http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Wed, 22 Jun 2005 20:50:18 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. 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Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/06/22/205018.php visualsimplicityCrying While Eating - weird or just plain ultra weird?I must say, the site is oddly entertaining (does that mean I have some sort of fetish?) and I whole heartedly cracked up on the reasoning behind why Aaron was crying (twas the irony of it all).Now if I were to participate, I'd be eating Frosted Mini Wheats and crying because Anakin turned to the dark side while married to Natalie Portman. The fool!What about you? Culture31456@blogcritics.org Wed, 22 Jun 2005 20:50:18 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/12/08/180211.php visualsimplicityI've been trying to digest Closer since I watched it this past Saturday. The more I attempt to digest it, the more I enjoy the movie and in turn, spurs me to try to make more sense of it. It's an endless circle.[Warning! Some what of spoilers ahead]A big random thought about the film:I thought I sort of understood why Alice (or Jane, but for this discussion, I'll just use Alice) leaves Dan at the end of the film, but I never really fully understood the motivation. Then I remembered when he questioned her about sleeping with Larry and how her initial reaction was something similar to "you lived with her, and I still loved you." Interpreted, that said it all. She placed him on a pedestal, forgave him for his indiscretions, but yet, through his questions, he showed that he could not do the same for her. And there in was the problem between the two from the very beginning. The two were always on opposite sides of the spectrum.Alice was a simple girl (though seemingly complex by her deceits), all that mattered to her was love. She says to Dan, something to the line of, "Why won't you let me love you?" and, "Why isn't love enough?" Through that, we get a glimpse into the girl that is Alice, simple in her motivations, but complicated in her lies.Dan, on the other hand, was a constant seeker of something more. Love wasn't enough for him--he always sought the truth, even though, most of the time, those truths hurt him. That's why, even when it didn't matter to him, supposedly, he always questioned Alice (and Anna) for the truth. By seeking truth, this showed his distrust for others.And in the end, his distrust of her, pushed Alice over the edge, and thus, she leaves him. Even when Dan realizes this a few moments later, it is a few moments too late. Alice, simple in motivation, finds reason enough to not love him. A moment, a single moment, sends an undying love to its grave. It is tragic, but deserving, perhaps, because they were never meant for each other.But what is the message? It seems to me, it is that love should be enough. One should find trust, even when trust is suspect. Then again, "without truth, we'd all just be savages" as Larry's character says. I remain confused, but intrigued. Video23067@blogcritics.org Wed, 8 Dec 2004 18:02:11 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/07/20/170945.php visualsimplicityAnother music recommendation. This one has a lot of bang to it. She's RPM. I assume it has some sort of connotation to revolution but I have no idea what it really stands for, so whatever. One thing is for sure though, her entire promotion rides on her rebellious, anti-establishment image. Her songs are fairly typical nonconformist rants (as oxymoronic as that sounds, I'm pretty sure you know what I mean though), but there are some decent songs in there (referring to her most recent album, Irrational Anthem) when she's not trying to be all against the world. If you want to compare her, I'd say she fits in some where between a wannabe-early-days-Alanis and non-teenage-angsty-Avril. Some stand out songs include: "Don't Be You," "Liquid You," "Talk You Down," and "Happy Song." Music17657@blogcritics.org Tue, 20 Jul 2004 17:09:45 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/07/16/112843.php visualsimplicitySo I've have recently found out about another decent musical talent. They're called The Reputation. They sound like some other band, sort of, but I can't quite pinpoint it. Either way, why should we label another band in comparison to another anyway? On the other hand, it may be helpful to know what type of music they seem to perform... So I suppose you can call it power punk pop? Anyway, the band is fronted by former Sarge frontwoman, Elizabeth Elmore. She does all the songwriting, which is above the average in terms of lyrics, and can sing quite well too. You can get a free (and legal) download of their first single, "Face It" from their most recent album, To Force a Fate. So why not check it out? Music17510@blogcritics.org Fri, 16 Jul 2004 11:28:43 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/06/06/180839.php visualsimplicityAt no point in life did I wish I understood Japanese more than I do now. I'm about 3-4 years behind in this discovery, but I am currently enamored with Garnet Crow. They're considered a jpop band and their music is light and fluffy, but it is the voice and lyrics (not that I understand any of it) that differentiates them. Instead of a high pitched girly voice fronting this band, Yuri Nakamura belts out tunes more in the line of a sonorous bluesy style. The voice is much deeper, giving way for deeper music and deeper meaning. They are a style of their own and I absolutely love it. It's just too bad I can't read or understand Japanese or else I'd feed my obsession more, but alas they don't sing in English and there's about 1 website in English on them with little on it. Until then, I'll just enjoy their music ignorantly. Music16295@blogcritics.org Sun, 6 Jun 2004 18:08:39 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/05/01/024336.php visualsimplicityThe San Jose Mercury News reports: Non-profit arts groups in Santa Clara County annually generate $229.1 million in revenue, through everything from ticket sales to money spent by employees on rent and groceries, according to an economic-impact study released by the California Arts Council on Thursday. Sadly: California, which spends 3 cents per capita on the arts, ranks last in the nation in state arts funding. The recent economic downturn led the state to slash the 2003-04 funding for the arts council to $1 million in general funds from $18 million in 2002-03. Because of its drastic budget decrease, the agency has shifted its emphasis from distributing grants to arts advocacy America (and especially California) being such a high advocate of culture sure doesn't show it much in it's failing to support the arts. This study shows that art is beneficial to everyone. So support the arts! Culture15269@blogcritics.org Sat, 1 May 2004 02:43:36 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/03/01/024508.php visualsimplicityI just came back from a Vienna Teng concert in San Francisco, CA at the Cowell Theatre and it was nothing short of amazing. I must note that at this point I am extremely tired, but I was so enchanted by this performance that despite my weariness, I felt I had to get the word out about this performer. I'll keep it short though.Anyway, back to the review. Basically, it was a new experience for me, as her songs are focused around her piano and a classical orchestra (violin and cello included), which is something I've never really listened to extensively (especially live). Despite the classical background, it is not as boring as one would think (at least to one who isn't used to that type of music--like me). She throws in a drum and bass, mixing classic with modern, creating a Tori Amos-like composition. Her voice definitely would be equal to (if not better than) that of Tori Amos in power and elegance. The set was made up of about 10-11 songs, 2-3 of which came from her old album ,"Waking Hour," and the rest coming from her newly released (on 02/24/04) album, "Warm Strangers," with the exception of one special live treat, "Green Island Serenade," which is sung entirely in Mandarin. It was a wonderful experience and I'd recommend everyone to check out her site and sample her music (and if possible, catch her live).I should also note that there was an opening act, Noe Venoble, who is also worth giving a listen (she's more guitar based as opposed to Vienna's piano ballads though). Music13266@blogcritics.org Mon, 1 Mar 2004 02:45:08 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/12/31/151636.php visualsimplicityHere's my last minute Best of List. This one is a little different, I could go and list what my favorite albums are of this year but that would be fun for me, but probably not that entertaining for you. Anyway, here's a list of the best guilty pleasures of 2003. By this I mean the albums that you might be embarassed to let other people know you're listening to or own. I have no shame, I enjoy all these.Here we go, in no particular orderDannii Minogue - Neon Lights - Recognize the last name? If you're looking for a temporary Kylie Minogue fix, you can always turn to her sister. Their voices are very similar and they both create great dance/europop music. Key tracks: Put the Needle on it and Creep.Britney Spears - In the Zone - What best of guilty pleasures could exist without this being included. Regardless, it's an actual decent album, not as great as her last one, but equivalent to her 2nd. Only thing is, the songs are either really good, or aweful, good thing the majority are good. Then again, by now, if you don't own a Britney Spears album you probably never will. People either love her or hate her and there's no convincing anyone to swing either way. Key tracks: Breathe on Me, Toxic, Touch of My Hand, Shadow, Brave New Girl, and Everytime.Atomic Kitten - Self Titled - They're barely known here in the US, but they're famous everywhere else (I believe they're the first female pop group to sell out stadium tours worldwide since the Spice Girls). Their music isn't innovative, edgy or anything, it's pure good clean pop, which is a relief in the pop world now-a-days. It's something you can pop into your car and sing-along to while you're stuck in traffic, which is excellent after a long days work right? Key tracks: Oh heck everything except Right Now.Mandy Moore - Coverage - This album shouldn't really be a guilty pleasure, but simply because it's being sung by Mandy Moore it automatically is. The album is an album consisting entirely of cover songs, and these songs are nothing to feel guilty about. They're excellent songs being modernized but not at all butchered. It's worth a listen no matter what age you are. It's a generation bridging album. Key tracks: Everything.Jewel - 0304 - This artist shouldn't really be considered a guilty pleasure, but because of the buzz surrounding her selling out, she seems to have become just that. Anyway, the album itself, despite a few songs, aren't all that different from her past offerings. I wouldn't call this album selling out, but rather experimenting. It's a healthy offering of folk pop songs, with a little bit of electronic experimentation thrown in. Regardless, her statement about making this album was simply to put out something that would be fun and put a smile on people's faces in these dark times. In that it succeeded and isn't that what music is for? To provide people with joy? Key tracks: Leave the Lights On, 2 Find U, Doin' Fine, 2 Become 1, Yes U CanAnd there you have it, the best guilty pleasures of 2003. Now go out and have a listen and despite the title, don't feel guilty about it, just enjoy. Music11364@blogcritics.org Wed, 31 Dec 2003 15:16:36 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/11/25/022556.php visualsimplicityYou can help to tackle hunger simply by voting for your favorite NFL team at Campbell's Chunky Soup: Click for Cans. Campbell's will donate one can of soup to a local food bank for every vote. Even if you don't have a favorite team, vote anyway. You can vote for your local team, or just vote for the Denver Broncos. Culture10414@blogcritics.org Tue, 25 Nov 2003 02:25:56 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/11/05/035023.php visualsimplicityMandy Moore recently released a new CD called CoverageI had been meaning to write a review for it since last week, but I decided to give the CD further listening (and also because of laziness), before I made a judgment. Oh, heck, who am I fooling? I worship Mandy Moore, so another week of listening didn't really change my mind at all. Frankly, I love the CD. As a result of my undying admiration of Mandy Moore, and by way of this, I feel I don't have the necessary non-bias to provide you with an adequate review of this CD, but I'll do so anyway.Let me use a quote to help me out. An article at Rolling Stone states:"Coverage is something so special to me," Moore said via Web post. "Something I could not be more proud of. A project that is full of passion like I've never experienced before. It is a compilation of some of the most incredible music I have ever heard in my life, and the fact that I got to record these songs is still unimaginable to me. This is a big step for me, this record."Upon listening to the songs, I could definitely sense her passion for the songs, which is what makes the album great. You can just imagine her singing in a club, giving her all into each and every song simply because she genuinely loves them. There's one thing you don't expect from a graduate of the Teeny Pop sensation (you know, Britney, Christina, Jessica), genuine passion for music.Anyway, in case you didn't realize, the album is made entirely of cover songs, songs from a generation before my time and her time (but I've actually heard a little less than half of the songs covered in its original form, which isn't too shabby is it?). One of her goals in making the album was to introduce this music to an audience that would have no clue about it and in that sense she succeeded (I'm living proof). It's quite a stretch from her teeny pop days, which may lead to alienation from her original fan base, but musically (and it is all about the music isn't it?) she has definitely evolved from those times and is probably at a level beyond that of her other teeny pop peers.Here are some other reviews of the CD.Ole' Fashion Written Reviews (Things I don't have links for)"These are big songs, and Moore's voice fills them out spectacularly without turning [Coverage] into a retro stunt. Moore doesn't write the songs that make the whole world sing but she knows EXACTLY what to do with them. And that is more than half the battle right there." - Blender Magazine"We're just gonna put it out there: Mandy Moore's new album, Coverage, is the best collection of other people's songs since David Bowie's 1973 classic, Pinups." - Spin Magazine (November 2003)Good ReviewBang It Out.Com Review by Arye Dworken - This is the review for all you skeptics.Slant Magazine ReviewBad ReviewRolling Stone Review by Jon CaramanicaHere's a tracklisting1. Senses Working Overtime2. The Whole Of The Moon3. Can We Still Be Friends4. I Feel The Earth Move5. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters6. Drop The Pilot7. Moonshadow8. One Way Or Another9. Breaking Us In Two10. Anticipation11. Help Me12. Have A Little Faith In MeIf any of those songs sound familiar to you, I"d recommend you check out this CD, if not, check it out anyway. Music9838@blogcritics.org Wed, 5 Nov 2003 03:50:23 EST