Technically this album came out two years ago, but since I've only just discovered it, I think some reviewing is in order. This is probably going to become a regular thing here on le blog where I just review some favorites and whatnot. Something to keep my writing.
So St. Vincent, stage name of Annie Clark and her rotating backing band, have been around since about 2007, when debut album "Marry Me" was released. Then in 2009 came "Actor". And then in 2011 "Strange Mercy" was released, which is what I'm writing on here.
"Strange Mercy" is one of the most unique albums I've listened to, and is quickly working it's way into my top ten list. There are weird guitar sounds, string arrangements (but not in the cheesy way), gloriously abstract lyrics, and some amazing musicianship going on here. I gather more admiration for this band every time I listen to this masterpiece.
So bullet list? Bullet list.
1. I love Annie's guitar work on this album. The riff during the chorus in Surgeon is especially intricate, as well as the ongoing riff and disturbing first solo in Cruel, lead single from the album. The coolest thing is that no matter how complicated the guitar work gets, it doesn't take away from the music, like a lot of the stereotypical "shredders" out there. It's not just about the guitar, although it does take a spotlight most of the time.
2. The lyrics are quite excellent, and vague enough to be applied to just about any situation. Some favorites are from Champagne Year, Cruel, Cheerleader, Surgeon, Strange Mercy, and Dilettante. Particularly the opening lines of Champagne Year ("So I thought I'd learned my lesson/but I secretly expected/a choir at the shore and confetti through the falling air") or Cheerleader ("I've played dumb when I knew better/tried too hard just to be clever"). There's a witty lyricism at work here, but also a lot of depth and understanding of weird situations. There's a sense of loneliness too, which comes from how the material was written. But either way it's absolutely marvelous.
3. Strings and synthesizers abound on Strange Mercy, and they're used excellently. I'm especially fond of the fuzzy sounds on Year of the Tiger, the album's closing track that's a slight deviation from the rest of the sounds on the album. The effects on the guitars, marimba, and string section on Cruel add a lot too. And then Northern Lights comes along with sparse, almost punk-like, instrumentation and little more than a snare drum and some guitar with biting vocals and blows the whole thing to pieces. It's genius if you think about it.
So yeah, go listen to this album. And check out the rest of the St. Vincent catalog too, because it's amazing the range and depth this band go to to make good music.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Best of 2012 In Cinema
Welp, four months after 2013 has begun, and I'm posting my best-of lists. Here goes.
(These are in no particular order, by the way).
1. The Avengers. I'm pretty sure anyone who regularly reads this blog is tired of me going on about The Avengers, so I'll just stop with that for now. But yeah, best blockbuster of the year, hands down.
2. Argo. Yup. Even Oscar fame has done little to tarnish the reputation of this fantastic little movie. A nail biting, riveting, and altogether triumphant in just about every way, Argo lives up to the hype.
3. Silver Linings Playbook. A dysfunctional movie about dysfunctional people that made my dysfunctional side happy.
4. The Hobbit. Coming back home to Middle Earth after eight years was one of the best homecomings I've had the privilege to be there for. Desolation of Smaug is going to be the most amazing Middle Earth adventure yet.
5. Les Miserables. This also needs no more praise from me seeing as it's all I've talked about for the last two months. Or sang about really.
6. The Hunger Games. I admit it, I am a teenage girl who loooooves the Hunger Games. The action, the acting, the tension. It's all there with Hunger Games, despite a few problems I had with it. Catching Fire can't get here soon enough.
7. The Perks of Being A Wallflower. I fell head over heels in love with this book when I first read it, and I think like the movie even more. More than an adventure into mental illness, and also more than a teen movie. Emma Watson and Ezra Miller are the standouts here, but the rest of the cast does an excellent job as well.
8. Skyfall. Kick butt theme song, kick butt action sequences, witty dialog, and an excellent story. A triumphant return after the lopsided Quantum of Solace. The best Bond movie to date.
9. Beasts of the Southern Wild. A unique take on the urban fantasy genre with an astounding debut performance by then six year old Quevenzahne Wallis. I want to be her when I grow up.
10. Life of Pi. The philosophical journey of a boy named after a French swimming pool and an adult Royal Bengal Tiger, that may or may not in fact be a tiger. Ang Lee's take on Yann Martel's instant classic of a novel is intriguing, visually dazzling, and an extremely memorable adventure. I didn't think I would like this one nearly as much as I did.
There were more, but because I consider myself a film critic, I feel I must submit a top 10 list.
I would like to mention here that I am so so sorry to hear about the death of Roger Ebert. He was an amazing figure in the cinema community whose reviews have always been a pleasure to read. Rest in peace, Mr. Ebert.
-Randi
(These are in no particular order, by the way).
1. The Avengers. I'm pretty sure anyone who regularly reads this blog is tired of me going on about The Avengers, so I'll just stop with that for now. But yeah, best blockbuster of the year, hands down.
2. Argo. Yup. Even Oscar fame has done little to tarnish the reputation of this fantastic little movie. A nail biting, riveting, and altogether triumphant in just about every way, Argo lives up to the hype.
3. Silver Linings Playbook. A dysfunctional movie about dysfunctional people that made my dysfunctional side happy.
4. The Hobbit. Coming back home to Middle Earth after eight years was one of the best homecomings I've had the privilege to be there for. Desolation of Smaug is going to be the most amazing Middle Earth adventure yet.
5. Les Miserables. This also needs no more praise from me seeing as it's all I've talked about for the last two months. Or sang about really.
6. The Hunger Games. I admit it, I am a teenage girl who loooooves the Hunger Games. The action, the acting, the tension. It's all there with Hunger Games, despite a few problems I had with it. Catching Fire can't get here soon enough.
7. The Perks of Being A Wallflower. I fell head over heels in love with this book when I first read it, and I think like the movie even more. More than an adventure into mental illness, and also more than a teen movie. Emma Watson and Ezra Miller are the standouts here, but the rest of the cast does an excellent job as well.
8. Skyfall. Kick butt theme song, kick butt action sequences, witty dialog, and an excellent story. A triumphant return after the lopsided Quantum of Solace. The best Bond movie to date.
9. Beasts of the Southern Wild. A unique take on the urban fantasy genre with an astounding debut performance by then six year old Quevenzahne Wallis. I want to be her when I grow up.
10. Life of Pi. The philosophical journey of a boy named after a French swimming pool and an adult Royal Bengal Tiger, that may or may not in fact be a tiger. Ang Lee's take on Yann Martel's instant classic of a novel is intriguing, visually dazzling, and an extremely memorable adventure. I didn't think I would like this one nearly as much as I did.
There were more, but because I consider myself a film critic, I feel I must submit a top 10 list.
I would like to mention here that I am so so sorry to hear about the death of Roger Ebert. He was an amazing figure in the cinema community whose reviews have always been a pleasure to read. Rest in peace, Mr. Ebert.
-Randi
Why Are You Not Watching Vikings?
Okay, aggresive title aside, if you haven't watched History Channel's Vikings yet, you're sorely missing out on the best epic show this side of Westeros. While there may be a few attempts to make this look like some Game of Thrones knock off, especially in terms of marketing, this show is actually pretty dang original for what it is. So here's an informative list of reasons why you should watch the most manly show you've ever seen (with sweet feminism).
1. Aforementioned awesome feminism. Female warrior vikings? Yup. Head queen in charge vikings? Yup. Having none of your stupidity today vikings? Yup.
2. It is for the most part historically accurate, hence the History Channel thing. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and actions of the characters is amazing, and fits well with the tone of the story as well.
3. The story is intriguing, if a little scattered occasionally, but the writers usually get it back together by the end of the episode. The last episode aired probably raised my blood pressure with all of it's tension.
4. A+ religious symbolism, especially in terms of Athelstan, one of the characters in the story.
5. It's actually funny amidst all of the darkness sometimes.
6. Athelstan.
7. Doesn't gloss over much, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. There's some blood, guts, and childbirth. But that's in keeping with the historical approach we're going for.
Seriously though, what are you waiting for. Vikings is gonna rock your history socks off. The last episode of the first season airs next Sunday, April 28, and I eagerly await the results. The most manly and awesome show on television just so happens to be one of my new favorites.
-Randi
1. Aforementioned awesome feminism. Female warrior vikings? Yup. Head queen in charge vikings? Yup. Having none of your stupidity today vikings? Yup.
2. It is for the most part historically accurate, hence the History Channel thing. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and actions of the characters is amazing, and fits well with the tone of the story as well.
3. The story is intriguing, if a little scattered occasionally, but the writers usually get it back together by the end of the episode. The last episode aired probably raised my blood pressure with all of it's tension.
4. A+ religious symbolism, especially in terms of Athelstan, one of the characters in the story.
5. It's actually funny amidst all of the darkness sometimes.
6. Athelstan.
7. Doesn't gloss over much, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. There's some blood, guts, and childbirth. But that's in keeping with the historical approach we're going for.
Seriously though, what are you waiting for. Vikings is gonna rock your history socks off. The last episode of the first season airs next Sunday, April 28, and I eagerly await the results. The most manly and awesome show on television just so happens to be one of my new favorites.
-Randi
Thursday, April 11, 2013
In Which I Review Paramore's New Release
Four years ago, Paramore released Brand New Eyes. Any fan of the band knew that the five piece from Franklin, Tennessee had suffered a near break up in the years leading up the album. We thought maybe that everything had been put right and that the band was past their creative combat.
Two years ago, we found out that was not so, and that founding members Josh and Zac Farro had left the band. It was an especially bitter break-up on the Farro's end, calling the band a manufactured label product, and also citing religious problems within the band.
However, remaining members Taylor York (guitar), Jeremy Davis (bass), and Hayley Williams decided to keep on trucking, but decided to keep it as low key as you can when you're a legend in the rock community. They released a song for one of the Transformers films, toured South America a couple times, and recorded in the downtime. And then, almost out of the blue, the single "Now" was released with the album on the way.
I wasn't particularly impressed by "Now", but it's usually the case with Paramore that I don't like their singles as much as I like their album material.
That proves to be true with this album. Not only does "Now" work better in context with the album, but the songs form a future we could never have imagined of this band.
The sound is definitely different than what we're used to with quite a few throwbacks to Riot!. There's a lot of poppy sounding licks, but the lyrics are brutally honest, occasionally somber, and also what we're not quite used to.
The lyrical tone is in turns bitter, fun, and matured from past releases. Hayley sounds less like a teenager now, probably because she's not anymore, and that really shows in the tone of the album. And the band certainly aren't skirting around their near break-up. There are quite a few songs on the record that are almost personal jabs at the brothers Farro. Songs like "Fast In My Car", "Anklebiters", and the aptly titled "Grow Up" along with "Now" are easily the most angry on the album, recalling in part the teenage angst of albums past.
The band's musical prowess has definitely increased in the midst of the breakup. Jeremy exhibits some pretty tasty bass licks throughout and the guitar riffs have a distinctly different taste than Josh's, but still are interestingly musically and to the casual listener. It's different. And the production is smooth, and really puts the new pace and tone into the spotlight.
Then there are some more slowpaced, and even sweetly romantic songs on the album, like "Hate To See Your Heartbreak" which experiments with a gorgeous string section and takes a few cues from the band's biggest mega hit "The Only Exception", and the more upbeat "Still Into You", which is probably the happiest song the band has ever put out.
There are tinges of electronica on this record, and that's definitely going to turn some longtime fans off to the album, but it almost feels like the band is challenging you to grow up with them too. The teenagers who found Paramore in their Riot! and even Brand New Eyes cycles are now older. They're growing up too. It's strange how the audience is mirroring the band.
I won't deny that I miss the old Paramore, but this new album is definitely one of my favorite recent releases. For all you hesitant fans out there, give it a shot, you might find some startlingly good, catchy, and utterly awesome new songs. Two thumbs up.
Two years ago, we found out that was not so, and that founding members Josh and Zac Farro had left the band. It was an especially bitter break-up on the Farro's end, calling the band a manufactured label product, and also citing religious problems within the band.
However, remaining members Taylor York (guitar), Jeremy Davis (bass), and Hayley Williams decided to keep on trucking, but decided to keep it as low key as you can when you're a legend in the rock community. They released a song for one of the Transformers films, toured South America a couple times, and recorded in the downtime. And then, almost out of the blue, the single "Now" was released with the album on the way.
I wasn't particularly impressed by "Now", but it's usually the case with Paramore that I don't like their singles as much as I like their album material.
That proves to be true with this album. Not only does "Now" work better in context with the album, but the songs form a future we could never have imagined of this band.
The sound is definitely different than what we're used to with quite a few throwbacks to Riot!. There's a lot of poppy sounding licks, but the lyrics are brutally honest, occasionally somber, and also what we're not quite used to.
The lyrical tone is in turns bitter, fun, and matured from past releases. Hayley sounds less like a teenager now, probably because she's not anymore, and that really shows in the tone of the album. And the band certainly aren't skirting around their near break-up. There are quite a few songs on the record that are almost personal jabs at the brothers Farro. Songs like "Fast In My Car", "Anklebiters", and the aptly titled "Grow Up" along with "Now" are easily the most angry on the album, recalling in part the teenage angst of albums past.
The band's musical prowess has definitely increased in the midst of the breakup. Jeremy exhibits some pretty tasty bass licks throughout and the guitar riffs have a distinctly different taste than Josh's, but still are interestingly musically and to the casual listener. It's different. And the production is smooth, and really puts the new pace and tone into the spotlight.
Then there are some more slowpaced, and even sweetly romantic songs on the album, like "Hate To See Your Heartbreak" which experiments with a gorgeous string section and takes a few cues from the band's biggest mega hit "The Only Exception", and the more upbeat "Still Into You", which is probably the happiest song the band has ever put out.
There are tinges of electronica on this record, and that's definitely going to turn some longtime fans off to the album, but it almost feels like the band is challenging you to grow up with them too. The teenagers who found Paramore in their Riot! and even Brand New Eyes cycles are now older. They're growing up too. It's strange how the audience is mirroring the band.
I won't deny that I miss the old Paramore, but this new album is definitely one of my favorite recent releases. For all you hesitant fans out there, give it a shot, you might find some startlingly good, catchy, and utterly awesome new songs. Two thumbs up.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Movies I'm Excited For In 2013
It's 2013 right? Most of these are Blockbusters with a capitol B, but I'll have an indie list out here soon.
1. Ender's Game. Oh my gosh, you guys, how are more people not excited by this? Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card's class novel, did Young Adult Sci-fi before Hunger Games was a sparkle in Suzanne Collins eyes. The cast alone should make you want to see this movie: Asa Butterfield (Hugo), Harrison fladoodling Ford (Do I really need to list films he's done?), Viola David (The Help), Ben Kingsley (soon to be seen in the upcoming Iron Man 3, also in Hugo), Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit), Abigail Breslin....seriously, do I need to go on? Virtual reality, battle games, pyschological intrigue, and some crazy action go down in the book. I can't wait for the movie.
2. The Great Gatsby. From the man who brought us Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet. There was a never a more perfect match made in heaven. The trailers look crazy, and of course, we're all rooting for Leo to get his Oscar, which might happen, you never know. This is one of my favorite books of all time, and I'm really hoping it's done justice here.
3. Thor 2. Loki. Loki Loki Loki Loki Loki Loki. I need some more Loki. I mean seriously, I'm not just saying that because I looove Tom Hiddleston, I'm saying that because I honestly care more about how they're going to treat Loki in this film after he blew up New York last summer. Redemption? Further insanity? I'm curious beyond belief. But I do care about Thor and Jane and Darcy. And COULSON BABY WHERE ARE YOU?
4. Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in four days in Whedon's house in Santa Monica, this looks like it's going to be quite the Shakespeare adaptation. It's interesting that Whedon's first move after the massive Avengers is to do a small Shakespeare play that didn't even start with a major studio funding it. Some Whedon regulars are back as well, like Nathan Fillion and Clark Gregg, amongst others. I love Kenneth Branagh, but I think his Much Ado has some competition coming up here this summer.
5. THE HOBBIT! The Desolation of Smaug. Man, Unexpected Journey was so good, this one has a lot of expectations. I was a little hesitant going into UJ, but Peter Jackson proces once again that we should never let anybody else interpret Middle Earth for the big screen. His first installmen tin the Hobbit trilogy, was funny, frightening, warm, and utterly amazing. Part 2, now with dragons, is going to rock this hobbits non-existant socks off, I can tell already.
6. You didn't think I wasn't going to mention Catching Fire did you? While the new Capitol Portraits definitely did not float my boat, and I'm a little iffy on one or two of th new actors who are joining the cast, I am still uncontrollably excited. Let's see what Francis Lawrence can do with Panem.
7. The Butler. The first indie besides Much Ado to make it onto the list. It's a biopic about a butler who servede in the White House for a really long time, which doesn't sound like much, I know, but bear with me. The cast is also incredible, boasting Alan Rickman, John Cusack, Robin Williams, Jane Fonda, and Melissa Leo.
8. The Wolverine. Don't judge me, I swear to God, I'm not crazy. I wasn't too hot on X-Men Origins: Wolverine, like most people who saw it, but Hugh Jackman's Jean Valjean sort of restored my faith in humanity in general, and with some new creative talents on board, I'm hoping that this is a Wolverine film that won't me make want to throw my laptop against a brick wall.
9. Iron Man 3. While I absolutely loved the first Iron Man, I didn't really like the second. So perhaps the third time's the charm? Any chance to see Pepper Potts and Tony Stark proceed to have a battle of wits is reason enough for an eight dollar movie ticket.
10. Star Trek Into Darkness. JJ Abrams' next film is probably going to be his biggest ever. Moviegoers will most likely come out in droves to gauge whether or not this sci-fi wizard will deliver with the next Star Wars film, still shrouded in mystery. However, I was going to see this anyway because BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH'S GORGEOUS VOICE OVER A MOVIE THEATER SOUND SYSTEM!
1. Ender's Game. Oh my gosh, you guys, how are more people not excited by this? Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card's class novel, did Young Adult Sci-fi before Hunger Games was a sparkle in Suzanne Collins eyes. The cast alone should make you want to see this movie: Asa Butterfield (Hugo), Harrison fladoodling Ford (Do I really need to list films he's done?), Viola David (The Help), Ben Kingsley (soon to be seen in the upcoming Iron Man 3, also in Hugo), Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit), Abigail Breslin....seriously, do I need to go on? Virtual reality, battle games, pyschological intrigue, and some crazy action go down in the book. I can't wait for the movie.
2. The Great Gatsby. From the man who brought us Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet. There was a never a more perfect match made in heaven. The trailers look crazy, and of course, we're all rooting for Leo to get his Oscar, which might happen, you never know. This is one of my favorite books of all time, and I'm really hoping it's done justice here.
3. Thor 2. Loki. Loki Loki Loki Loki Loki Loki. I need some more Loki. I mean seriously, I'm not just saying that because I looove Tom Hiddleston, I'm saying that because I honestly care more about how they're going to treat Loki in this film after he blew up New York last summer. Redemption? Further insanity? I'm curious beyond belief. But I do care about Thor and Jane and Darcy. And COULSON BABY WHERE ARE YOU?
4. Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in four days in Whedon's house in Santa Monica, this looks like it's going to be quite the Shakespeare adaptation. It's interesting that Whedon's first move after the massive Avengers is to do a small Shakespeare play that didn't even start with a major studio funding it. Some Whedon regulars are back as well, like Nathan Fillion and Clark Gregg, amongst others. I love Kenneth Branagh, but I think his Much Ado has some competition coming up here this summer.
5. THE HOBBIT! The Desolation of Smaug. Man, Unexpected Journey was so good, this one has a lot of expectations. I was a little hesitant going into UJ, but Peter Jackson proces once again that we should never let anybody else interpret Middle Earth for the big screen. His first installmen tin the Hobbit trilogy, was funny, frightening, warm, and utterly amazing. Part 2, now with dragons, is going to rock this hobbits non-existant socks off, I can tell already.
6. You didn't think I wasn't going to mention Catching Fire did you? While the new Capitol Portraits definitely did not float my boat, and I'm a little iffy on one or two of th new actors who are joining the cast, I am still uncontrollably excited. Let's see what Francis Lawrence can do with Panem.
7. The Butler. The first indie besides Much Ado to make it onto the list. It's a biopic about a butler who servede in the White House for a really long time, which doesn't sound like much, I know, but bear with me. The cast is also incredible, boasting Alan Rickman, John Cusack, Robin Williams, Jane Fonda, and Melissa Leo.
8. The Wolverine. Don't judge me, I swear to God, I'm not crazy. I wasn't too hot on X-Men Origins: Wolverine, like most people who saw it, but Hugh Jackman's Jean Valjean sort of restored my faith in humanity in general, and with some new creative talents on board, I'm hoping that this is a Wolverine film that won't me make want to throw my laptop against a brick wall.
9. Iron Man 3. While I absolutely loved the first Iron Man, I didn't really like the second. So perhaps the third time's the charm? Any chance to see Pepper Potts and Tony Stark proceed to have a battle of wits is reason enough for an eight dollar movie ticket.
10. Star Trek Into Darkness. JJ Abrams' next film is probably going to be his biggest ever. Moviegoers will most likely come out in droves to gauge whether or not this sci-fi wizard will deliver with the next Star Wars film, still shrouded in mystery. However, I was going to see this anyway because BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH'S GORGEOUS VOICE OVER A MOVIE THEATER SOUND SYSTEM!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Oscars 2013
Well well well, here we are again. This post needs no introduction, as I have done an Oscars post every year sine I have started watching movies like it's my job. So here goes nothing.
-Hosting was terrible awful horrible and evil. Seth McFarlene needs to be banished from the face of the planet.
-However, I was okay with everything else. In fact, I was more than okay with the musical tribute during the show. It was really cool to see the Les Miserables cast on stage again, and Jennifer Hudson and the cast from Chicago killed it too. Also, shout out to Aaron Tviet for having the best entrance ever. Side note: red pocket square. You can take the boy out of the barricade, but you can't take the barricade out of the boy, I suppose.
-I AM SO HAPPY FOR ANNE! Her dedication to the role of Fantine (cutting off her hair, losing weight, and being very honest about her role) really paid off and I don't think there had been a time that I've listened to her rendition of I Dreamed A Dream and haven't at least wanted to cry. She's a great person and a great actress and her winning was so cool to me.
-Adele completely blew the roof off with Skyfall. That was a really great performance, and her Oscar is also well deserved. Sidenote: Skyfall is the first Oscar-winning James Bond movie! (that wasn't for original song)
-A little bit disappointed that Alan Arkin didn't win for Argo, as he was easily one of my favorite characters in the film, but Christoph is cool too. And I'll assume his performance was excellent, because really, have you ever seen Christoph Waltz do badly at something?
-You do not know how disappointed I am that Anna Karenina did not win best soundtrack. Or Skyfall for that matter. What's really cool about Anna though is that an Italian composed that score, but it doesn't sounds Italian at all. It sounds like some lifelong Russian from the time period composed it, it's perfect in every way. And Skyfall's soundtrack went way further than simply using the original Bond theme and Adele's song and created some wonderfully tension filled music for a tension filled movie. And we give it to Life of Pi because we gave little else to Life of Pi. Think on your sins, Academy.
-THE CUT OFF MUSIC WAS JAWS. That was a really welcome touch that I loved.
-Quentin Tarantino cutting off the cut off music was also really funny. That man is a favorite personality of mine.
-ARGO WON BEST PICTURE THIS PLEASES ME. I mean really, that movie is, as my brother put it, an excellent example of heroism in the modern day and age that gave me a lot of hope when I was just about ready to give up. Four for you Argo. You deserve it.
-KATNISS EVERDEEN WON AN OSCAR YOU GUYS! I'm so happy for Jennifer and Silver Linings Playbook was such a brilliant movie. Also, how adorable was it when she fell and Bradley Cooper and Hugh Jackman came to help her up?
-JGL and Daniel Radcliffe singing and dancing was awesome.
-I wish Wreck it Ralph had won Best Picture. Brave was okay, but I think Pixar has done better. Wreck it Ralph had a better concept to me.
-I'm a big fan of the lovely Quevenzhane Wallis and am so happy that she was there. I mean seriously, this girl has mad skillz with the acting. Keep watching her, 'cause she's gonna keep doing big things.
What did you guys think?
-Randi
-Hosting was terrible awful horrible and evil. Seth McFarlene needs to be banished from the face of the planet.
-However, I was okay with everything else. In fact, I was more than okay with the musical tribute during the show. It was really cool to see the Les Miserables cast on stage again, and Jennifer Hudson and the cast from Chicago killed it too. Also, shout out to Aaron Tviet for having the best entrance ever. Side note: red pocket square. You can take the boy out of the barricade, but you can't take the barricade out of the boy, I suppose.
-I AM SO HAPPY FOR ANNE! Her dedication to the role of Fantine (cutting off her hair, losing weight, and being very honest about her role) really paid off and I don't think there had been a time that I've listened to her rendition of I Dreamed A Dream and haven't at least wanted to cry. She's a great person and a great actress and her winning was so cool to me.
-Adele completely blew the roof off with Skyfall. That was a really great performance, and her Oscar is also well deserved. Sidenote: Skyfall is the first Oscar-winning James Bond movie! (that wasn't for original song)
-A little bit disappointed that Alan Arkin didn't win for Argo, as he was easily one of my favorite characters in the film, but Christoph is cool too. And I'll assume his performance was excellent, because really, have you ever seen Christoph Waltz do badly at something?
-You do not know how disappointed I am that Anna Karenina did not win best soundtrack. Or Skyfall for that matter. What's really cool about Anna though is that an Italian composed that score, but it doesn't sounds Italian at all. It sounds like some lifelong Russian from the time period composed it, it's perfect in every way. And Skyfall's soundtrack went way further than simply using the original Bond theme and Adele's song and created some wonderfully tension filled music for a tension filled movie. And we give it to Life of Pi because we gave little else to Life of Pi. Think on your sins, Academy.
-THE CUT OFF MUSIC WAS JAWS. That was a really welcome touch that I loved.
-Quentin Tarantino cutting off the cut off music was also really funny. That man is a favorite personality of mine.
-ARGO WON BEST PICTURE THIS PLEASES ME. I mean really, that movie is, as my brother put it, an excellent example of heroism in the modern day and age that gave me a lot of hope when I was just about ready to give up. Four for you Argo. You deserve it.
-KATNISS EVERDEEN WON AN OSCAR YOU GUYS! I'm so happy for Jennifer and Silver Linings Playbook was such a brilliant movie. Also, how adorable was it when she fell and Bradley Cooper and Hugh Jackman came to help her up?
-JGL and Daniel Radcliffe singing and dancing was awesome.
-I wish Wreck it Ralph had won Best Picture. Brave was okay, but I think Pixar has done better. Wreck it Ralph had a better concept to me.
-I'm a big fan of the lovely Quevenzhane Wallis and am so happy that she was there. I mean seriously, this girl has mad skillz with the acting. Keep watching her, 'cause she's gonna keep doing big things.
What did you guys think?
-Randi
Friday, February 22, 2013
More Songs That Help You Get Stuff Done
I'm baaaack. The more I thought about it, the more I needed to share these with you guys.
Anna Karenina Suite from Anna Karenina by Dario Marinelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDaUr8l4g4U
This movie was pretty cool, definitely favoring a stylistic rather than story approach, but the soundtrack compliments everything so perfectly. Ugh. Beautiful.
Where is My Mind by The Vitamin String Quartet (Original Pixies song was used in Fight Club)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSM6SA9hMEA
I looooove Vitamin String Quartet, they do really well with classics from films and top of the charts pop songs. This is song has been used in a lot of movies, Fight Club being the first and foremost.
The Thieving Magpie by Rossini, used in BBC Sherlock (and A Clockwork Orange).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ-E1Vx-fwc
Okay, so I found out about this song from Sherlock, so pardon to link to the Clockwork Orange score video. This song brings out your inner evil mad genius perfectly. And Andrew Scott is an excellent dancer.
The Avengers (Main Theme) by Alan Silvestri, from Marve's The Avengers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTTaVIFXxHg
Did you really think I WASN'T going to post this? No explanation needed.
Just a few more. This is probably going to be a periodic thing.
Anna Karenina Suite from Anna Karenina by Dario Marinelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDaUr8l4g4U
This movie was pretty cool, definitely favoring a stylistic rather than story approach, but the soundtrack compliments everything so perfectly. Ugh. Beautiful.
Where is My Mind by The Vitamin String Quartet (Original Pixies song was used in Fight Club)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSM6SA9hMEA
I looooove Vitamin String Quartet, they do really well with classics from films and top of the charts pop songs. This is song has been used in a lot of movies, Fight Club being the first and foremost.
The Thieving Magpie by Rossini, used in BBC Sherlock (and A Clockwork Orange).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ-E1Vx-fwc
Okay, so I found out about this song from Sherlock, so pardon to link to the Clockwork Orange score video. This song brings out your inner evil mad genius perfectly. And Andrew Scott is an excellent dancer.
The Avengers (Main Theme) by Alan Silvestri, from Marve's The Avengers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTTaVIFXxHg
Did you really think I WASN'T going to post this? No explanation needed.
Just a few more. This is probably going to be a periodic thing.
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