I’ve been watching a lot of trailers lately and I’m excited at all of the films being released in the near future (unfortunately, some in the not-so-near future). However, despite how I often do this, I often fail to make it to the movie when it’s actually released. I have a long list of DVDs to acquire. One near the top is a film I only mildly considered, but recommendations post-release have me regretting not seeing it immediately. I just wish I’d known “Drag Me to Hell” was as good as hearsay has told me. Maybe I should have guessed - horrors centering around peculiar elderly ladies are often scary. It’s a Hollywood convention that’s pretty much sexist as well as ageist – but one that seems to work.
By the sound of their name, Oscar Anthony and the Westfolk Band would be your typical, Nashville country infused folk band, but one listen to their music would tell you quite differently. Folk mixed with a bit of electric experimentalism makes for a fantastically interesting sound...that I for one just love.
In this week's Funny Friday I'm bringing you one from Ulterior Productions. In Jagg Off two friends place a bet, pushing each other to the limits in demanding that they "do their best Jagger." This one had me rolling. Enjoy.
I’m obviously experiencing some kind of crazy phase. Between my current “True Blood” obsession and my resurgent appreciation towards the former love of my life: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, I’d say I’m visually occupied by the undead, of late. Maybe I can attribute it to the fact that Halloween’s not so far away now. Who knows? Nonetheless, here’s something else to add to the list. I was watching “Vamps” on the Shorts Space short films page. Short and sinister at a minute long, it’s one of many interesting films put out by the company, with shorts in every genre. However, this is the one that caught my eye during this moment in time. You can see it here:
You can check out other shorts from Shorts Space on the site here: http://www.projectunicorn.com/shortsspace
Tomorrow, Wednesday 19th, Diggnation is coming to Tempe, AZ to do a live show at the Tempe Center for the Arts. The show is from 7-9 followed by an after party. I'm sad to say that I won't be able to make it as I'm no longer in Arizona, but I would definitely recommend making it out if you can...as those boys always put on a good show. You can find more info here.
In the mean time, check out one of my favorite Diggnation episodes from this year's SXSW with special guest Gary Vaynerchuck:
I'm a big fan of this Ambulance for Angeles track, "Claire and the Spies." It's sort of a soul-wrenching track, though I'm not sure if it's the music or the lyrics that really get me. Not to mention that this band's story is sort of a tearful one in and of itself, albeit a unique one.
I just read this article over at TechCrunch, and I have to say that I'm a little disheartened at the very least.
Major labels are creating their own file format. The single file will include everything a listener might want, which would have been great six years ago.
I'm interested to see how this one plays out. Devin Coldewey has already called it "the laughing stock of the internet," and I'm inclined to agree with him.
Well it's Monday once again, but for me it's a different kind of Monday as it's my first waking up in my new city. I just made the move from Phoenix to Chicago which I'm thrilled about for dozens of reasons, but of course the most relevant of those is the overabundance of fantastic musicians here in Chicago. So to celebrate, I thought I'd bring you one of my favorite indie guys out of this city: Lee Dewyze. I've written about him before, but summer in Chicago always prompts me to play this kind of jam.
There are literally dozens of well known covers to Bill Wither's "Ain't no Sunshine." Everyone from Sting to the Ramones-even Kris Allen from this year's season of American Idol-have taken a stab at this classic, but Natives of the New Dawn might be one of my all time favorite versions.
"When She Goes Away" is a funky, soulful, rock and roll version of the song...that's seriously dynamic. Gotta love a great voice on top of a fantastic beat. Check it out: