After reading anarticle fromVanity Fair, it came to my attention that a great number of people are up in arms about the "misogynistic 'We Saw Your Boobs' bit". I'm a feminist as much as anyone, but the song was funny,because it's a joke andit's true.
MacFarlane isn't the first to acknowledge the long joked about pattern in Hollywood involving Oscar nominations and winsfollowing those actresses that undressed in their films (this year's best actress being an exception). This tip of the hat to the already heavily discussed fodder was how I approached the song, which was apparently far less seriously than others.
To me, and other fans have agreed, for the first time in years the entire four hour telecast was entertaining.No sighing in boredomoccurred, but mass eye rolling did ensue while watching Zeta Jones lip-sync cabaret for her life.
MacFarlane's near perfect balance of song and dance man meets controversial comedian was evident from the initial classy Astaire and Rogers inspired dance between him, Charlize Theron, and Channing Tatum. [By the way ladies of this world, I sort of get this whole Channing Tatum thing now. Apparently all it took was a little dancing cheek to cheek.] There was also a bonus dance highlighting JGL and Dan Rad.
When he wasn't singing and dancing, MacFarlane also lead a brilliant stint involving the star of The Sound Of Music, Christopher Plummer, as he was announced onto the stage to present an award. Movies were actually highlighted in smart routines, instead of just those same old clip montages.
The only negative is they hid Meryl for far too long. It's not really the Oscars without her, so we all gave a sigh of relief when she was finally released to her public to present Daniel Day Lewis with the greatest living actor award.
This year's Academy Awards was all about pure spectacle and fun, and in a year with not just one run-away movie dominating all the categories, there were tons of surprises. Even after 85 years, the Academy Awards are continually changing.
Best Coast
Try as I might to ignore certain bands, sometimes it finds the way to my years anyway.
Having an obsession with Pandora, it was only a matter of time that the songs from the LA band with the fitting name, Best Coast, would find its way onto my various stations.
Their surf poppy jams are lively and during the winter any music that sounds like sunshine and the beach are a fantastic escape from reality.
Even though they might not become my new favorite band, as I can't help but think of them as "Amateur Rilo Kiley", their tunes are definitely fitting my fancy this week. In fact, Best Coast currently have their own Pandora station in my line-up, a fluke decision that is paying off better than I imagined. Suggested artists have ranged from Crystal Castles to Kevin Spacey performing Bobby Darin standards - now that is my kind of radio station.
Q&A-A-Day
Part of my perfect day would involve asking people incredibly random questions for hours. The tough part is coming up with what questions to ask, and since this might not be other people's idea of fun, I found a little item that does all the work for me.
This Christmas brought me a 365 day journal. Each date in the year has its own page, where it lists a question, and there are spots to answer the same question each year over five years. Some of the questions are the standard "what's your favorite color" type questions, but as the year goes on, there are some I would have never thought of asking anyone.
Forging memories with pictures, words, and experiences are big in my life, and I love the idea that after 5-years this journal will be a tiny time capsule showing change in a really fun way.
After the State Of The Union address last night, it occurred to me that the news cycle isn't the only source that is politically driven these days.
Several popular TV shows and many Oscar contenders, like Zero Dark Thirty or Lincoln, are either based on historical fact or focused around the ins and outs of the current U.S. government.
Traditionally, religion, money, and politics are three topics avoided in everyday small talk. Except, of course, anyone looking to stir up the pot to add a tad of drama at a family gathering - we've all been there.
The fact that mainstream entertainment is heavily focused on these supposed "taboo" topics makes it feel like this year they are each more open for discussion. This is something to appreciate.
I understand that heated or cool conversations about current events aren't for everyone, but anyone can appreciate watching them dramatically unfold all while in the comfort of a squishy couch. Yelling at crazy people on TV is better than at real people anyway.
Here are a few standouts that I have been attached to this week:
If the politics in D.C. seemed fishy before, just wait, the world of this Netflix Original series will leave you wanting to question everything. What kind of business is really happening behind the walls of the White House?
Currently the most popular selection on Netlifx, stars Kevin Spacey as Congressman Underwood, who's role as the Majority Whip (ironically the role that designates party discipline) has made him one of the most influential men in the national government. He is dynamic, sneaky, power hungry, and accordingly, people follow whatever he says.
Underwood could pull one of his many card's out from underneath at any moment and the house would crumble. Man, that title just works on so many levels!
Spacey has had quite the film and theater career, but he was made for this kind of dramatic television. He has never been better.
Kid President
Not exactly political, but he's wearing a suit and calling himself the President. What if Michael Jordan had never made Space Jam! There would be no Space Jam Soundtrack!
In
2009, the country was transfixed with Tina Fey playing Sarah Palin.
Even my parents who hadn't watched SNL in years stayed up late to tune
in weekly for those SNL broadcasts.
Fey gets top marks for the comedic styling, but we all knew the renditions wouldn't stop there.
Cue last years HBO movie, Game Change, and this time around ace actress Julianne Moore tackled the hockey mom from
Alaska. From the voice, to the wink, and the bun, Moore truly became
Palin. This all works, because Moore completely commits to playing every
moment, both the comical side and the tragic.
Moore's performance
is the highlight of the movie, as expected, even though there are no scenes with Todd and Sarah cruising through Alaska on a snowmobile.
The
movie does a fantastic job of capturing the wackiness of the whole 2009
election, but the story leans a little too satirical at times, which I don't think
was intended. All of this makes for quality entertainment, and I'm sure
there are some facts in there, but it left me wondering too much about
what actually happened between Palin and her staff.
The Oscar's are a week away and Argo is looking prime for a Best Picture win.
Anyone who was alive during the harrowing crisis that began in 1979, or has read their history books, will go in knowing how the story ends. Nonetheless, arriving at the resolution is still frightening, as every moment we watch the hostages on the screen is agonizing. We know they get out, but how and when!
That is the true test of a well-thought out, acted, and written film - the audience is riveted and stays along for the ride no matter what they thought they already knew walking into the theater.
There are many more options to check out focusing on similar topics, but flip on the tube, Netflix, or head out the cinema to check these few out today!
It's sunny outside, tomorrow is halfway through the work week, and I have had A LOT of coffee in the last couple of days, so, without blasting everyone with too much caffeine fueled enthusiasm, I'm having a very good week so far!
Like usual, a ton of fun entertainment items are also boosting my mood, and this week one of these is NPR's, "Pop Culture Happy Hour" podcast.
Each podcast features a round table discussion where everyone dishes on numerous pop culture topics (this week is about Downton Abbey!) and in the final moments each contributor goes around and says what is making them happy that week. Random books, movies, viral videos, and tunes are all thrown out, some more interesting (and pompous) than others.
What has now occurred is a list inspired by this exact question. What is making me happy this week?
Golden Globe-in': Tina + Amy
Separately these gals have two of the best shows on television, but when they come together the hilarity that ensues is unmatchable.
The entire night truly felt like the best, most giant, SNL sketch you ever saw. Tina and Amy were back smartly skewering people, except on a glittering stage in front of beautiful film stars (minus Meryl Streep!) and "rat faced TV people", instead of behind the Weekend Update desk.
My only complaint from Sunday's telecast, even with the bounty of priceless jokes they delivered, is that there wasn't enough of these two classy broads. Vote for Dog President!
Soundtrackin': Beasts Of The Southern Wild
While I enjoyed Beasts Of the Southern Wild, as I step back and think about the movie again, a lot of that joy was brought on by the score.
Music can make or break a movie, and sometimes it even makes a good movie into a great one. That is definitely the case for this independent film turned Oscar contender.
Almost every movie has a score or soundtrack, but this music works especially well, with each note intensifying the boldness, sadness, and wonder of a little girl named Hushpuppy.
To be honest, I just want that orchestra following me around to make every moment in my life seem more poignant.
Versatilin' with Jessica Chastain
It is always this point in the year when I am getting on a soap box triumphantly obsessed with at least one Oscar nominee.
That time has come around again, and so far this year, I haven't been cheering for anyone. It is clear now that I have dedicated more time to catching up on TV than current movies; now my desperation shows.
This was all true until last week when I finally saw two of the Best Picture nominees. Other than Beasts Of The Southern Wild, I now know why people have Chastain fever again this year.
Since her perfect breakout role in The Help, Jessica Chastain has been working her butt off in one fantastic movie after the next. From The Tree Of Life to Take Shelter, and earlier this years in Lawless, it seems like she is popping up in everything.
Much like the ever changing Kate Winslet, each movie and role Chastain takes on is unique and her passionate character in Zero Dark Thirty only adds to her impeccable body of work. I can't wait to see what she is going to do next.
Enlightened Spektor-in'
What is your favorite bridge in a song from the last 10 years? One may think this is a mighty specific question, but it is one I can confidently answer.
The Regina Spektor ballad, "Human Of The Year", slowly builds to the most soulful bit of music that has ever filled my ears. After listening to this one section hundreds of times, it's pure gorgeousness still makes me drop everything when it starts playing-I have to soak up every moment.
I caught wind this afternoon that there was an HBO Preview on Comcast, so I couldn't pass up previewing a few eps of Girls and another show that had award buzz, Enlightened.
Created by Laura Dern (who also stars in the series, won a Golden Globe last year for her role) and the brilliant comedy writer Mike White, the pilot has some interesting ideas, but I was not completely sold on the story.
Then in the final moments, they had the genius of featuring said Regina bridge overlaying the ending of its very first episode. I have never heard it played anywhere except my room or car before, and it being featured as one of those "poignant TV moments" set to music made my week. This is now another series I need to catch up on.
Now, the only question that follows; what is making you happy this week?
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