Songs in My Head

Just a quick post to showcase a few songs I'm in love with right now.
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The Counting Crows-A Long December
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D5PtyrewSs
I've been on a pretty serious 90s kick lately, and this is one of those songs I never really paid attention to back in the day. I'm not even that big of a fan of the Counting Crows, but there's something that gets to me about this song. I drive to Cleveland almost every day, and it's made me realize that this song is Ohio.
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Adele-Rumor Has It
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti3t7MAwaaM
I thought I loved "Rolling in the Deep" until the radio killed it. Then I heard this, and I was hooked on Adele once again.
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Ray LaMontagne-Repo Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-Aijo6uILk&ob=av3e
First, the groove. Second, the voice. Third, dance.
Best song I've heard in a long time.
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TV on the Radio-Will Do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXLpXu9T7j0&ob=av2e
This is one of those bands that I feel like I should love, but have always left me kind of cold (except for "Wolf Like Me"). With this song, they seemed to have stopped caring about being hip and just made something stunningly lovely.
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Pearl Jam-Alive (live at Pink Pop '92)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbhsYC4gKy4
Closing out with another classic from the 90s. When I was younger, I always insisted that I didn't like Pearl Jam, or much grunge at all for that matter. Lately. while working on a massive 90s playlist, I started digging around a lot of early 90s grunge and I realized that every early Pearl Jam song I found was really damn good. So, I found a live performance to watch and see what they were like in their prime. I have rarely, if ever, seen a frontman like Eddie Vedder was back in 1992. This is a powerhouse performance from the entire band. Watch it. You'll thank me.

Caro's Favorite Songs: Part 5

Blonde Redhead-Spring and By Summer Fall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2G9EZfhAc8
All the echo and reverb atmosphere you could possibly ask for.
"Tell me where you've been tell me what you saw"
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El Guincho-Antillas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2tpUK1nwvU
Anytime you want a touch of Mardi Gras to thunder through your house, turn this up.
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Frou Frou-Psychobabble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u997E7kQy8
Is it bad that I enjoy songs that get into the back of my head and give me the creeps? Plus, Imogen Heap is a goddess.
"Why are you so quiet, so suddenly?"
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Caribou-Sandy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dnlyD-yL2E
Just slap some flowers in my hair and call me a hippie already...
"I know in time we'll be together
And now our love will make this sound"
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Cocteau Twins-Alice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxSMckGfQ2k
Thank you "Lovely Bones" trailer for smacking me in the face with this incredibly lovely creation. Really, everything by the Cocteau Twins is lovely, but this is the jewel in the crown.
"When I lost him ache
Shudder shock of pale"
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Gomez-Get Miles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uSj0YHOCM8
This guy's voice makes me want to tear down buildings.
"I love this city but this city's killing me"
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St. Vincent-Marrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9prpAv6kvo&ob=av2e
I don't even know what to categorize this as. Indie, freak, electronica, pop, noise? Sure.
"H. E. L.P.
Help me"
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Wolf Parade-I'll Believe in Anything
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G1eLTV89dM&ob=av2e
I don't actually care for this band that much, but even mediocre bands can pull off a song that makes me smile every time I hear it.
"Your blood
Your bones
Your voice
and your ghost"
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The Servant-Cells
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUkKLK_fZb4
Ok call me crazy, but I know this song was in Sin City without the vocals. But I like the song better with them. It makes it seem odder and creepier. So, any fanboys out there, don't kill me, please.
"My skin feels like orange peel
My eyes have been vacuum-sealed
My organs move like a squirm of eels"
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The White Stripes-Death Letter (live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fM2qhG8mA4
The album version of this song is good, but you HAVE to watch this live performance. It's the reason why I chose this over every other great White Stripes song.
"I didn't know I loved her 'til they began to let her down"

Caro's Favorite Songs: Part 4

The Chemical Brothers - The Sunshine Underground
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IykWbUVDWL8
To quote a commenter on YouTube: "This song is the best to describe how beatiful life can be!" Yep.
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Incubus - Pardon Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXzuDXZwZtI
I went through a brief period wheere I was absolutely obsessed with Incubus. They were one of the best rock bands around in the early 2000s, and this still stands up as a great song 10 years later.
"I've had enough of the world and its peoples mindless games."
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Ben Folds Five - One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrWSkQMWlAY
Ben Folds used to make catchy songs that captured being a dork and a nerd with a self depricating sense of humor. Needless to say, I can relate.
"Kiss my ass goodbye."
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Junip - In Every Direction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwgnU8c32m8
I've mentioned before how much I love Jose Gonzales and his bands, Junip. This is why.
"You're the center and you're always free in every direction."    
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Bear In Heaven - Lovesick Teenagers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGS7vNLhxNA
I'm sure I've talked about this song before. I keep mentioning because I think it's just that good. The way the chorus shoots up to the stratosphere gets me every time.
"We should find a flock of birds big enough to pull us up from the long road."
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Arcade Fire - Wake Up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEKC5pyOKFU
I blame the Where the Wild Things Are for making me want to cry every time I hear this song now. "Brings up childhood memories like nothing else. If the children don't grow up, our bodies get bigger but our hearts get torn up."
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The XX - Shelter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw-eFdb7eVo
The sexiest song in existence.
"Can I make it better, with the lights turned on."
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Coldplay - Shiver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpwW4iraV3Q
You know, before Coldplay became determined to prove with every song that they're the biggest band in the world, they were damn good when they put their minds to it.
"Did you want me to change? Well I changed for good."
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Broadcast - Come On Let's Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw5ztuhEat4
Have I mentioned I like the 60s? Because I'm thinking I have. So naturally I love Broadcast because every song is a pop gem that sounds straight out of 1965.
"Stop looking for answers in everyone's face. Come on let's go."
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The Dismemberment Plan - The City
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMLiFpecgVg
And I also love the 90s. This is the best band from the 90s you've never heard of.
"The parks lay empty like my unmade bed. The streets are silent like my lifeless telephone."

Caro's Favorite Songs: Part 3

Duffy-Warwick Avenue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkkmQNA_aRs
An old fashioned torch song that sounds straight out of late 60s soul. Somehow the Brits always do American music better than Americans do.
"I'm leaving you for the last time baby. You think you're loving, but you don't love me."
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Goo Goo Dolls-Flat Top
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/wm-A10302B0000120787J/goo_goo_dolls_flat_top_official_music_video/
Have I mentioned I have a soft spot for 90s alt-rock? The Goo Goo Dolls used to be a favorite of mine, and believe it or not, it was hard for me to pick a favorite song of theirs.
"A television war between the cynics and the saints. Flip the dial and that's whose side you're on."
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The Strokes-Take It or Leave It
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg7KCO_6FGs
Honestly, I'm still somewhat baffled by the hype that surrounded the Strokes' first album. They are (or were) a really great rock band, but no more special than a dozen other garage bands. But then I read somewhere that the album "Is This It?" played like a greatest hits album, and I actually agreed. So they deserved that short lived hype, in a way. This is the greatest of their "greatest hits".
"He's gonna let you down. And gonna break your back, for a chance. And gonna steal your friends, if he can. He's gonna win someday."
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Elliott Smith-Twilight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJthA4l8S5U
Hands down the saddest song I have ever heard. The lyrics themselves are somewhat sad, but the delivery just kills me. You just have to hear it.
"Because your candle burns too bright, well I almost forgot it was twilight."
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Moloko-Fun for Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gvNrYO6Mfw
Goofy and weird to the max. Some of you may have heard of Roisin Murphy, especially if you watch So You Think You Can Dance (Ramalama and Ruby Blue anyone?). This is the band she fronted before her solo songs ended up all over tv.
"I dream I'm at a crossroads no place left to go. I look in each direction a'eenie a'meanie a'miny mo."
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Arctic Monkeys-From the Ritz to the Rubble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEKJAw_tuxg
What else is a London brat to sing about but going out to a club and giving the middle finger to some authority figure?
"So step out the queue He makes examples of you And there's nowt you can say"
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Robert Randolph & the Family Band-Ain't Nothing Wrong with That
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piqZ3vGBswY
This song just makes me happy and dance like a lunatic. Need I say more.
"Red, yellow, black or white (It don't matter) We all gettin' down tonight."
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Santigold-Creator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJkWoAhSiZ4
One of the more confident sounding songs to ever have been created. No pun intended. And the percussion kicks ass.
"Tell me no, I say yes, I was chosen. And I will deliver the explosion."
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Patrick Wolf-Accident & Emergency
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHJAIcTzUMQ
This guy is a British, tall, skinny redhead with a thing for feathers and shorts. I love him.
"And then again I'm feeling braver than I've even been. From the skull down to the feet."
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The Verve-Bittersweet Symphony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyu1KKwC74
Do I really have to say anything??
"And I'm a million different people from one day to the next."

Caro's Favorite Songs: Part 2

Some things you need to know before reading this list.
1. No artists will be repeated.
2. Only newer artists (90s and newer) are listed.
3. The songs are not ranked or listed in any particular order. I literally put my iTunes on shuffle within my list and wrote about whatever played next.
4. These are not the "best" songs by any criteria. It's just what I like.
I'll probably be doing separate lists for classic songs and anything that I missed for the sake of variety in the list.

Bibio - Ambivalence Avenue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgGsnYpT3zg
I'm so hopelessly in love with the intrumentation of this song. Wondeful clunky percussion and nice use of the flute.
"I had this beautiful day-dreaming moment, the sun was shining strangely amber."
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Lily Allen - LDN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB67guV1dGg
Bouncy and hilarious.
"Then I see it's a pimp and his crack whore."
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Blitzen Trapper - Furr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqtlcHiSHTE
The story of a boy turning from man to wolf, from wolf to young man. A traditional folk song made unique by it's brilliantly simple melody and unique subject matter.
"And I lost the taste for judging right from wrong, for my flesh had turned to fur."
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Mum - We Have a Map of the Piano
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDb8hduT584
I once heard someone say that this song is what ragdolls would sound like if they came to life and started singing.
"I'll bottle piano sounds for you."
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My Bloody Valentine - Loomer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztnutktJP7M
Shoegaze music, to me, is all about floating away in a sea of guitar and feedback, and you don't get much more floaty than this.
"Tiptoe down to the lonely places."
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Jonsi - Go do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYb2Q3DvLNE
Jonsi is the lead singer of the Icelandic band Sigur Ros, who are notorious for writing stunningly beautiful music, but I would not call them cheerful by any stretch. This makes this little burst of joy all the more surprising and satisfying.
"We should always know that we can do anything."
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A Perfect Circle - The Outsider
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzyNWyZhUS0
Maynard James Keenan has a knack for writing songs that strike a nerve when I'm an especially pissed off mood. Listen, you'll see what I mean.
"What'll it take to get through to you, precious."
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Air - La Femme d'Argent
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4U19zwFENs
Modern French music is kind a catastrophe as a rule with the exception of a few bands, and Air is one of them. The first song off their first album captures that slinky, sexy, lounge-y feeling that feels distinctly French, but palatable to everyone.
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Apparat - Hailin' From the Edge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sath-bcz9u0
Enjoy listening to the bassline from hell.
"Won't you come with me. Can't close the door."
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Audioslave - Shadow on the Sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfF4t9-wpCM
Audioslave peaked early as "superbands" often do. Their first album is still their best, and this is the centerpiece. Dark and brooding, but surprisingly powerful, this is Audioslave's best song and one of Chris Cornell's best vocal performances.
"And I can tell you why people go insane. I can show you how you could do the same."

Caro's Favorite Songs: Part 1!

Some things you need to know before reading this list.
1. No artists will be repeated.
2. Only newer artists (90s and newer) are listed.
3. The songs are not ranked or listed in any particular order. I literally put my iTunes on shuffle within my list and wrote about whatever played next.
4. These are not the "best" songs by any criteria. It's just what I like.
I'll probably be doing separate lists for classic songs and anything that I missed for the sake of variety in the list.

On with the show! Here are the first 10 songs.

Radiohead - Pyramid Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2VzLn6DMCE
Quite possibly one of the most stunningly beautiful songs ever made, in my opinion. I enjoy songs that have a slightly alien edge to them, and any Radiohead fan knows their music often sounds like it's being broadcasted from Mars. Just close your eyes and float away on a river tinted red with a low-set sun.
"There was nothing to fear, nothing at all."

Sneaker Pimps - 6 Underground
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r7W3e50JI8
Being a person in my mid-20s, I have a strong affection for 90s music, mainly trip-hop. This is such a snarky, rebellious little song packed with plenty of sex and a bit of creepiness. The tumbling strings, French horns, and the lead singer's unique voice place this among the best trip-hop singles of the 90s.
"I'm open to falling from grace."

Rufus Wainwright - Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfhOhJGleGk
By far his most popular song, and for good reason. It's got the catchiest melody Wainwright has ever written, plus it's fun, clever, and decidedly queeny, just like Rufus. And it's all about cravings. And being kind of a manwhore. Love it.
"I'm just a little bit heiress, a little bit Irish, a little bit Tower of Pisa whenever I see you."

Goldfrapp - Pilots
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP0dtpz5X_0
Retro to the core and swathed in tons of strings, this is a romantic song to end all romantic songs. Goldfrapp turned to more vampy dance pop after their "Felt Mountain" album, but this is still the best music they've done.
"There's just the sound of you and me."

Kanye West - Power
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96tTu9-aW9k
Those of you who know me know that having a Kanye song on here is incredibly uncharacteristic of me. But I guess takes an asshole and a nutjob to call out the other assholes and nutjobs of the world, including himself.
"No one man should have all that power."
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Interpol - Narc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgKMRbbuE_k
This is the sountrack to a thousand relationships ending every time I hear it all the way down to the last deperate verse at the end. The chorus gives me chills. Sad and beautiful.
"Baby you can see that the gazing eye won't lie. Don't give up your lover tonight."
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Stars - Your Ex-Lover is Dead
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5Or6-HOveg
The feeling of running into a past boyfriend or girlfriend is strangely terrifying and confusing. You remember simultaneously why you fell for them in the first place, then why you left. Then you realize you don't regret a single moment, even the bad ones.
"I'm not sorry I met you. I'm not sorry it's over. I'm not sorry there's nothing to save."

Weezer - El Scorcho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okthJIVbi6g
The inside of every boy's head I knew in 8th grade.
"Goddamn you half-Japanese girls do it to me every time. Oh, the redhead said you shred the cello, and I'm jello, baby."

Fleet Foxes - Blue Ridge Mountains
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m8CkxXhPtw
I could listen to the first 50 seconds of this song over and over and over. Oh, and the rest of it is gorgeous too.
"In the quivering forest, where the shivering dog rests, our good grandfather built a wooden nest."
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Lady GaGa - Teeth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk5vRoc0_nk
We all know Lady GaGa is a freak, so when she comes stomping out like the weird sex goddess she is on this song, it only feels natural. I like disco GaGa, but I like her more when she's channeling some crazy mix of swamp water blues and diva soul.
"I'm gonna love you with my hands tied. Show me your teeth."

Currently
Reading: Fables 3:Storybook Love
Watching: The Tree of Life dir. Terrence Malick
Listening: King Khan and the Shrines

Caro's Brain: The Songs in My Head

It seems that music has been moving away from 80s inspired dance pop and 90s inspired shoegaze into more earthy genres like folk, R&B, soul, and Americana. These are the songs rattling around in my head lately. Enjoy.

(And yes I realize a handful of these songs were released a few years ago. Shush.)

Warpaint - Undertow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMkqbY0oGKQ

I'm always a sucker for pretty guitars and pretty voices. Wait til it picks up about halfway through, You'll thank me.

Drive-By Truckers - Used to be a Cop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvJ-lWOZMYg

This is about as good a the Trucker's special brand of Americana blue collar storytelling gets.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mR8Z-gmK1g

SO EXCITED for a new album from these guys, especially based on this lead-off single.

The Heavy - How You Like Me Now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVzvRsl4rEM

Old school R&B (and I mean Sam and Dave, James Brown old school) meets rock n' roll badassery.

Sam Amidon - Saro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw7pZvQPvcg

A stunningly lovely slice of Great Plains Americana/folk.

Carolina Chocolate Drops - Knockin'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egra25z7ya8

I love this video because it looks like a few housewives standing around awkwardly, then this SONG comes out that's so freaking sexy. A modern interpretation of old time fireside songwriting.

Ray LaMontagne - Beg, Steal or Borrow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6a_1R3w5i4

As stupid as this sounds, I thought this was a classic song from the 70s the first time I heard it. It has that lived-in feel to it, like you knew it existed before you ever heard it.

Aloe Blacc - I Need a Dollar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR6oYX1D-0w

This guy is the second coming of Otis Redding, and if anybody damn well deserved a second coming, it would be Otis.

Fistful of Mercy - Father's Son

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hadcWjoqeCA

A foot-stomping assault of acoustic guitars and country swagger.

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PJ Harvey - Written on the Forehead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5jK0biu7lI

Yet another PJ Harvey gem from her FAN-tastic new album "Let England Shake"

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Junip - Always

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYB0iEiOuzs

There's something about Jose Gonzalez's voice that just gets me, and I really can't say why. This song is just a perfect Latin-tinged folk confection.

Fitz & the Tantrums - Moneygrabber

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb6cBKE3WzQ

One of the best soul throwback songs to come about in a long while, plus it's catchy as hell.

Ryan Adams - Wonderwall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gVxRvNfFLg

As much as I listen to music, I managed to completely miss this amazing Oasis cover that apparently came out in 2007.

Lissie - In Sleep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF1WJ4dChRE

I passed up Lissie initially because I thought "Meh another female artist trying to resurrect their Sheryl Crow aspirations", but this song just wrapped itself around my brain and refuses to leave. If anything, she's the new Stevie Nicks circa 1975.

Paul Simon - The Afterlife

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlmcLPACAMk

The fear of late-career dropoff significantly waned for me after hearing this new single off of Simon's upcoming album. A cross between New Orleans zydeco and reggae, mixed with Simon's sardonic wit, it's the best stuff he's done in years.

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Currently

Reading: Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman

Watching: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 4

Listening: Janelle Monae "The ArchAndroid"

Randomizer Experiment

So I've decided to finish what I started back last summer. I decided it would be fun to set my iTunes on shuffle and write stream of consciousness thoughts about the first 10 songs that come up, whether I like them or not. Whether anyone will actually understand (or care hah) about what I say is yet to be seen.

Silver - Echo & the Bunnymen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mJ6B7QStYw

Distinctly British, 80s in a good way, lovely bouncy Brit-pop. Love the strings, not cloying.

Touch Me With Your Love - Beth Orton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ3iZc7lfaY

Vaguely trip-hop 90s chill out song, Beth has a lovely voice but the arrangement isn't strong enough to warrent a song over 7 minutes long. (This is for the album version, the video is edited down.)

Brother Sport - Animal Collective

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGQjyGT1-mc

Hyperactive camp song of overlapping chorus, borderline grating like a lot of their music, manic, hipster happy music, Beach Boys on acid harmonies. Settles into a silly, fun bouncy lovely mess.

Obsession - Siouxsie & the Banshees

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itTbPv6Mmo0

Stalker sexy, marching arrangement, creepy yet pretty when the strings come in, playful, clanging bells, tapping noises, breathing. (Sorry for the weird video, it's the best audio I could find.)

Rocket - Smashing Pumpkins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PtJu61fQ3Y

Droning guitar, takes you back to the 90s, simple and effective, doesn't stand up quite as well as a lot of other Pumpkin singles but it's still good, lacks a great hook. Love the ending and the badass guitar playing.

Sleeping Pill - Yo la Tengo

(Can't find a video for this one. Sorry :( )

Sleepy, echo-y guitar, evokes images of the west, guitar sound just buries itself in the top of my spine, decends into Hendrix strangeness, definitely prog rock-ish which isn't for everyone but it's good to smoke out to I guess. Pink Floyd.

Underground - Tom Waits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBAMhLiwyQ

Great Tom Waits weirdness, southern stomp, raspy as hell, clinking clanking, creatures, humorous

Nantes - Beirut

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCkT4K-hppE

Bouncy organ sound reminicent of Vampire Weekend, plaintive vocals are love or hate, I personally love, clanky percussion brings everything together, horns I love horns, I love complicated arrangements that don't fight within their own elements. And some French inserts for added oddness.

Sawdust & Diamonds - Joanna Newsom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClqY--4fpZw

Oddly lovely, Newsom's voice is a aquired taste, no doubt that she's a master lyricist, simple harp arrangement feels very rich, I think it's achingly beautiful even if I don't always know what she's singing about

Mind, Drips - Neon Indian

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWs4e7oTn9g

Evokes Boards of Canada's retro synths with a more pop aesthetic, has a great groove to it, is it hipster music sure but it makes me nod my head so how can I be against it, so happy pop music is becoming accepted again

Movie Discussion: Why I Loved "Inception"

I'm not super interested in turning this into a review because everyone and their mother has described the plot, characters, blah blah. I want to talk about why "Inception" is so exciting to me.

On a technical level, it's mind-blowing. Every shot is lovingly framed and well structured. The effects are beautiful. The acting and writing are spot-on. The score is strong and effective. Even more so than these things, the business side is surprisingly intriguing to me. I normally couldn't care less about how much money a film makes, but this is the first film I think I've ever rooted for to break the bank.

This is a summer blockbuster that is not a sequel, remake, reboot, or rehash. It's got a big name director and lead actor behind it, plus a hell of a marketing team. But because it's not a franchise film or based off a successful pop novel, I heard a lot of people predicting that the film would go nowhere. Why? Because "Inception" deals with ideas that shake the foundation of reality, and most casual movie-goers are not capable of enjoying a piece of entertainment that forces them to use their brain. That's what John Q. Idiot up in the marketing division would like you to think anyway.

In actuality, the public is flocking to "Inception" in droves, and so far it's made just below the $200 million mark in only 3 weeks. I hope against hope that this is the continuation of a great trend started by last years "District 9". Intelligent blockbusters. "District 9" was a great moneymaker for its small budget, and it was one of the more well-made non-franchise moneymakers I've seen in recent years. "Inception" ups the ante by putting a lot of money into something risky and hoping for the best. And damn did it pay off.

This a message to big-name studios and directors: Give us more, please! No one really cares about 80s t.v. shows being adapted, or movies based on toys, or needless sequels, or lame rehashings of the same trite shit over and over. People are excited about this film. People are talking about it everywhere, whether they understood what it was trying to say or not. I want to see more films that are lovingly created and crafted that just happen to have a big budget, and I think most would agree, Please, and thank you.

Currently:
Reading: Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

Listening To: The Black Keys

Watching: Inception (duh)

Music Discovery: Lisa Hannigan

Apparently, I've been a fan of this girl for a while, and I didn't even know it. While noodling around on the Interwebs today, for some reason I had the song "Volcano" by Damien Rice in my head. Damien sings with this girl who has one of the most enchanting voices I've ever heard. So, about 5 years too late, I decide to find out who she is. Lisa Hannigan. Hm. Let's check out her MySpace. She did a cover of Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus, eh? That's ballsy. Let's listen to it. HOLYSHIT *brain explodes* I'm in love.

She sings a short, cute version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" first. "Personal Jesus" is right after that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cn_poCTozc

"Volcano" with Damien Rice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZduDvIBu3EU

Currently...
Reading: Wicked by Gregory Maguire, Oil! by Upton Sinclair, Neuromancer by William Gibson
Listening To: Spill.com podcasts
Watching: So You Think You Can Dance (I'm a dancer. Don't judge me.)

Graphic Novels: An Intro for Caro

So, I'm not one of those people who have been reading comics since they were kids. I had a bunch of lame Looney Tunes stuff, and that's about it. But apparently I'm a lemming because when the whole world started reading Watchmen around the time the film came out, I followed everyone off the proverbial cliff. It was worth it. So very worth it. I'm not going to praise Watchmen because that's been done enough, but I want to touch on the other stuff I've been reading lately.

After years and years of seeing fairy tales get Disney-fied into some formulaic drek, it's cool to see someone try to do something a little ballsy with them. Like, lets put characters like Snow White, Prince Charming, and Bluebeard into real-world New York City and give them real problems to worry about. Beauty and the Beast are having marital problems. Prince Charming is a handsome lothario who uses dumb women for money. And Snow White's sister, Rose Red, has been murdered. The murder is the central turning point of the plot in the first edition of the series, and while it's entertaining enough, the plot is really secondary to the introduction of the main characters and the mythology of Fabletown. If anything the plot is conventional to a fault. It even has a cliched "parlor room" scene, which, granted, it makes fun of itself for. It's a good start for the series, and I'm really interested to see where it goes.

Now, I'm usually not a crime caper, conspiracy theory kind of person, but 100 Bullets might be changing my mind. It starts off with fractured stories with one link: each main character in each story is given 100 untracable bullets and a gun along with irrefutable evidence against a person who greatly wronged them by a man called Agent Graves. They can do whatever they like, they won't be arrested or held accountable in any way. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not super interested in a lot of the individual stories (like the one with the gambling idiot with the cowboy hat in the second edition was a giant snore), but the overarching premise is really interesting to me. Who is Agent Graves and why is he doing this? The morality of it reminds me of the show Dexter. (Yeah, I'm killing people, but they deserve it. Eh?) The first edition is good, but the second one is excellent (except for that damn cowboy). Read the series from the beginning though.

Other stuff I have lined up:
Maus I: My Father Bleeds History (Already halfway through this.)
Batman: The Long Halloween
Wolverine: Origin
The Sandman 1: Preludes & Nocturnes

Currently...
Reading: Oil! by Upton Sinclair, Wicked by Gregory Maguire, Neuromancer by William Gibson
Watching: Pixar movies and Eddie Izzard stand-up
Listening To: Passion Pit and The National