Dear Kelley and Fern,We are all on the same page for John Woo's Manhunt, no doubt—a film that casts my mind back with wry, chuckling nostalgia to first discovering the action maestro's days of glory. Such backward glances have been common to me this week. I must admit, it's been more than a bit hard to be present at Toronto—my heart, mind and soul still feels battered aghast from last week’s devastating, gaping conclusion of David Lynch and Mark Frost’s Twin Peaks: The Return. The 25 years that separate that series from the show’s second season are a gulf of time, a void of aging and loss that you feel in every shot—a span, the finale implies, that is ultimately impossible to surmount.This gap was very much in my mind watching Youth, a nostalgic re-envisioning of the Cultural Revolution in the...
- 9/10/2017
- MUBI
There’s one thing filmmaker James Ponsoldt just can’t seem to get away from: obsession. With films like “Smashed,” “The Spectacular Now” and “The End of the Tour” under his belt, Ponsoldt has a knack for humanizing characters with seemingly outsized needs, from addicts to recluses.
It’s that kind of obsession that also drives Ponsoldt’s next film, “The Circle.” Ponsoldt (who has always been a big believer in the power of the cinematic adaptation) has adapted Dave Eggers’ 2013 novel of the same name, which follows May (Emma Watson), a young woman who is hired by a powerful internet company (think Facebook, but bigger) and slowly falls down the rabbit hole of its many dark conspiracies and major secrets.
Read More: ‘The Circle’ Trailer: James Ponsoldt Throws Emma Watson and Tom Hanks Into A Corporate Conspiracy
“It’s rarely a conscious thing, in terms of the stories I’m attracted to,...
It’s that kind of obsession that also drives Ponsoldt’s next film, “The Circle.” Ponsoldt (who has always been a big believer in the power of the cinematic adaptation) has adapted Dave Eggers’ 2013 novel of the same name, which follows May (Emma Watson), a young woman who is hired by a powerful internet company (think Facebook, but bigger) and slowly falls down the rabbit hole of its many dark conspiracies and major secrets.
Read More: ‘The Circle’ Trailer: James Ponsoldt Throws Emma Watson and Tom Hanks Into A Corporate Conspiracy
“It’s rarely a conscious thing, in terms of the stories I’m attracted to,...
- 2/9/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Mia Wasikowska and Christopher Abbott are set to topline the upcoming film “Piercing.” According to Variety, the pair has wrapped production on the psychological thriller directed by Nicolas Pesce.
Read More: Jack Nicholson to Star in ‘Toni Erdmann’ Remake
Based on Ryu Murakami’s 1994 novel of the same name, “Piercing” follows the story of a man (Abbott) who leaves his wife and daughter at home as he says he’s heading on a business trip. However, he checks into a hotel and calls an escort service with the intention of killing the unsuspecting call girl, played by Wasikowska. After arriving at his room, the seductive and enigmatic prostitute manages to hinder his plan of killing her.
Wasikowska is known for her work in such films as “Jane Eyre,” “The Kids Are All Right” and last year’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” Abbot has appeared in films like “James White” and “A Most Violent Year,...
Read More: Jack Nicholson to Star in ‘Toni Erdmann’ Remake
Based on Ryu Murakami’s 1994 novel of the same name, “Piercing” follows the story of a man (Abbott) who leaves his wife and daughter at home as he says he’s heading on a business trip. However, he checks into a hotel and calls an escort service with the intention of killing the unsuspecting call girl, played by Wasikowska. After arriving at his room, the seductive and enigmatic prostitute manages to hinder his plan of killing her.
Wasikowska is known for her work in such films as “Jane Eyre,” “The Kids Are All Right” and last year’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” Abbot has appeared in films like “James White” and “A Most Violent Year,...
- 2/8/2017
- by Yoselin Acevedo
- Indiewire
‘It Comes At Night’ Teaser Trailer: The Director of ‘Krisha’ Returns With More Psychological Madness
Following up such an auspicious debut feature like “Krisha” isn’t going to be an easy thing for writer-director Trey Edward Shults, but the first teaser trailer for “It Comes At Night” suggests he might just have another indie tour-de-force on his hands. Shults may have a higher profile cast this time around, including Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, Christopher Abbott and Carmen Ejogo, but it looks like he’s keeping intact the same kind of tense psychological nerve that made “Krisha” such a jaw-dropper.
Read More: ‘Krisha’: Learn the Secrets of the Film’s Daring and Inventive Cinematography
According to the official release from distributor A24, the horror movie centers around a father protecting his family against an unnatural threat that’s terrorizing the world. Their lifestyle is shaken by the arrival of a desperate young family seeking refuge in their home, which leads to an awakening of something monstrous within him.
Read More: ‘Krisha’: Learn the Secrets of the Film’s Daring and Inventive Cinematography
According to the official release from distributor A24, the horror movie centers around a father protecting his family against an unnatural threat that’s terrorizing the world. Their lifestyle is shaken by the arrival of a desperate young family seeking refuge in their home, which leads to an awakening of something monstrous within him.
- 2/8/2017
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Before voting for the 2017 Oscar winners begins, IndieWire’s Anne Thompson joined up with Gold Derby’s Tom O’Neil, Variety’s Tim Gray and Deadline’s Pete Hammond to debate their Oscar picks.
The awards editors tackle the top eight races by answering: how many Oscars will “La La Land” take home? The Damien Chazelle musical received a record-tying 14 nominations, including Best Director, Best Actress and Actor. While all agree that the film will take a handful of trophies home, everyone’s numbers on how many vary.
Read More: Full 2017 Oscar Nominations List: ‘La La Land’ Ties All-Time Record With 14 Nominations
Also under discussion was the Best Actor race, which heated up after Denzel Washington took home the SAG Award last weekend. The foursome took a look at early frontrunner Casey Affleck’s odds in the top male category.
Also included in their 19-minute conversation were Thompson, O’Neil,...
The awards editors tackle the top eight races by answering: how many Oscars will “La La Land” take home? The Damien Chazelle musical received a record-tying 14 nominations, including Best Director, Best Actress and Actor. While all agree that the film will take a handful of trophies home, everyone’s numbers on how many vary.
Read More: Full 2017 Oscar Nominations List: ‘La La Land’ Ties All-Time Record With 14 Nominations
Also under discussion was the Best Actor race, which heated up after Denzel Washington took home the SAG Award last weekend. The foursome took a look at early frontrunner Casey Affleck’s odds in the top male category.
Also included in their 19-minute conversation were Thompson, O’Neil,...
- 2/4/2017
- by Liz Calvario
- Thompson on Hollywood
Editor's Note: On this very week in 1793 the Queen Consort of France Marie Antoinette (born Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna von Habsburg-Lothringen -whew) stood "trial" and was guillotined during the French Revolution. She's haunted popular culture ever since. On this very week ten years ago in 2006, Sofia Coppola's undervalued and unconventional biopic Marie Antoinette began its trip to movie theaters. We're celebrating every day at 3 Pm Est for a week. Party.
Lynn Lee looks back at Marie Antoinette's (2006) controversial use of music...
First come the fast, bracing guitar chords, followed by the almost-too-on-point Gang of Four lyrics - “The problem of leisure, what to do for pleasure?” - as the opening credits roll in bright hot pink against a black background. We catch a quick shot of a reclining Marie Antoinette (Kirsten Dunst), tasting one of an array of sumptuous cakes as she tries on a shoe and gives...
Lynn Lee looks back at Marie Antoinette's (2006) controversial use of music...
First come the fast, bracing guitar chords, followed by the almost-too-on-point Gang of Four lyrics - “The problem of leisure, what to do for pleasure?” - as the opening credits roll in bright hot pink against a black background. We catch a quick shot of a reclining Marie Antoinette (Kirsten Dunst), tasting one of an array of sumptuous cakes as she tries on a shoe and gives...
- 10/13/2016
- by Lynn Lee
- FilmExperience
The Mekons have combined politics with post-punk, folk and country music for nearly four decades. The story of their Ancient and Modern tour reveals a passionate and talented bunch
There are bands that make it and bands that don’t. Then there are bands – like the Mekons – that spend decades working the middle. Formed in the ferment of Leeds student politics in 1977 (alongside Gang of Four), the group Lester Bangs called “the most revolutionary in the history of rock’n’roll”, have learned how far political rock’s grand pronouncements can get you: 8,000 sales an album and a tour when you can afford it.
Continue reading...
There are bands that make it and bands that don’t. Then there are bands – like the Mekons – that spend decades working the middle. Formed in the ferment of Leeds student politics in 1977 (alongside Gang of Four), the group Lester Bangs called “the most revolutionary in the history of rock’n’roll”, have learned how far political rock’s grand pronouncements can get you: 8,000 sales an album and a tour when you can afford it.
Continue reading...
- 11/19/2015
- by Henry Barnes
- The Guardian - Film News
The soundtrack for Electric Slide oozes throwback Eighties cool: Suicide, X, Gang of Four, Psychedelic Furs, Depeche Mode. The music has a gloriously dark sheen and undeniable pulse. The film itself, despite being based on a larger-than-life true story, is limp and anemic. Eddie "Gentleman Bank Robber" Dodson, a drug addict with a staggering habit, robbed 72 banks in his lifetime (64 of those within a nine-month period — still a record) to support that consumption and pay off loan sharks. He did more of the former than the latter, which makes for the film's only semblance of narrative tension. Directed by Tristan Patterson, this is part love letter to the Eighties (nightclubs, fashion, music), part half-baked character study of Dodson, and part reheated <i...
- 4/1/2015
- Village Voice
Previously: Review: 'Downton Abbey' Season 5 Episode 6 Sets the Stage for Romance Upstairs Edith's midnight flit is the talk of the family – it's the most attention she's had since she got left at the altar. Of course, it takes twenty minutes, and the intervention of Atticus, before anyone thinks about checking with the publishing offices Edith has just inherited. Rose hails Atticus as a genius, and he mumbles something about it being obvious, possibly realizing that he's on the verge of marrying into a family whose relationship with logic ended a long time ago. Elsewhere, the Gang of Four are rampaging around the Downton estate – Martha Lane Fox is resplendent in pink, looking sweetly feminine in a way that only emphasizes her gloriously sharp edges. Sadly, this odd but endearing group friendship won't last: Charles is off to Poland and Martha and Tony finally get together, leaving Mary to...
- 2/16/2015
- by Kaite Welsh
- Indiewire
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
Written and Directed by Ngai Choi Lam
China, 1991
Adapted from a Japanese manga released in the late 1980s, which was then turned into an anime series, Ngai Choi Lam’s 1991 film, Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky, is gory, goofy greatness. Called the “best comic book adaptation ever created” by Hobo with a Shotgun director Jason Eisener, who provides a brief but zealous introduction to the film on the newly released Blu-ray, this absurdly enjoyable martial arts picture is the definition of over the top.
In the year 2001, Riki-Oh Saiga (Fan Siu Wong) arrives in prison to serve 10 years for manslaughter and assault. Aside from the conviction itself, we know little about Riki, about who he killed and why. He has five bullets lodged in his chest (“souvenirs” he calls them), and in general, he seems to be a seriously durable individual. It’s only through...
Written and Directed by Ngai Choi Lam
China, 1991
Adapted from a Japanese manga released in the late 1980s, which was then turned into an anime series, Ngai Choi Lam’s 1991 film, Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky, is gory, goofy greatness. Called the “best comic book adaptation ever created” by Hobo with a Shotgun director Jason Eisener, who provides a brief but zealous introduction to the film on the newly released Blu-ray, this absurdly enjoyable martial arts picture is the definition of over the top.
In the year 2001, Riki-Oh Saiga (Fan Siu Wong) arrives in prison to serve 10 years for manslaughter and assault. Aside from the conviction itself, we know little about Riki, about who he killed and why. He has five bullets lodged in his chest (“souvenirs” he calls them), and in general, he seems to be a seriously durable individual. It’s only through...
- 1/14/2015
- by Jeremy Carr
- SoundOnSight
If there was a wonderful understated performance recently it belonged to Andrea Suarez Paz who has been nominated for the Best Supporting Actress award at the prestigious 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards (that’s the one you can get drunk and drop F-Bombs to your hearts content). Her role in the critically acclaimed “Stand Clear Of The Closing Doors” has Andrea nominated alongside Patricia Arquette, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain and Carmen Ejogo which is nothing less than incredibly impressive for a Mexican born, New York claimed actor. LatinoBuzz wants to be her homie.
LatinoBuzz: What film or actress inspired you to act?
Andrea: There was this amazing lady playing very interesting roles in telenovelas when I was growing up whom I definitely considered a genius. Her name is Margarita Sanz and I was around 5 years old when I became her fan. All the older actresses in telenovelas blew my mind when I was a kid, they call them "first actress" and they are the artists that have been performing in the theater for decades and then they get to be the evil stepmom or the psycho killer in telenovelas. They did powerful work. My mom knew of my affinity for this and took me to see them live on stage whenever they visited our local theater. I once saw one of these women play The Little Prince. To see an older woman play a little boy on stage completely blasted open my perception to what it meant to act. That was it for me.
LatinoBuzz: When you read the script for "Stand Clear of the Closing Doors" what drew you to the character?
Andrea: Well, it was an emotional roller coaster, which is what we as actors pray to get to do. It seemed like an insurmountable challenge - which I'm beginning to learn is what truly sparks me- a fantastic challenge. I was also terribly moved. My son was 9 months at the time, so to picture him away from me was immediately something I wanted to avoid. These were all very good signs that going head first onto this was going to be rough and terrifying. I like that
LatinoBuzz: What kind research did you do for the role?
Andrea: I read a lot on autism, which is surprisingly and annoyingly a huge mystery. There are all kinds of theories as to what causes it, if it might be preventable, how to best treat it. It was very scary to find out that nobody knows for sure and there is not great research being done and the vast majority of research is done privately. This infuriated me, which was a good start. I visited a support group for mothers of children in the spectrum a few times and realized how challenging it is to have a child with special needs and I learned that you have to draw strength from thin air incessantly and keep an unwavering state of deep focus.
I also learned that even though Autism can be frightening and terribly demanding, it also comes with its vast share of superpowers that are unknown to the typical human. A different and astonishing type of mind with a magical glow. So, in the end I also became in love with it and ended up with a healthy mix of emotions. Then I got to hang out with Jesus Sanchez (who plays Ricky in the movie) prior to filming which was a big luxury and we talked a lot and swam in the ocean together and by the time we started shooting I was just so sincerely crazy about this kid who was so smart, so deeply compassionate and had such impeccable morals that I just felt so fortunate to be partners with him. And he was such a fantastic actor! I was a proud mother of my perfect boy by the end.
LatinoBuzz: You are from Mexico, did you ever think that one day you would be living in the greatest city in the world and then one day nominated for an Independent Spirit Award? Do you hope it would inspire that little girl in Monterrey, Mexico?
Andrea: Well, I certainly dreamed about it. And I did at some point in my life begin to work my way here and I knew there were no guarantees. I do hope to inspire, I mean I live off inspiration and its the force that keeps me working, that keeps me creating. its a wonderful feeling to be able to inspire back, to keep that flow going. Being Latina in the Us is something I'm still learning about everyday. I don't feel inherently different in any way from anybody else and It is a feeling I cherish and that has helped me avoid thinking of my ethnicity as a potential obstacle from what i want to achieve. I am a woman and I am from Mexico, that is true. I am an artist, that is also true. When I work, I hope I'm not a woman from Mexico but an artist in body and spirit. I'm also a New Yorker, by the way.
LatinoBuzz: You used to play Punk Rock music. Five best Punk bands ever, Go!
Andrea:
The Clash
The Buzzcocks
Joy Division
Gang of Four
The Mekons
I also consider Neil Young and Bach to be big punks.
LatinoBuzz: The dream role, co-star, director and what's the storyline?
Andrea: I would like to play a passionate revolutionary or an extremely happy person. I adore Sally Hawkins in "Happy Go Lucky." I'm really dying to work with my Mexican peeps: Gonzalez Iñárritu, Cuarón, Del Toro. Maybe I'm the badass lady who rids Mexico of drugs, of oppression and illiteracy.
LatinoBuzz: Given what's happening in Mexico and the world still stands idle, do you find art meaningless or even more meaningful? And how does it make you feel?
Andrea: It makes me feel angry and ashamed and profoundly sad. My parents are big liberals and taught us to never trust a government that rids their people of basic human rights. Growing up, my Mexican town of Monterrey was so safe, we wouldn't lock our cars or our front doors, and that is gone. Monterrey is considered one of the deadliest, most violent places in the nation and I have seen my loved ones be profoundly affected by this horrific shift. There was always a lot of gruesome inequality but, in most towns we had basic security to move freely around. I think art is, unfortunately, sometimes our only shot at communicating our indignation safely and effectively. Before Internet existed, films were my source of real information from the world.
Films made by many artists working together for the love of a common project that they believed in, in which humanity was presented and experienced from a truthful standpoint, with no cop outs. In many points in history (now as well, of course) films and filmmakers have been banned for political reasons- that's how annoying they can be to oppressing systems, how dangerous. Mexico has relied on television for decades to keep the citizens misinformed and in a constant state of stupor. I mean we live in a time where democracy is almost synonymous with oligarchy. Artists have a tremendous purpose in society, which is to continually expose, to continually challenge and to never stop producing. To never stop creating, no matter what.
LatinoBuzz: What would the win at the Independent Spirit Awards mean to you? Who would first person that will come to your mind?
Andrea: It would just be a tremendous recognition of my work. My husband is the first person, because god knows it’s hard to love a struggling actor and he has been a force of nature. My son gave me a new and enhanced shot at life - he is to thank for my whole past, present and future existence.
LatinoBuzz: What's next?
Andrea: Lots of more work! A mystery. As it has always been.
Hang out with Andrea at www.andreasuarezpaz.com
Written by Juan Caceres, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow[At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook...
LatinoBuzz: What film or actress inspired you to act?
Andrea: There was this amazing lady playing very interesting roles in telenovelas when I was growing up whom I definitely considered a genius. Her name is Margarita Sanz and I was around 5 years old when I became her fan. All the older actresses in telenovelas blew my mind when I was a kid, they call them "first actress" and they are the artists that have been performing in the theater for decades and then they get to be the evil stepmom or the psycho killer in telenovelas. They did powerful work. My mom knew of my affinity for this and took me to see them live on stage whenever they visited our local theater. I once saw one of these women play The Little Prince. To see an older woman play a little boy on stage completely blasted open my perception to what it meant to act. That was it for me.
LatinoBuzz: When you read the script for "Stand Clear of the Closing Doors" what drew you to the character?
Andrea: Well, it was an emotional roller coaster, which is what we as actors pray to get to do. It seemed like an insurmountable challenge - which I'm beginning to learn is what truly sparks me- a fantastic challenge. I was also terribly moved. My son was 9 months at the time, so to picture him away from me was immediately something I wanted to avoid. These were all very good signs that going head first onto this was going to be rough and terrifying. I like that
LatinoBuzz: What kind research did you do for the role?
Andrea: I read a lot on autism, which is surprisingly and annoyingly a huge mystery. There are all kinds of theories as to what causes it, if it might be preventable, how to best treat it. It was very scary to find out that nobody knows for sure and there is not great research being done and the vast majority of research is done privately. This infuriated me, which was a good start. I visited a support group for mothers of children in the spectrum a few times and realized how challenging it is to have a child with special needs and I learned that you have to draw strength from thin air incessantly and keep an unwavering state of deep focus.
I also learned that even though Autism can be frightening and terribly demanding, it also comes with its vast share of superpowers that are unknown to the typical human. A different and astonishing type of mind with a magical glow. So, in the end I also became in love with it and ended up with a healthy mix of emotions. Then I got to hang out with Jesus Sanchez (who plays Ricky in the movie) prior to filming which was a big luxury and we talked a lot and swam in the ocean together and by the time we started shooting I was just so sincerely crazy about this kid who was so smart, so deeply compassionate and had such impeccable morals that I just felt so fortunate to be partners with him. And he was such a fantastic actor! I was a proud mother of my perfect boy by the end.
LatinoBuzz: You are from Mexico, did you ever think that one day you would be living in the greatest city in the world and then one day nominated for an Independent Spirit Award? Do you hope it would inspire that little girl in Monterrey, Mexico?
Andrea: Well, I certainly dreamed about it. And I did at some point in my life begin to work my way here and I knew there were no guarantees. I do hope to inspire, I mean I live off inspiration and its the force that keeps me working, that keeps me creating. its a wonderful feeling to be able to inspire back, to keep that flow going. Being Latina in the Us is something I'm still learning about everyday. I don't feel inherently different in any way from anybody else and It is a feeling I cherish and that has helped me avoid thinking of my ethnicity as a potential obstacle from what i want to achieve. I am a woman and I am from Mexico, that is true. I am an artist, that is also true. When I work, I hope I'm not a woman from Mexico but an artist in body and spirit. I'm also a New Yorker, by the way.
LatinoBuzz: You used to play Punk Rock music. Five best Punk bands ever, Go!
Andrea:
The Clash
The Buzzcocks
Joy Division
Gang of Four
The Mekons
I also consider Neil Young and Bach to be big punks.
LatinoBuzz: The dream role, co-star, director and what's the storyline?
Andrea: I would like to play a passionate revolutionary or an extremely happy person. I adore Sally Hawkins in "Happy Go Lucky." I'm really dying to work with my Mexican peeps: Gonzalez Iñárritu, Cuarón, Del Toro. Maybe I'm the badass lady who rids Mexico of drugs, of oppression and illiteracy.
LatinoBuzz: Given what's happening in Mexico and the world still stands idle, do you find art meaningless or even more meaningful? And how does it make you feel?
Andrea: It makes me feel angry and ashamed and profoundly sad. My parents are big liberals and taught us to never trust a government that rids their people of basic human rights. Growing up, my Mexican town of Monterrey was so safe, we wouldn't lock our cars or our front doors, and that is gone. Monterrey is considered one of the deadliest, most violent places in the nation and I have seen my loved ones be profoundly affected by this horrific shift. There was always a lot of gruesome inequality but, in most towns we had basic security to move freely around. I think art is, unfortunately, sometimes our only shot at communicating our indignation safely and effectively. Before Internet existed, films were my source of real information from the world.
Films made by many artists working together for the love of a common project that they believed in, in which humanity was presented and experienced from a truthful standpoint, with no cop outs. In many points in history (now as well, of course) films and filmmakers have been banned for political reasons- that's how annoying they can be to oppressing systems, how dangerous. Mexico has relied on television for decades to keep the citizens misinformed and in a constant state of stupor. I mean we live in a time where democracy is almost synonymous with oligarchy. Artists have a tremendous purpose in society, which is to continually expose, to continually challenge and to never stop producing. To never stop creating, no matter what.
LatinoBuzz: What would the win at the Independent Spirit Awards mean to you? Who would first person that will come to your mind?
Andrea: It would just be a tremendous recognition of my work. My husband is the first person, because god knows it’s hard to love a struggling actor and he has been a force of nature. My son gave me a new and enhanced shot at life - he is to thank for my whole past, present and future existence.
LatinoBuzz: What's next?
Andrea: Lots of more work! A mystery. As it has always been.
Hang out with Andrea at www.andreasuarezpaz.com
Written by Juan Caceres, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow[At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook...
- 12/9/2014
- by Juan Caceres
- Sydney's Buzz
As I mentioned in its introduction, my Steely Dan appreciation last week stemmed from an email exchange with several other people. And my article was not the last word by a long shot. One of the participants, Tony Alterman, is responding with his own album-by-album review, and his brother, CultureCatch's own Ian Alterman, is pitching in with his own observations. Here, with punctuation corrected and tangents omitted, is the origin of the debate and its continuation.
Tony Alterman:
Katy Lied -- Probably [Steely Dan's] fourth-best album, after Aja, Can't Buy a Thrill, and Royal Scam, in that order. Of course, fourth-best for Steely Dan is a bit like Beethoven's fourth-best symphony -- shades of difference here.
Ian:
Re: Steely Dan, it might be heresy, but I think Royal Scam is better than Aja. So my order would be Royal Scam, Aja, Can't Buy a Thrill, and then...well...it wouldn’t be Katy Lied.
Tony Alterman:
Katy Lied -- Probably [Steely Dan's] fourth-best album, after Aja, Can't Buy a Thrill, and Royal Scam, in that order. Of course, fourth-best for Steely Dan is a bit like Beethoven's fourth-best symphony -- shades of difference here.
Ian:
Re: Steely Dan, it might be heresy, but I think Royal Scam is better than Aja. So my order would be Royal Scam, Aja, Can't Buy a Thrill, and then...well...it wouldn’t be Katy Lied.
- 9/26/2014
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
Bells, wires, computers are all part of the music in Edgar Wright’s The World’S End. As you head off to the theaters this weekend to see the film, have your ears on the lookout, or listenout, for Award winning composer Steven Price’s score.
Reteaming director Edgar Wright with actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, The World’S End reunites five friends who return to their hometown to relive an epic pub crawl from their youth. Along the way, the “five musketeers” uncover an alien invasion and soon learn that they are mankind’s only hope of survival.
Price joins the dynamic comedic team of Wright, Pegg, and Frost following the trio’s success with Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz.
His passion for music began early: a guitarist from the age of five, he went on to achieve a First Class degree in Music from Cambridge University.
Reteaming director Edgar Wright with actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, The World’S End reunites five friends who return to their hometown to relive an epic pub crawl from their youth. Along the way, the “five musketeers” uncover an alien invasion and soon learn that they are mankind’s only hope of survival.
Price joins the dynamic comedic team of Wright, Pegg, and Frost following the trio’s success with Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz.
His passion for music began early: a guitarist from the age of five, he went on to achieve a First Class degree in Music from Cambridge University.
- 8/21/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
After a considerable gap, Sordid Cinema is back with a triple feature of recent genre fare, from the beloved to the…less beloved. First up is our long-belated take on Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead’s little indie that could, Resolution, which subverts the cabin-in-the-woods horror flick on roughly one fiftieth the budget of, er, The Cabin in the Woods. After that, Edgar, Ricky and Simon tackle the Eli Roth starrer (!) Aftershock and Katie Aselton’s Deliverance-esque survival thriller Black Rock. -
Playlist:
Dan Martinez – Brokeback Ridge Gang of Four – At Home He’s a Tourist The Kills – Future Starts Slow
Please give us a rating on Itunes. It would be very much appreciated!
Listen on iTunes
Like us on Facebook
Follow Ricky on Twitter
Follow Edgar on Twitter
Follow Simon on Twitter
Follow us on Tumblr
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
Hear the show on Stitcher Smart Radio
You...
Playlist:
Dan Martinez – Brokeback Ridge Gang of Four – At Home He’s a Tourist The Kills – Future Starts Slow
Please give us a rating on Itunes. It would be very much appreciated!
Listen on iTunes
Like us on Facebook
Follow Ricky on Twitter
Follow Edgar on Twitter
Follow Simon on Twitter
Follow us on Tumblr
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
Hear the show on Stitcher Smart Radio
You...
- 5/26/2013
- by Sordid Cinema Podcast
- SoundOnSight
Previously, on Smash
When last we left our plucky band of Broadway babies, Karen was triumphant as Marilyn Monroe in the Boston tryout of Bombshell while Ivy backstage contemplated a handful of pills. We pick up three weeks later on the tryout's closing night, with Karen-as-Marilyn singing the original “Cut, Print, Moving On”. The number starts in black-and-white which makes Karen's lips look extremely creepy.
It's not doing those under eye lines any favors either
The number becomes a montage of the various characters returning to New York. Having dumped Dev for sleeping with Ivy, Karen's moved in with a friend called Ana, a new character who shares a fondness for eccentric spelling with her portrayer, Krysta Rodriguez. Dev's left Karen a letter that reads in part that he misses her terribly. Karen crumples it.
Also noteworthy: Ivy dumps all of her pill bottles in the garbage. One day at a time,...
When last we left our plucky band of Broadway babies, Karen was triumphant as Marilyn Monroe in the Boston tryout of Bombshell while Ivy backstage contemplated a handful of pills. We pick up three weeks later on the tryout's closing night, with Karen-as-Marilyn singing the original “Cut, Print, Moving On”. The number starts in black-and-white which makes Karen's lips look extremely creepy.
It's not doing those under eye lines any favors either
The number becomes a montage of the various characters returning to New York. Having dumped Dev for sleeping with Ivy, Karen's moved in with a friend called Ana, a new character who shares a fondness for eccentric spelling with her portrayer, Krysta Rodriguez. Dev's left Karen a letter that reads in part that he misses her terribly. Karen crumples it.
Also noteworthy: Ivy dumps all of her pill bottles in the garbage. One day at a time,...
- 2/6/2013
- by fakename
- The Backlot
1963
Johnny Cash: Blood, Sweat and Tears (Columbia)
Some of Cash's '60s concept albums were burdened with much too talking between tracks; here the tribute to the American working man gets to mostly stand alone on its musical merits, and shines. Notably, it incluces the top version of the traditional "John Henry"” about the most legendarily heroic working man ever, and the version of "Casey Jones" here is classic as well. Politically and psychologically, Cash was the perfect man for this job.
1968
Byrds: Notorious Byrd Brothers (Columbia)
Sometimes transitional albums, confusing listeners expecting a group's earlier style, are underrated. Not so with this classic. It's true that it didn't sell as well as earlier Byrds LPs, nor did the single from the album chart very high, but for decades Notorious Byrd Brothers has been widely revered, and not just by fans; some critics have even anointed it as the band's best album.
Johnny Cash: Blood, Sweat and Tears (Columbia)
Some of Cash's '60s concept albums were burdened with much too talking between tracks; here the tribute to the American working man gets to mostly stand alone on its musical merits, and shines. Notably, it incluces the top version of the traditional "John Henry"” about the most legendarily heroic working man ever, and the version of "Casey Jones" here is classic as well. Politically and psychologically, Cash was the perfect man for this job.
1968
Byrds: Notorious Byrd Brothers (Columbia)
Sometimes transitional albums, confusing listeners expecting a group's earlier style, are underrated. Not so with this classic. It's true that it didn't sell as well as earlier Byrds LPs, nor did the single from the album chart very high, but for decades Notorious Byrd Brothers has been widely revered, and not just by fans; some critics have even anointed it as the band's best album.
- 1/30/2013
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
One of the best parts of Netflix’s streaming service is the instant access to content produced in every corner of the globe, from underground cult sensations to award-winning festival fare. For those with stronger stomachs and a thirst for genre films, Netflix now offers an ultra-violent prison film, a gut-wrenching drama based on real life serial killings and a gorgeous Chinese horror. The New and Noteworthy Riki-Oh: The Story of Riky (1991) In the near-future (2001), Riki-Oh is convicted of manslaughter and thrown into a for-profit prison run by a corrupt warden. Serving the administration and maintaining order behind the bars is the brutal Gang of Four and when Riki-Oh becomes the target of the warden’s ire, he finds himself in a violent battle for survival. Eyeballs are ejected, stomachs ripped open and heads liquified as Riki-Oh clashes with the Gang of Four and, in a blood-drenched finale that must be seen to be believed, the...
- 9/4/2012
- by Brian Kelley
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Get ready for another indie rock supergroup. Spoon's Britt Daniel, Wolf Parade's Dan Boeckner and former New Bomb Turks drummer Sam Brown are joining forces to become Divine Fits. The group's as yet untitled debut album will be released later this year on Merge Records, longtime home to Spoon, Arcade Fire, New Pornographers, Fucked Up and numerous other bands. Post-punk production guru Nick Launay (Gang of Four, PiL, Kate Bush) recorded the album. There's little information available about the album or any touring plans. Keep up-to-date at the band's web site here. Divine Fits should have an interesting sound, since all...
- 5/22/2012
- by Dave Lewis
- Hitfix
Back in the day Filmmaker took note of Peter Christian Hall’s independent drama Delinquent, and more recently we’ve followed his move into fiction writing. Now, film and literature are combining for the promotion of his new novel, American Fever, a dystopic tale about avian flu. With book trailers a requirement for new books, Hall has decided to let fans create one for American Fever — and win $1,000 in the process. What’s cool is that filmmakers can read the book for free and score their trailer to original music by Gang of Four’s Andy Gill. From the site of Hall’s publisher, Arterial Witness:
“The book trailer is a hybrid beast that hasn’t really paid off for many publishers and authors,” says Hall, who notes that the best trailers contain great music, inviting quotes from respected sources, and compelling images.
Hall has been praised for his own filmmaking.
“The book trailer is a hybrid beast that hasn’t really paid off for many publishers and authors,” says Hall, who notes that the best trailers contain great music, inviting quotes from respected sources, and compelling images.
Hall has been praised for his own filmmaking.
- 4/10/2012
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I will say this for Luck: it does an excellent job creating a seedy environment with seedy people who are generally up to no good. Even the most decent and honest people in the show seem to be decent and honest on a sort of a sliding scale that has limited to connection to the world most people live in.
We open with Ace (Dustin Hoffman) working out in a gym. As he does, his probation officer shows up to get a urinalysis test. Yes, I’m surprised that they do house calls unless it’s to arrest someone. I’m even more surprised that the Po in question let Ace do his UA behind closed doors. Makes me wonder if someone’s paying him off, but that doesn’t make much sense, as Ace doesn’t have a drug problem that I’m aware of.
I will say this for Luck: it does an excellent job creating a seedy environment with seedy people who are generally up to no good. Even the most decent and honest people in the show seem to be decent and honest on a sort of a sliding scale that has limited to connection to the world most people live in.
We open with Ace (Dustin Hoffman) working out in a gym. As he does, his probation officer shows up to get a urinalysis test. Yes, I’m surprised that they do house calls unless it’s to arrest someone. I’m even more surprised that the Po in question let Ace do his UA behind closed doors. Makes me wonder if someone’s paying him off, but that doesn’t make much sense, as Ace doesn’t have a drug problem that I’m aware of.
- 2/21/2012
- by Chris Swanson
- Obsessed with Film
As is the case every year, I start reading year-end lists posted by trusted peers/journalists and discover I've missed plenty of deserving culture. With the glut of films, music, theater, TV shows, books, et al. on numerous websites, TV screens, bookshelves, and periodicals, it's fairly easy. Truth be told, in addition to P.J. Harvey's much-deserved kudos, other women singers/songwriters/bands really stepped up their game this year, making many top ten year-end lists, and I missed out on discovering some of them. With that in mind, here's some additions to my 2011 year's end list.
St. Vincent: Strange Mercy (4Ad) - Quirky alt pop with flourishes of art rock and off-kilter guitar hooks. This Dallas-bred artist and former Polyphonic Spree guitarist/singer released her third and most favorably received album in 2011. Annie Clark has the look of an existential art girl who has known plenty of emotional scorn for her empowerment,...
St. Vincent: Strange Mercy (4Ad) - Quirky alt pop with flourishes of art rock and off-kilter guitar hooks. This Dallas-bred artist and former Polyphonic Spree guitarist/singer released her third and most favorably received album in 2011. Annie Clark has the look of an existential art girl who has known plenty of emotional scorn for her empowerment,...
- 1/25/2012
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
This November, a series of events are planned to celebrate its 100 year history
The Liverpool Playhouse Theatre, home to one of the oldest repertory companies, will celebrate its centenary later this year with a special gala performance of The Ladykillers.
A new book on the Williamson Square landmark and a series of events will also mark the 100th anniversary on November 11.
The gala evening will include a pre-show champagne reception and a chance to join the cast – which includes Peter Capaldi, James Fleet and Ben Miller – after the show to toast the theatre as a special birthday cake is cut.
The Ladykillers adapted for stage by Graham Linehan is on from November 3-19, but is sold out already.
Meanwhile, the cast of Roger McGough's adaptation of Moliere's play, Tartuffe, have been entertaining audiences at the Playhouse. Tartuffe runs until Saturday.
The Playhouse is also launching a book to...
The Liverpool Playhouse Theatre, home to one of the oldest repertory companies, will celebrate its centenary later this year with a special gala performance of The Ladykillers.
A new book on the Williamson Square landmark and a series of events will also mark the 100th anniversary on November 11.
The gala evening will include a pre-show champagne reception and a chance to join the cast – which includes Peter Capaldi, James Fleet and Ben Miller – after the show to toast the theatre as a special birthday cake is cut.
The Ladykillers adapted for stage by Graham Linehan is on from November 3-19, but is sold out already.
Meanwhile, the cast of Roger McGough's adaptation of Moliere's play, Tartuffe, have been entertaining audiences at the Playhouse. Tartuffe runs until Saturday.
The Playhouse is also launching a book to...
- 9/13/2011
- by Helen Carter
- The Guardian - Film News
In another senseless act of violence, the BBC reports that the Sony/Pias distribution centre warehouse in Enfield, North London was sadly destroyed in the riots in London on 8th August. Major labels such as Sony had their stock destroyed, but perhaps more disturbing is to hear of all the independent labels that have been affected. This will be this devastating to them and their artists who have worked so hard to build strong businesses around good independent music. Pias are the biggest distributor of indie labels in the UK. and they also had most of their stock destroyed.
Below is a list of the labels they handle distribution for;
[Pias] Recordings, [Pias] Recordings Belgium, 4Ad, A Camp, Absynthe Minded, Accidental, Aei Music, Air Recordings, Alc Music, Alsation, Ambush Reality, Ancient & Modern, Angular Recording Corporation, Arcady Records, Ark Recordings, Asthmatic Kitty Records, Atlantic Jaxx Recordings, Bad Magic, Balling The Jack, Banquet Records,...
Below is a list of the labels they handle distribution for;
[Pias] Recordings, [Pias] Recordings Belgium, 4Ad, A Camp, Absynthe Minded, Accidental, Aei Music, Air Recordings, Alc Music, Alsation, Ambush Reality, Ancient & Modern, Angular Recording Corporation, Arcady Records, Ark Recordings, Asthmatic Kitty Records, Atlantic Jaxx Recordings, Bad Magic, Balling The Jack, Banquet Records,...
- 8/10/2011
- by Scott Ronan
- Obsessed with Film
HollywoodNews.com: Bebe Buell–she’s Liv Tyler‘s mom, a best selling author (“Rebel Heart”), a rocker extraordinaire. former Ford model and Playboy Playmate star. Now Bebe is getting ready to release a smashing new album on Niji Entertainment next month, distributed by Red.
I got a chance to hear some tracks this weekend from “Hard Love” and I can tell you, they are sensational. Not only that. Bebe has dropped over 30 pounds sticking to Jenny Craig. (Hey Jenny Craig–isn’t it time for a rock and roll division? Where are the hip spokesmodels, Jc?) All those Any Time bars have really worked!
Last year, Wendy Dio, widow of rocker Ronnie James Dio, heard Bebe perform live and decided she needed a career infusion. Now Wendy is managing Bebe, and “Hard Love” is a winner. Bebe’s rocker hubby Jim Walls wrote and produced the album with Bebe and Steve DeAcutis.
I got a chance to hear some tracks this weekend from “Hard Love” and I can tell you, they are sensational. Not only that. Bebe has dropped over 30 pounds sticking to Jenny Craig. (Hey Jenny Craig–isn’t it time for a rock and roll division? Where are the hip spokesmodels, Jc?) All those Any Time bars have really worked!
Last year, Wendy Dio, widow of rocker Ronnie James Dio, heard Bebe perform live and decided she needed a career infusion. Now Wendy is managing Bebe, and “Hard Love” is a winner. Bebe’s rocker hubby Jim Walls wrote and produced the album with Bebe and Steve DeAcutis.
- 8/1/2011
- by Roger Friedman
- Hollywoodnews.com
With the Summer of Superheroes drawing to a close, one last major Marvel Studios release remains: , the last of Marvel’s superhero team to get a formal introduction before Joss Whedon’s The Avengers takes over our collective wallet in 2012. The film’s director, Joe Johnston, has done a WWII-period comic-book adaptation before: 1991′s The Rocketeer. It seemed sensible to discuss both movies and find out if anything seperates Johnston’s movie from the recent glut of superhero pics.
listen now
Download the show in a new window
Music:
Health – “USA Boys”
Gang of Four – “I Love A Man In Uniform”
Air – “Surfing On A Rocket”
-
Listen on iTunes RSS feeds Twitter Facebook Tumblr...
listen now
Download the show in a new window
Music:
Health – “USA Boys”
Gang of Four – “I Love A Man In Uniform”
Air – “Surfing On A Rocket”
-
Listen on iTunes RSS feeds Twitter Facebook Tumblr...
- 7/25/2011
- by Simon Howell
- SoundOnSight
The Fast Company reader's essential source for breaking news and innovation from around the web--updated all day.
"Vodafone Axes Tethering Fees"
Move over America! Vodafone UK announced it will not longer charge differently for data coming from smartphone tethered computers or from the phone itself. Since data plans are capped, it's basically all the same to Vodafone, but users are warned that tethered data consumption might burn through their plans faster.
Google +1 Is Here
Google's latest attempt at social, Google +1, has just launched. With a bit of code, webites can add a "+1" button, which will then show up next to search results and figure into its ranking. Get your +1 one on here.
Empires & Allies: Zynga's Newest Game
Newly launched Empires & Allies is the social gaming giant's foray into storytelling wrapped in (what they hope) will be another addictive strategy/combat game that leaves us constantly requiring another fix. Build an army,...
"Vodafone Axes Tethering Fees"
Move over America! Vodafone UK announced it will not longer charge differently for data coming from smartphone tethered computers or from the phone itself. Since data plans are capped, it's basically all the same to Vodafone, but users are warned that tethered data consumption might burn through their plans faster.
Google +1 Is Here
Google's latest attempt at social, Google +1, has just launched. With a bit of code, webites can add a "+1" button, which will then show up next to search results and figure into its ranking. Get your +1 one on here.
Empires & Allies: Zynga's Newest Game
Newly launched Empires & Allies is the social gaming giant's foray into storytelling wrapped in (what they hope) will be another addictive strategy/combat game that leaves us constantly requiring another fix. Build an army,...
- 6/1/2011
- by Gregory Ferenstein
- Fast Company
By Sabrina Rojas Weiss
New York — Your typical posh charity benefit in Manhattan usually includes a celebrity or two, maybe a performance by an artist who was popular in the '90s and a room full of insanely rich (and generous!) people. And while all of the above were at the Museum of Modern Art last night, the benefit for "Law & Order: Svu" star Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart organization had a whole lot more: Alec Baldwin and Brian Williams ribbing each other onstage, the Manhattan District Attorney's office rubbing shoulders with the likes of Maria Bello, Wynonna Judd, Chris Meloni and Isaac Mizrahi, a live auction in which people bid the equivalent of my salary for two years for to have Bobby Flay cook for them in the Hamptons, high heels that probably belonged out in the museum's sculpture garden ...
After several real-life victims of child abuse, rape and...
New York — Your typical posh charity benefit in Manhattan usually includes a celebrity or two, maybe a performance by an artist who was popular in the '90s and a room full of insanely rich (and generous!) people. And while all of the above were at the Museum of Modern Art last night, the benefit for "Law & Order: Svu" star Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart organization had a whole lot more: Alec Baldwin and Brian Williams ribbing each other onstage, the Manhattan District Attorney's office rubbing shoulders with the likes of Maria Bello, Wynonna Judd, Chris Meloni and Isaac Mizrahi, a live auction in which people bid the equivalent of my salary for two years for to have Bobby Flay cook for them in the Hamptons, high heels that probably belonged out in the museum's sculpture garden ...
After several real-life victims of child abuse, rape and...
- 5/18/2011
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
Morrissey, Lou Reed, Iggy and the Stooges and Patti Smith have been added to the bill of this year's Hop Farm Festival. The acts will play the event on Saturday, July 2, with additional support from Newton Faulkner, Brother and Mary Coughlan. Other acts confirmed include Noisettes, Gang Of Four, The Bluetones, Paris Riots, The Leisure Society and Brigid Power-Ryce. The lineup for Friday, July 1 at the festival features Eagles, (more)...
- 3/4/2011
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
The obnoxious Valentine's Day advertising/programming is nearing it's zenith and as much as I love my chocolate in cute little heart shapes with fruity pink fillings you can't get any other time of year, it's a bit much, right? If you really care about someone, chances are they don't need an overpriced teddy bear holding a heart shaped pillow to know it, and if you think that buying some schmaltzy piece of mall jewelry designed by that lady who was on that angel show is going to make up for not being affectionate the rest of the year, I feel sorry for your imminent rude awakening. Here's your Tuesday night TV:
7:00pm: "Pitchmen" on Discovery
8:00pm: "The Biggest Loser" on NBC
"Glee" on Fox. I was all "wait, it hasn't been a week since 'Glee' was last on, has it? What day is it? Where are my glasses?...
7:00pm: "Pitchmen" on Discovery
8:00pm: "The Biggest Loser" on NBC
"Glee" on Fox. I was all "wait, it hasn't been a week since 'Glee' was last on, has it? What day is it? Where are my glasses?...
- 2/8/2011
- by Intern Rusty
If The Explorers Club sounded exactly like Joy Division or Gang Of Four, the band would get ripped apart by folks so bloated on a decade of post-punk necrophilia that the mere mention of the word "angular" is enough to bring up a throatful of puke. Fear not: There are about as many angles in Freedom Wind, The Explorers Club's debut, as there are in the padded room reserved for Brian Wilson. Bluntly put, Freedom Wind sounds exactly like a Beach Boys album. More precisely, it sounds like elements of Pet Sounds and Smiley Smile reshuffled slightly and then wrapped in even more elements of Pet Sounds and Smiley Smile. It's all there: every cloud-piercing whine, every ebb of gently lapping organ, every dollop of creamy echo. Even the vocal distortion used to rough up the Charmin-like harmonies of "Honey I Don't Know Why" is something Wilson simply...
- 6/17/2008
- by Jason Heller
- avclub.com
Foals (hailing, their MySpace page says, from "oXXXford") is a group of formalists, only the form is relatively new: The British band takes cues from recent dance-rock and post-punk revivalism as much as the early-'80s stuff that inspired the revival in the first place. On Foals' debut, Antidotes, it's easier to hear Les Savy Fav or !!! than nm0304291 autoGang Of Four[/link] or Bush Tetras, but that isn't a negative. Thanks in part to indie super-producer nm1769877 autoDavid Andrew[/link] Sitek, they've got a vibrant sonic presence, and they write excellent songs. "The French Open" hops from sharp, modified reggae skank to teeth-bared rock, while the 2007 single "Mathletics" (a bonus track here, along with another single, "Hummer") rides a clenched, ingratiating guitar. And Foals even slow it down a little with real conviction: The slow-rise guitars of "Big Big...
- 4/15/2008
- by Michaelangelo Matos
- avclub.com
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