Whenever I discuss my sociopolitcaleconmic blah blah blah views with anyone I get two reactions. 1) Quizzical looks and 2) Accusation that I am being far too cynical. Well, perhaps I can explain both here. To start with the latter, I am cynical for a reason: history. If the history of civilization after civilization has taught us anything is that all governments are comprised of lying cocksuckers, as Bill Hicks would say, some worse than others, of course. So, I do not think mine or anyone else’s cynicism is off base or uncalled for by any standards. Cynicism should never be confused with pessimism. In fact, quite the contrary. We, cynical basterds see through the hallow walls of government indoctrination and try to push forward to new and better ways of thinking and living. I would say that’s an optimistic way to think. In brief, cynicism is not a bad thing if you have reason and hope on your side. When discussing such topics I’m reminded of the classic Noam Chomsky/Mr. Lang quote, “If you’re not cynical, you’re not paying attention.”
I recently watched a film called “Phoebe In Wonderland.” I might say this is an excellent movie. “Phoebe In Wonderland” tells the story of Phoebe (Elle Fanning), a “unique” 9-year old girl who gets cast as Alice in her school’s production of “Alice in Wonderland.” Then, the various characters come to her to give her advice on her personal life, for she is as I said before “unique.” Bill Pullman, Felicity Huffman and Patricia Clarkson also are featured in this. This film is done very stylistically. It has a, dare I say, “Wonderland”-like quality to it in the various sequences when Phoebe sees her Wonderland friends. Director/Writer Daniel Barnz really makes you feel sympathetic for all the characters involved. Now, this movie could be categorized as a tragicomedy. At some points, you feel really upset for what Phoebe has to deal with and the lack of understanding expressed towards her. At other points, it is genuinely funny. One point is a certain monologue by Ms. Dodger (Patricia Clarkson), the eccentric director, about how when she was 10-years old, she “played Cleopatra and held the asp to her breast. You could hear a pin drop everyone was so entranced.” Also, one of my new favorite lines, “Is it AIDS?” is in this movie. A very touching film that deals with the modern child and the apparent ADHD epidemic that is sweeping the nation.
1. “Gateway Drug” – B- 2. “Don’t Let Your Enemies Become Friends” – C- 3. “Good Graces, Bad Influence” – C+
Comments: I liken this band to Head Automatica, with evident styles in pop-punk and power-pop. Like HA, the Spill Canvas manages to (mostly) stay outside the obnoxious zone that so many bands of today tend to fall in. HA is a lot catchier, but this definitely is comparable.
I admit not as fabulous as the classic, “Bobby Is A lover,” but I just heard this one so, I decided to share this great music with y’all whom couldn’t possibly discover such fine art on your own. Gaye Blades = Music to poppy for the Black Lips catalog. RIP Bobby Ubangi!
Band: Magnetic Fields Release: 2010 Label: Nonesuch Records
1. “You Must Be Out of Your Mind”- B+ 2. “Interlude” – C- 3. “We Are Having A Hootenanny” – C 4. “I Don’t Know What To Say” – C- 5. “The Dolls Tea Party” – D 6. “Everything Is One Big Christmas Tree” – D+
7. “Walk Alone” – C 8. “Always Already Gone” – C- 9. “Seduced and Abandoned” – B- 10. “Better Things” – B+ 11. “Painted Flower” – C- 12. “The Dada Polka” – C 13. “From A Sinking Boat” – C
Comments:Realism comes off as a joke, considering the lyrical content and light instrumentation. Even at their most amateur, Merritt and crew fail to win “cute” points, if that’s what they were shooting for. Jens Lekman, oft compared to Merritt, does well in that department (which, by the way, is a musical aesthetic not a physical characteristic). Some songs succeed when the cheese level is turned down. This album isn’t utter shit, but you have to be a patient listener to appreciate it.
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 