Lunar Boulevard

Cover Albums: Really?

2012-02-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have to rant a little bit here about something that bothers me: cover albums. You know those, right? It's where an artist puts out an album of them covering other artists. Over the past few years these seem to be more common and honestly I'm getting tired of them. Let me state my case for this:

First off, I'm not totally opposed to them. They can be interesting and it's always wonderful to see artists paying tribute to those that have inspired them. In this respect I can understand their value and I'm sure they're fun and fairly easy to record, thus making things easier for some musicians and giving them a much-needed break from writing their own material. I can totally sympathize with that.

However, I do get a bit irked when a covers album is released in the place of original material. Here's the difference:

Back in 1981 Elvis Costello released Almost Blue, an album of old country covers. It was a puzzling and unconventional move but it worked. Not only is it a good album but Elvis also released Trust that same year, an album of original material, not to mention he released Get Happy!! in 1980 and Imperial Bedroom in 1982. Even if you didn't care about the country album, you still had plenty of options and output to keep you satisfied.

Nada Surf is another example. In 2010 they released If I Had a Hi-Fi , a cover album from some of their favorite artists. I wasn't really excited about it but they released a new album this year and their last album came out in 2008. Again, we didn't have to wait too long for something new. When cover albums are more of a side project or stop-gap album then I find them much easier to deal with.

What originally got me thinking about this was the latest release from Counting Crows, entitled Underwater Sunshine. I've been a big Crows fan for over a decade and I always look forward to seeing where Adam Duritz and the band will go next. When I heard the news that the band was working on new album I got excited...until I learned it was a cover album.

Now normally I would just overlook this but typically the band only releases a new album about every four years. They last came out in 2008 and after four years I was disappointed to learn that after all this time we're simply getting a collection of them performing other people's songs. Now don't get me wrong: the band is free to do what they want and I have no problem with that. It's just a bit disheartening that after waiting all this time that's what we're getting and it'll most likely be another few years before they record another album.

It seems like more and more artists are taking this route. Even older artists like Eric Clapton and Phil Collins are doing this; they simply release a cover album and just wait an eternity to put something new out. Is it laziness? Maybe. I have no doubt that they're fun and easy to record but is that really fair to make your fans wait for years only to give them songs they've heard before that were written by someone else? I don't know. It's a slippery slope and I find myself conflicted and confused by it.

Oh well. The wait for 2016 begins I suppose!

1 Corinthians 13: Random Thoughts on Love Pt. 2

2012-02-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

So last week I talked a bit about love and how God has really been teaching me what true and selfless love is about. Our sermon this Sunday dealt with the foundation of love and that without love "everything else fails". It included testimony from a married couple that consists of a wife who has taken care of her husband after he lost much of his speech ability and mental functions. If you want to see an example of true love in action, then it doesn't get any more real and touching than that.

It made me really think about how I love and whether or not I really have the capability to love someone that way. Honestly, I believe God has given me that capacity but it only comes from relying completely on Him and making a conscious choice to love as He does. I'm not saying I would ever want to be in that situation but if worst came to worst I would hope that God would continue to help me love and to step outside myself and my wants and needs.

I'm sure this is much easier said than done. Still, it's my passion to love someone in a marriage and in all other areas of my life. The more you learn about love and begin to live it out, the more God teaches you. At least that's how it is for me.

1 Corinthians 13: Random Thoughts on Love Pt.1

2012-02-03T15:04:00.000-08:00

So this week our church begins delving into 1 Corinthians 13. Yes, I'm well aware that this chapter pops up frequently and some Christians are probably tired of talking about it all the time. It may seem like it's overused but it's possibly due to the fact that it sums up exactly what love is so perfectly and how we as followers of Christ should love those around us.

One thing that always astounds me about this chapter is its actual length: it's only 13 verses. This isn't unusual for 1 Corinthians; some of the chapters are fairly short and Paul gets to the point pretty quickly in many of these sections. However, for a chapter dealing with love you would expect much more, yet these few verses cut right to the heart of the matter and Paul says exactly what needs to be conveyed in very few words. It's impressive, yet also easy to spend countless hours pouring over these verses and really meditating on what God is saying here.

Paul wastes no time in explaining and defining what love is and what it consists of. We're told that love is patient and kind. It doesn't boast and it isn't proud. It's not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, trusts, and perseveres. It never fails. On the surface this sounds simple and obvious; it's only when we really begin to dig deeper and examine our own hearts do we begin to realize how difficult love really is. If I'm being completely honest with myself, I fail in a lot of these areas on a regular basis.

One area that is near and dear to my heart is marriage. I believe this is one of the best ways to really put love into action and to sacrifice your wants and needs in place of someone else's. It is my sincerest and humblest prayer that I will be blessed enough to be a husband someday and that I will have the chance to serve God in this role. As I get older I realize the various challenges and difficulties that come with that kind of commitment, yet that's precisely what makes it so endearing and wonderful to me. When I see couples loving each other unconditionally and making a conscious decision to love each other every day then I think we begin to see a bit of God's kingdom here on earth and we catch a small glimpse of His love for us. I really pray that I get the opportunity to participate in that institution someday.

Anyway, I'm just talking to myself here so this isn't really important. I can be strange like that. I'll post more for my own benefit later.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.--1 Corinthians 13:13

Spirit of Fear Follow-up Note

2012-01-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

So today our pastor was talking about spiritual gifts. Yes, I know that's a bit different from what I wrote about yesterday but I promise this is going somewhere.

During one section he said something so profound and it really hit me. Heck, twelve hours later it still keeps replaying in my head. I don't remember the exact wording but it was essentially something like this:

"It's hard not to judge the present based on past experiences. We always say, 'Well, I don't want to be disappointed'. You know something? I think it's good for us to expect that God can change things and that He can work miracles."

It really ties in with what I wrote about yesterday. I want so badly to believe that God has something greater for me and that the past isn't an indication of the present or the future. I hope He feels the same.

A Spirit of Fear: How Do I Know the Difference?

2012-01-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to add more articles and thoughts about spiritual matters in here in addition to my music-related posts. I know that no one reads them; it's mainly just a way for me to keep my thoughts together and go over what God has taught me or revealed to me over the course of this year. So essentially I'm just talking to myself, which is a weird feeling. Then again, I'm used to feeling weird so maybe this should feel much more natural than it does.

Lately the topic of fear and worry has been on my mind. I'm a worrier by nature and I have enough pain in my past that it's difficult for me to make it through a day without assuming the worst or becoming a bit paranoid, especially when things are going well. I once had a family member tell me, "I only get nervous when things are going well. They have nowhere to go but down!". It was partly said as a joke but there's always a hint of truth and confession in things of that nature and it's always stuck with me. I can't really judge them for that mindset because, in all honesty, I often think that way too. When things are going well I begin looking for the snipers and the thorns, just waiting for someone to betray me or for the hammer to fall if I make a mistake. It's exhausting, both physically and mentally. However, even more devastating is the toll it can take on your spiritual well-being.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.--2 Timothy 1:7

I know all the different Bible verses that are associated with this topic and it's easy to read and recite them in times of trouble. The catch is that reading the Bible and actually putting it into practice are two very distinct things and often they are easier said than done. Let's be clear: fear isn't always a negative thing. A healthy amount of fear keeps us safe, gives us motivation, and causes us to rethink things we might otherwise have done that would hurt us or someone else. I don't think these verses are necessarily addressing those moments. If I decide to jump off a tall building in the hopes that I can fly then I'm quite sure God isn't telling us to jump because everything will be fine. Sure, God COULD allow us to fly or catch us if we're falling. However, we're responsible for the choices we make and the fear of falling and being killed would be justified in this case. What I believe God is really saying through His word is that we shouldn't be worried about the larger picture of our lives.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.--Isaiah 41:10

Being the strange person that I am, I tend to have the opposite stance. Things that should scare me typically don't and things that I should enjoy and serve in are the same things that paralyze me with fear and doubt. I'm the guy who would be more likely to leap from that tall building than someone who jumps into a new job, relationship, or opportunity for fear that it would fail or that I wouldn't do a satisfactory job. Is it silly? I'm sure it is but that's the crux of this whole article: what should I really be fearing and when should I walk in faith and confidence? I'm not claiming to have all the answers but God has been working on this area of my life and it's something I really pray He helps me gain a better understanding of.

Since no one reads this I figure I can get a bit personal here. To understand where I'm coming from and why fear is an active part of my life, I first need to examine the course of my life and see why this has become such a prominent issue. One moment that really stands out to me is the last few months of 2010. The first eight months of that year were the best of my life up to that point. I had a great new job, my first real relationship, and I was finally finding happiness and excitement in life and enthusiasm for the future. By the end of the year I lost my new job, my girlfriend left me, and just getting out of bed each morning was considered a major victory. Needless to say, it was a devastating, hurtful, and confusing moment in my life. God worked throughout it and drew me closer to Him, yet the pain and fear of that moment is still fresh in my mind and permeates much of my life even a year and a half later.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.--1 John 4:18

Will it happen again? Can I really trust anyone? Is God waiting to punish me if I mess up? These are the questions I face on a daily basis. I hear them as I fall asleep at night and they're right there to greet me in the morning when I awake. The Lord has truly blessed me within the last year. I have a job that I truly look forward to going to each day and a wonderful woman in my life who is above and beyond anyone I could imagine. I feel blessed and I can't begin to thank God enough for all that He has provided me with. Yet in those quiet moments the fear creeps in and I wonder if 2010 will repeat itself or if God is keeping count of how many errors I make or whether the people around me truly care about me. It's a terror that runs keep, mostly due to the scar of the past and the fear that I won't measure up to the blessings in my life and that I'll lose them all again. It may sound crazy (and who knows, maybe it is!) but when you've been hurt once it makes it hard to believe that it won't happen again.

We've all been burned by people and events in our life. It's part of the sinful and fallen world we live in and a painful component of the human condition. Despite the pain and sorrow we still yearn for something better and the freedom to live without fear and regret. God offers us this relief, yet actually accepting it and trusting Him can be a struggle. It certainly is for me much of the time, as much as I hate to admit it.

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ""Abba," Father."--Romans 8:15

So what can we do? Again, I'm not claiming to be an expert or else this piece would be full of more confidence and answers than questions and reminiscing. First off, God's word is where we need to start. Those verses are true and reliable but we need to actually BELIEVE them and put them into practice before they can really start to have a profound impact on our lives. As a child I found those verses easy to believe; as I get older it's harder to push the scars and past aside to believe with a childlike faith again. It's often hard for me to have faith that God knows what He's doing and that He's orchestrating everything for my good and His glory. Too often I'm scared of messing up or losing everything and in the process I miss the larger picture. Sure, everything could end badly again but there's also an equal chance that things could go well and God may be opening doors to the next chapter in my life. I certainly hope and pray that He is.

In the meantime I will continue to wrestle with fear and doubt. What should I fear and is it something God is telling me? Again, the answers aren't easy for me but slowly and surely He's teaching me to trust in Him completely and to not lean on my own understanding. I'm so thankful for what's He's doing in my life. I just pray that I'm able to get over the terror and serve Him through it more fully.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.--1 Corinthians 16:13

Song of the Week #2: "A Comet Appears" by The Shins

2012-01-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

Do you ever hear a song that you feel was written just for you, like the artist looked at your life and wrote about it without you ever knowing it? This is one of those songs.

I love The Shins. James Mercer has a way of taking the human condition and translating it into catchy and often emotional songs that touch something deep inside of me. That's what all great music should do and he's been doing it extremely well for a decade now. Wincing the Night Away is one of my all-time favorite albums. It's perfect and haunting and beautiful and shatters me every time I listen to it. "A Comet Appears" is the closing track and I can't think of a more poignant away to end the record.

Everything about this track just works. The gentle guitar and soft chirping of birds in the background evoke thoughts and memories of a warm summer day. The sounds may be gentle but the song cuts deep, complete with words that I feel like I could have written myself:

One hand on this wily comet/Take a drink just to give me some weight/Some uber-man I'd make, I'm barely a vapor/They shone a chlorine light on a host of individual sins/Let's carve my aging face off/Fetch us a knife/Start with my eyes/Down so the lines form a grimacing smile

It may seem grim (and in some ways it is) but it's sung and played so gently and intimately that the dark words are given a lightness and room to fly. I especially love the line, "We can blow on our thumbs and posture/But the lonely is such delicate things/The wind from a wasp could blow them into the sea/With stones on their feet/Lost to the light and the loving we need." Something about that verse just gets to me in such deep and profound ways.

There's something very melancholy about this song, yet it doesn't feel hopeless. I don't really know any other way to describe it so just listen for yourself. It's just.....wow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVutw8DLuD4

Why I Love "The '59 Sound"

2012-01-18T21:26:00.000-08:00

Sometimes an album just pops into your life in unexpected ways. You never see it coming and suddenly you realize that you're listening to it non-stop every day and humming it at work, in the shower, and even playing it in your head as you fall asleep. For me, that album currently is The '59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem. They're a band I've known about for a while but once I finally got around to listening to their music I literally can't stop. Not since R.E.M.'s Collapse Into Now last spring have I connected with a record so personally and been so hooked.

This record does everything right. The production is tight and perfectly matches the energetic punk/rock/alternative/rockabilly sound that the band does so well. The album even manages to throw in blues and Motown influences as well, further diversifying the sound and shape of the album. The energy and passion never die down for even a second, yet the album also feels very intimate and personal. Frontman Brian Fallon has a way with words and melodies that immediately catches your attention and sucks you into the story. His three bandmates help keep everything in sync and all four are a force to be reckoned with.

Every song on this album is stellar. All 12 tracks are incredible and every day it seems like my favorites keep changing. From the punk sound of "Great Expectations" to the bluesy "Here's Looking at You, Kid", there's something for everyone. The album's title track might just be my favorite overall, from it's catchy melody to the thoughtful lyrics: "Well I wonder, were you scared when the metal hit the glass?/See, I was playing a show down the road when your spirit left your body/When they told me on the front lawn/I was sorry I couldn't go/But I still wrote the song and the words and the reasons." Brian has a knack for storytelling and tales of lost love, death, small town life, and searching for something more are all woven masterfully through this record. Fallon himself is a Christian and, while his lyrics rarely delve into his faith, his optimism and hope still resonate and it's just one more thing I love about this band. It helps me connect with the songs and I feel like they're a part of me, an essential element to all great music.

The record is also full of literary, musical, and cinematic references. The band may be young but clearly their influences are more in line with old black and white movies and music that's several decades old. References to Counting Crows, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Miles Davis, and Bob Dylan are just a few that pop up. Some are obvious and others are more esoteric but it's great fun trying to find them and it's refreshing to see a band so open and willing to pay tribute to their influences and heroes.

This album is so addictive and it's pretty much all I've listened to recently. I'm working on collecting the band's other two albums and they've made me a fan for life with this one. The '59 Sound is pure rock n' roll at its finest and one of those records that will always be an important part of my life. You can't ask for more than that.

Ever Feel Behind?

2012-01-17T21:08:00.001-08:00

Do you ever feel like you're missing the target? Or maybe like you're not good enough? I've had a bout of this lately. Maybe it's the northern winter (I miss the south like crazy but that's an entirely different topic) or maybe it's just some of the circumstances I've found myself in lately but it's frustrating. It's not any easier when I'm surrounded by friends and family who have it so easy and never seem to be far from a miracle. I'm so thankful for everything I have but often I still feel like I'm running behind.

I think I actually had a post about this last year and it's kind of neat to go back and re-evaluate it. I've been thinking about how God puts us all on different paths and that often leads me to ask the inevitable question: am I on the right path or simply slacking? Sometimes I find this question easy to answer and other times I'm clueless as to whether I'm even anywhere close to where I should be. In fact, I'm usually thinking about whether I'm WHO I should be. In the end I feel like that's the more pertinent question, though I'll admit that both are important.

What I've discovered is that the race is what really wears me down. Everyone seems to move ahead me in terms of careers, relationships, and pretty much every other area of life. Am I really on the right track, and if so, then why do I look like a slacker? Again, I know no one reads this so this is just for my benefit. It's good to get these thoughts out, even though it doesn't make me feel any better or provide answers to my questions.

Who am I? Do I matter? Will I ever be ahead, or even on equal ground with everyone else? Will it cost me? Ah, sleepless nights!

Song-A-Week #1: "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)" by U2

2012-01-10T23:45:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite U2 songs. It's easily in my top five and always has been. I can't remember a time when this song didn't move me and when I wasn't totally captivated by it. It was on my mind tonight and I couldn't think of a better place to start my Song-A-Week challenge than with this beauty.

Part of what makes this song so wonderful is the fact that it exemplifies everything that U2 does so well. It's incredibly simple and yet the complexities, both of the lyrics and the music, slowly begin to reveal themselves with subsequent listens. They're small, but they're there. The story itself is somewhat painful and by the end of the first verse we're immediately brought into this dark situation.

You say when he hits you, you don't mind
Because when he hurts you, you feel alive
Oh no
Is that what it is?

The song can easily be interpreted as watching someone you care about go through a troublesome time and not only are you powerless to help, but they don't seem to want to help themselves. The music video depicts an angel watching from above, looking down on pain and suffering and having no power or ability to stop it or even to interact with those trapped by it. The Wim Winders film it was written for certainly took that angle but the song is so deep and Bono's lyrics are so perfect that any situation could be applied here.

And if you look, you look through me
And when you talk, you talk to me
And when I touch you, you don't feel a thing

The whole band really shines here, although it's in a much more subtle way. Larry's drumming is precise and simple. He hardly does any fills or even changes what he's playing on his kit. As a drummer I really respect his style; he knows exactly what a song needs and doesn't feel the need to overplay or add anything more than what's necessary. "Stay" is a perfect example and a strong lesson in musical discipline. Adam's bass-line follows Larry's technique and keeping things simple. He allows the bottom end to keep moving and gives the tune just enough of a kick to keep going without ever making himself obvious. The Edge's minimalist guitar completes the tune and his backing vocals perfectly compliment Bono's tender yet majestic voice.

If I could stay then the night would give you up
Stay and the day would keep its trust
Stay and the night would be enough

I could say more but I don't want to ramble or spoil anything. If you're fortunate enough to see them perform this in concert then you know what a show-stopper it is. It's just Bono and The Edge doing a gentle acoustic version that's equally as powerful. This song has to be heard to be truly appreciated.

Three o'clock in the morning
It's quiet and there's no one around
Just the bang and the clatter as an angel runs to ground
Just the bang and the clatter as an angel hits the ground

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3178rqDthc

1 Corinthians is Blowing My Mind

2012-01-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

Over the last few months my church has been going through 1 Corinthians. The whole Bible is amazing and 1 Corinthians is always one of those books that manages to pack so much into such a small space. Love, marriage, church conduct, sacrifice: it's all here and chapters 8 and 9 are the two we discussed today.

For starters, I really love how Paul discusses freedom in Christ and focusing on acting in such a way so as not to cause a brother or sister to stumble. This is one of those areas that most of us, myself included, seem to ignore or constantly forget about. So often it's easy for us to simply do our own thing and be so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget about those around us and how our actions can have a positive (or negative) effect on them.

For instance, most of the music I listen to would be deemed "secular". I find a majority of Christian music to be predictable and kind of boring. However, I also know some believers who listen to Christian music exclusively and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. We all have different convictions and God speaks to us in different areas. If a fellow Christian feels that secular music would be detrimental to their faith or a bad influence then I have a responsibility to be mindful of what I'm listening to around them. While most of the music I listen to wouldn't be considered offensive or harmful, that doesn't mean that some believers wouldn't be made uncomfortable by it.

This applies to every area of our lives: drinking, movies, food, even the words we speak and the clothes we wear. It can be a tough lesson to learn but over the years God has raised this awareness in me and shown me how to better watch out for my brothers and sisters. 1 Corinthians is chock full of tough lessons and great reminders about our duty as Christians. This is just one of the many reasons why it's blowing my mind.

A Song a Week Challenge

2012-01-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try something new this year. Not only do I plan to write about faith, music, film, and other interests but I also want to write about one song a week. It can be a favorite of mine or just one that speaks to me or that I find intriguing. It'll be a fun and engaging way to see what song is speaking to me each week and keep track of what I'm listening to.

Let the tunes begin!

So Yeah, 2012 Is Here

2011-12-31T19:38:00.000-08:00

Clearly, I didn't have time to do a retrospective but that's cool. It's not like anyone but me would read it anyway.

Looking forward to 2012.

Top 20 Albums of 2011

2011-12-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

Was 2011 a stellar year for music? I can say without a doubt that it was (for me, anyway) and arguably the best we've had in a long time. Even with the sad departure of R.E.M. and The White Stripes it was still a great year. One thing that immediately struck me about all these records is how optimistic they are. In spite of all the uncertain and troubling things going on in the world, many of my favorite artists seem to have found a new sense of purpose and optimism in the midst of it. It's refreshing and definitely gave 2011 a much-needed breath of fresh air.

So here they are: my 20 favorites from 2011:

#20. Cage the Elephant-Thank You Happy Birthday

#19. Cold War Kids-Mine Is Yours

#18. Coldplay-Mylo Xyloto

#17. Bjork-Biophilia

#16. Beastie Boys-Hot Sauce Committee Part Two

#15. Elbow-Build a Rocket Boys!

#14. Noah & the Whale-Last Night on Earth

#13. The Lonely Forest-Arrows

#12. TV on the Radio-Nine Types of Light

#11. Fleet Foxes=Helplessness Blues

#10. Florence & the Machine-Ceremonials

#9. They Might Be Giants-Join Us

#8. Switchfoot-Vice Verses

#7. Radiohead-The King of Limbs

#6. Death Cab for Cutie-Codes and Keys

#5. The Decemberists-The King Is Dead

#4. The Joy Formidable-The Big Roar

#3. Arctic Monkeys-Suck It and See

#2. Foo Fighters-Wasting Light

#1. R.E.M.-Collapse Into Now

More Stuff to Come!

2011-12-12T23:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a hectic time for me. In fact, I think it is for everyone and that's understandable. For the two of you that even glance at this blog on a regular basis, rest assured I'm working on a list of my favorite albums from this year (and there are A LOT of them!), as well as a retrospective on all God has done in my life this year. I'm excited about both of these and it'll be a great way to finish off 2011. Stay tuned!

Underrated Record Club #9: Alphabetical by Phoenix

2011-12-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that France was harboring one of the best current bands out there? For over a decade Phoenix has quietly been putting out some of the freshest and more engaging pop music on the scene today. However, this isn't the Top 40 manufactured pop that we're all used to avoiding and dreading. This is experimental and well-crafted music by a group of talented musicians who have an indie sensibility to them and never do the same thing twice. 2009's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix finally gave the group the American recognition they deserved, especially since it won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. Alphabetical, their 2004 sophomore release, seems to be a bit overshadowed by their other work and it's a sleeper hit that shouldn't be discounted.

Compared to their other three albums, this record is much more laid-back and relaxed, which may be one reason why it doesn't immediately grab you the way their other records do. It's a slow burner but once you begin to hear the individual songs it comes alive and sets a wonderful mood. "Everything is Everything" is a catchy and upbeat song that opens the album with a taste of what you can expect from the other nine tracks. "Run Run Run" and "I'm an Actor" follow suit, keeping the mellow energy going and they find the band in their sweet spot. These guys know how to craft a catchy and engaging song, whether it's slow and quiet or loud and bouncy. Vocalist Thomas Mars has a featherlight voice that sucks you in and fits just about any arrangement they concoct.

While the album is slower than their other work, it has plenty of twists to keep things fresh. There are some hip-hop elements scattered throughout the album, especially on songs like "Victim of the Crime" and "(You Can't Blame It On) Anybody", as well as RnB influences on "Holdin' on Together" and "If It's Not With You". The short instrumental "Alphabetical" takes the album's title and puts a nice little spin on it.

Alphabetical is a relaxing listen but it lacks the trademark high energy of their other releases. This may be one major reason why some people have trouble getting into it and that's understandable; the album didn't exactly jump out at me the first time I heard it either. If you give it some time and are in the mood for something different and relaxing then Phoenix is a great band to go with and this album is a trip well worth taking.

Beck's "Ship in the Bottle"

2011-12-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

This is such a great song. I recently bought the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's remaster of Sea Change, one of my all-time favorite albums and this song is included as a bonus track. I can understand why it was left off the album; it's a bit too poppy to fit in with the more somber material on the record. Still, it's nice to finally have it and it's a great track that every fan should check out.

As always, Beck never misses the mark.

Time is a Train: 20 Years of Achtung Baby

2011-11-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

"I'm ready, ready for the laughing gas/I'm ready, ready for what's next." These opening words ushered U2 into the 90's, complete with Bono's distorted voice and the industrial sounds of the band behind him. After 20 years it still sounds like nothing else out there and it signaled a new phase and a new decade for the four Irish rockers. Achtung Baby was described by Bono as "the sound of four men chopping down The Joshua Tree" and the heavy European sounds of the album couldn't be further from the sound that made them famous in the 80's. I won't get too deep here; I just wanted to talk about why this album is brilliant and why everyone should hear it at least once.

Achtung Baby is also the record that nearly did the band in. After the worldwide success of The Joshua Tree, the band followed it up with the album and film Rattle and Hum. It was met with mixed critical reception and the band began looking for ways to reinvent themselves and take a different path. Things were initially rough and the band was on the verge of breaking up when the album's penultimate song, "One", came about and saved the day. It gave the band the strength and unity to finish the record and the rest, as they say, is history.

Everyone knows the hits: "One", "Mysterious Ways", "Even Better Than the Real Thing", "The Fly". It's hard to imagine a time when these songs were new and shocking. U2 went from exploring American and blues music to delving into industrial and dance sounds. I was only a small child when this album was released and I wish I could have been there to see the public's reaction. It was a completely different take on the band and no one knew what to make of it. Some loved it, some hated it, and many had no clue what to make of this total transformation. The band's sound, image, and presence was radically different, with the band using irony to poke fun at themselves and the culture around them. The entire Zoo TV Tour was built upon this principle, a world where the media and information overload were rampant and mind-numbing. While this may not seem astonishing to us in 2011, in 1991 the internet had not yet come into its own and 24-hour news was just catching on. U2 could see the writing on the wall and were ahead of the curve, mocking these new institutions and predicting that they would consume the culture and the public in a negative fashion.

The tone of the album is also darker than previous records. Achtung Baby is essentially a lovers' quarrel, with songs that explore betrayal, uncertainty, desperation, frustration, and couples who use each other in deceptive and cheap ways. Granted, there's always hope in the songs, a trademark of U2 that has always been present. However, this was the first time that the band had explored such dark and personal depths of love in such gritty detail. "So Cruel" is the ultimate breakup song and "Ultraviolet (Light My Way)" implies a relationship in which laziness is rampant and love is so minuscule that only ultraviolet light could see it. "Until the End of the World" describes the betrayal of Jesus through the eyes of Judas and the closer "Love is Blindness" lives up to its namesake. Needless to say, these are not happy tales and they face the real struggles and trials that all relationships have to endure.

Like I mentioned before, it's not all bleak or hopeless. "Mysterious Ways" is pure fun and "Tryin' to Throw Your Arms Around the World" is a bit more upbeat. The band used irony and occasional tongue-in-cheek moments to keep things fresh, a tactic they've been able to balance out quite well over the years. Bono's lyrics are deep and inspired as always, digging deep and hitting their mark in a meaningful and personal way. The Edge contributes some of his best guitar work here, with effects and memorable riffs permeating nearly every track. Not to be outdone, Larry and Adam both prove why they're the best rhythm section in music. Their playing is focused, groovy, and heavy. The entire album just feels and sounds perfect.

This album is a masterpiece and is considered by many fans and critics to be the band's best work. It was a defining moment in the band's career and arguably the finest reinvention ever conceived by a musical artist. It also paved the way for further experimentation with the albums Zooropa and Pop. This is my second-favorite U2 album (right behind The Joshua Tree) and it's a record that everyone needs to hear. It's influenced so much of today's music and U2 was ahead of the trends, as usual. With the recent re-release of the album this month, now is the perfect time to celebrate and a great time to pick it up if you haven't heard it before.

As Bono sings in "Acrobat": "And you can dream, so dream out loud".

Cleaning Out Your Sock Drawer is Fun!

2011-11-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

No, really, it is.

I had some free time this morning and decided to clean out any excess clothes from my closet and dresser drawers. I do this every few months and it's wonderful: I get rid of things I don't wear anymore and not only do I make room for new clothes but I'm able to give the old ones away to places like Goodwill for someone else to use. Everyone wins.

I also stumbled across Golden Boy, an old, thin, worn out and faded t-shirt that's been in my family for decades. I know I should just throw it away but somehow I can't bear to just yet. It deserves a proper burial (or unraveling, whichever comes first).

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Review

2011-11-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

I'm somewhat of a casual gamer at best. I enjoy playing games when I'm bored or have extra time but they're the lowest item on my priority list and typically I get bored with them pretty easily. However, the Uncharted series is one of the few that really gets me excited and totally immerses me in the experience. The first game was a welcome breath of fresh air to a stale PS3 catalogue and the second was met with even more acclaim, including dozens of Game of the Year awards and accolades. The bar was set high for this third installment and thankfully Naughty Dog knew what they were doing. Uncharted 3 isn't perfect, but it's about as close as you can get and the fact that I finished it is a testament to it's greatness.

I won't bother rehashing the story or listing any spoilers here. Part of the fun of the series is playing through it the way you watch a film for the first time. You have no idea what will happen or what's around the corner and the less you know going in, the better the experience. I'll admit that the story isn't as tight as the first two games and it didn't have as many twists as I was expecting. However, it's still engaging and really serves more as a current to keep the game moving. Those of us who have played the previous games know and love these characters, so naturally the story explores these relationships on a deeper level and really reminds us why we root for them in any situation they face. The story is darker than the previous two games and the beloved humor that fans love so much is toned down a bit. This is a story about Drake discovering his motives and what's important to him and the game tonally finds that balance. It has its funny moments and upbeat scenes but overall it's a darker experience and rightfully so. We really feel Drake's helplessness and confusion, not to mention his frustration, in a way that we haven't before and the game makes full use of this.

All of the characters from the previous games return. Nate and Sully both have the most screen time, which is appropriate given that much of this game focuses on their relationship and how they came to know each other. Elena and Chloe both have their moments but feel underused, although this isn't necessarily a bad thing because it shifts the players' focus and takes a different spin on the formula from what we've seen before. Katherine Marlowe made for an interesting villain but sadly we never learn too much about her and she isn't utilized enough to make her truly memorable. Again, these minor complaints really don't affect the overall game because this is a story about Nate's beginnings and his future. For much of the game you're on your own and you really begin to feel it. Walking through the Rub 'al Khali desert and seeing nothing but sand dunes for miles really packs a punch and Drake is put the ultimate test of endurance time and time again in this game.

Graphically, the game is stunning. The way sand blows seamlessly across the desert and the way light and shadow play off of each other draws you into the experience and keeps you there the entire time. The cut-scenes are amazing and it's one of the few games out there where I actually enjoy the movies as much as playing the game. Greg Edmonson returns with another spectacular score to round things out. In the technical department everything is stellar and I would expect no less from Naughty Dog.

As always, the gameplay is where the series really shines and everything has been tightened here. There are still plenty of wonderful action sequences and unexpected moments, as well as exploration and puzzles. In fact, the puzzles were one of my favorite new aspects because they were actually somewhat challenging. In the previous games all you had to do was open Drake's notebook and it would give you a clue that would pretty much solve the puzzle for you. In Uncharted 3 the notebook gives you a vague idea and it's up to you to decipher it and figure out how to proceed. It reminded me of something you'd find in The Legend of Zelda series (my other favorite series) and several of them really had me stumped for a brief period. They're a lot of fun and it's a satisfying feeling to overcome one of them. The gunfights are as fun as ever and they still require some patience and strategy to execute properly. Simply running around and shooting wildly doesn't work in these games, which is something I've always appreciated. You have to take cover, conserve ammo, and be smart about how you attack and how you proceed. There are a few moments when the AI can be a bit cheap or overwhelming but thankfully these moments are sparse and nothing that a bit of trail and error won't solve.

The multiplayer also makes a return and it's been beefed up considerably. There are far more modes and options to choose from and it feels much faster than it did in Uncharted 2. While I can understand some of the changes they made, I did find myself enjoying the multiplayer of the second game a bit more. I'm not sure why exactly but that one felt more balanced and exciting, at least to me. I'm still having fun with the current edition and it's a blast; there are just some things about it that feel a bit off to me, even if I can't quite explain why.

When all is said and done, Uncharted 3 is a triumph and a worthy successor to the previous installments. It's not perfect but its flaws are so tiny and minuscule that I find them easy to overlook. It made me smile, it made me think, and it threw one surprise after another at me. These games are like playing through an interactive movie and no series does it better. Now the long wait begins until the fourth one....

9/10

Okay, So Achtung Baby ISN'T Remastered After All

2011-10-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

Alright, so now it's official: U2's Achtung Baby reissue won't be remastered. It's been a roller coaster ride trying to figure out what the deal is with this set and I'm beyond tired trying to sort it all out. While I'm sad that the album won't be getting a proper remaster, I'm at least glad that we finally have some closure and a definitive answer at this point.

However, both The Edge and Steve Lillywhite have confirmed that some "sonic tweaking" was done to enhance the volume and touch up the sound. I'm hoping this doesn't mean they just made it louder, which would kill some of the dynamic range and take away from the sound and atmosphere that the record conjures so well. I'll agree that the album's volume needs to be turned up a bit and I'm confident that The Edge will know how far to take it. I guess that's better than nothing at this point.

"Time is a train...."

Here's a Picture of a Squirrel

2011-10-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days when you want to write something and just can't think of anything? I'm having one of those, so here's a picture of a squirrel to take up space until an idea pops into my mind. Enjoy.

Is That All You Want from Me?: 30 Years of U2's October

2011-10-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

This month marks the 30th anniversary of U2's sophomore album October. Released in October of 1981, it was plagued with difficulties and uncertainty for the young band. Despite the problems and questions that permeated their career at that point, October is anything but hopeless and it features a trademark that has been a part of U2's music since the beginning: optimism and faith, even in the darkest of times. Perhaps no U2 album drives that message home quite as frankly or directly as this one.

I'll readily admit that this is a very personal and soothing album for me. In fact, I've labeled it as my "Don't Panic" record. I find a tremendous amount of comfort and strength from this release and I know other fans who will attest to it having that same effect on their lives as well. However, you'll find that most fans and critics are fairly dismissive of this album. They say it's rushed, unfocused, and lacking in complexity compared to most of the band's work. Granted, I can understand why they might say that. Many of the songs on October sound like snapshots and sketches of a larger work. The group was under a lot of pressure while recording this and the fact that Bono's briefcase of lyrics was stolen before recording began is a well-known fact to most diehard fans. Bono, The Edge, and Larry Mullen, Jr. were also grappling with whether or not their Christian faith had any place in a rock band and there was doubt about whether or not they would even continue as a band. All of these issues were weighing heavily on the young group and obviously they were in a bind to make a record in the midst of the storm. While a lot of people feel this affected the record in a negative fashion, I take the opposite stance: I believe it made the record better.

While the band's Christian faith has always been a central part of their music, no album better examines this blatantly than October. The album opens with "Gloria", the big hit of the record and a song that most fans classify as an early classic. It's really incredible for two reasons: it opens the album with an energetic bang and it gives all four members a chance to really shine. Immediately, Bono's pleading voice is evident as he cries out to God for assistance: "I try to sing this song/I try to stand up but I can't find my feet/I try to speak up but only in You I'm complete". The use of Latin in the chorus makes the song even more unique, just like its structure; the verses sound like a chorus and the chorus itself sounds like it should be the verse. It's creative songwriting and extremely powerful. The Edge's recognizable guitar carries the song and this is the album where he really begins to show off more of what would become his signature style. Larry's drums are hard-hitting and forceful, compelling you to sit and up pay attention right out of the gate while Adam's bass part is nothing short of extraordinary. His technique constantly changes and evolves throughout the song, giving it a rhythm and urgency that demands you listen in. It's a beautiful and extraordinary song that sets up the rest of the album in a stunning fashion.

"I Fall Down" opens with gentle piano and shows how much the band had grown in just a year. In many ways, October isn't that different from its predecessor, Boy. Musically they have a lot in common, but October builds upon that foundation by adding some subtle touches, the piano being one of them. "I Fall Down" puts it to good use in the intro and the album's title track features the piano as its sole instrument. It's a haunting and beautiful piece that perfectly sums up the record's themes with a minimalistic composition. Similarly, the song "Scarlet" features Bono simply singing the word "Rejoice" over and over again against the soft playing of the rest of the band. Anyone who was fortunate enough to catch the last leg of the 360 Tour earlier this year was treated to hearing this stunning song and it was a wonderful surprise that no one could have predicted, especially considering that it had never been played in concert prior to this year. It's the sound of a band branching out and maturing without losing the sound they had established previously.

"Tomorrow" is the standout ballad and a fan favorite. It describes the funeral of Bono's mother in abstract detail and continues the spiritual theme of the album by stating, "Open up to the love of God/To the love of He who made the blind to see/He's coming back, He's coming, back, I believe Him/Jesus is coming". There's something both sad and comforting about the song and it's a perfect example of how this record operates. U2 has never shied away from the tough moments and hard questions but they do it with an honesty and optimism that leaves an indelible impression.

While the ballads are impressive, the rock side of the album is just as strong. "I Threw a Brick Through a Window" is my favorite song on October, a powerhouse driven by Larry's furious drumming and Edge's memorable riff. "With a Shout", "Is That All?", and "Stranger in a Strange Land" all encompass the band's early sound while giving us hints about where they would be headed next. It's a barrage of rock n' roll passion and the sense of urgency is always present, no doubt in part because of the pressure and time constraints that the band was under while recording it. Bono's lyrics are often simple and straightforward and I give him major credit for pulling this off. Having to start again from scratch and having to improvise on the mic for many of the songs couldn't have been easy. This album leaves no room for doubt or second guessing: it's a bare bones affair and in the end that's precisely what makes it such a grand and unforgettable statement. It's the sound of peace in a time of crisis.

"Fire" was the first single to be released from the album and it's actually a reworking of an earlier U2 song called "Saturday Night". The Edge takes center stage with some great guitar work and it's a song that grows on you, showing its strengths more and more over time. "Rejoice" is a sonic firecracker, a three and a half minute roller-coaster that features my all-time favorite U2 lyric: "I can't change the world/But I can change the world in me/I rejoice".

October isn't an easy record to digest. It took a while for this album to really grow on me and many U2 fans place it at the their bottom of their lists. I can understand why it doesn't connect with everyone, but for some of us it's a deep and peaceful listen. As a Christian, this album is a source of great comfort to me, a lesson in praising in the midst of the hurricane and seeking God in all things. This has been a running theme throughout U2's career, but October is the first album to really tackle this head-on. Fortunately the band was able to reconcile their Christian faith with rock n' roll and the course of history has been forever changed because of it. It's incredible to think what might have happened and all we would have missed if the band hadn't been able to weather the storm and keep going. When I find myself in the midst of those same storms I'm grateful that the music of U2 is there with me. They've been there and that's what makes their music so authentic and real. It's a humbling reminder to seek God first and keep going. The band may not have had much to work with but that sense of uncertainty and desperation pushed the band to new heights of creativity and determination. From here the band would go on to record War and officially cement themselves as one of the greatest bands in history. October was the critical stepping stone.

There's just something endearing and wonderful about this record. Even the cover, which many consider to be a disaster, is beautiful in its own way. It's a raw and honest snapshot of a band at a crossroads; before you even hear the music on the actual album you can predict where it's headed simply by that photo. Sure, Bono's mullet appears to be in its early stages and Adam's hair is puffier than it's ever been. But it's down to earth and real, something that this album, and by extension U2, will always be. Check it out.

Achtung Baby IS Remastered!

2011-10-04T23:02:00.000-07:00

About a month back I wrote an editorial about how I was disappointed that it appeared that the anniversary re-release of U2's Achtung Baby wouldn't be remastered. A press release just announced that the album will in fact be remastered, which is a breath of fresh air for me.

Granted, that still doesn't solve the problem of Zooropa not getting a remaster or separate release or that some of the extras are a bit underwhelming but it's a step in the right direction. I knew I could count on my favorite lads to come through and I'll have more about it when it comes out next month.

A Farewell to R.E.M.

2011-09-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

After 31 years of amazing music, R.E.M. is hanging it up and bringing their amazing career to an end. While I must admit that I'm sad to hear the band is calling it a day, I'm also extremely thankful for the wonderful music they left behind and I'm happy that they're going out on a high note and in good spirits. I respect their decision and they've worked harder than we'll ever know these past three decades to bring us the best possible music they could.

In honor of one of my all-time favorite groups, I figured I'd count down the band's 15 albums in my personal order of favorites. Every R.E.M. record is full of touching and amazing tunes and I thought it might be fun to look back and see how every one of their albums has impacted me.

1. Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)

Picking a favorite R.E.M. album is no easy task and my number one favorite has changed multiple times over the years. Fables of the Reconstruction has claimed that top spot for the time being and it's a very personal album for me, bringing back both wonderful and terrible memories. It's a strange duality that I've learned to live with: an album that sums up some great moments in my life and also recalls some awful times that I would prefer to forget. It's a record that I didn't really care much for at first but over time it slowly grows on you and it wormed its way up through my rankings until one day I realized it was arguably my favorite. Everyone knows the big hit "Driver 8" but the rest of the album contains some wonderful gems, especially "Kohoutek", "Green Grow the Rushes", "Good Advices", "Wendell Gee", and "Life and How to Live It". It's a dark and twisted ride through southern mythos and strange narratives and I wouldn't have it any other way.

2. Reveal (2001)

I love every single song on Reveal. It has a light and warm summertime feel to it that makes it perfect for sunny days or driving around town. Gentle electronic loops buzz in the background while Peter Buck's intricate guitar carries the tunes on a wave of gorgeous melodies. "Beat a Drum" is one of my favorite R.E.M. songs and everybody knows the epic pop tunes "Imitation of Life" and "All the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)". Be sure to look into "I've Been High", "Chorus and the Ring", "Saturn Return", and "The Lifting" if you haven't heard them before. It's flawless and a very close contender for the band's best work.

3. New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996)

This was drummer Bill Berry's final album with the group and it's a masterpiece of the highest order. In many ways it plays like a road diary, especially since much of the album was recorded while the band was on tour. It gives the record a laid-back and open feel, perfectly blending stadium rock with the band's trademark pop sound. Songs like "E-Bow the Letter" and "Electrolite" have been fan favorites for years but every track here is something special. From the all-out rock of "Departure" and "Undertow" to the intricate stories of "New Test Leper" and "Be Mine", there's something for everyone here and even Michael Stipe himself has said that New Adventures in Hi-Fi is his favorite of the band's albums. It doesn't get any better than that.

4. Automatic for the People (1992)

There really isn't anything I can say about this record that hasn't already been said. It's beautiful, devastating, brilliant, and just about any other adjective you can muster to throw in there. Many consider it the band's finest hour and it's easy to see why. "Everybody Hurts", "Man on the Moon", and "Drive" are obviously the big hits here but "Nightswimming" is one of the group's most haunting songs. "Find the River" holds the record for not just being my favorite R.E.M. song but one of my favorite songs ever. This was the first R.E.M. album I ever bought and it's something that everyone should own. It doesn't always make me feel better but it reminds me that I'm not alone. Sometimes that's enough.

5. Reckoning (1984)

The band's second album still remains one of their finest. From the opening firecracker of "Harborcoat" to the somber "Time After Time (annElise)", it's completely solid and kept the band rolling after the success of their first record. Be sure to listen to "Second Guessing", "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville", "7 Chinese Bros.", and "So. Central Rain" to catch some slices of classic R.E.M..

6. Mumur (1983)

R.E.M.'s debut album has an ironic title, especially since this album introduced them with a bang. There's a sense of urgency and passion that flows throughout every song, even if it's impossible to make out Stipe's cryptic and mumbled lyrics. From the opening notes of "Radio Free Europe" to the closing of "West of the Fields", Murmur is a classic in every sense of the word and a must-have for any serious music fan. "Shaking Through" is my favorite song here, especially when Stipe hits a certain note in the bridge. I have no idea what he's saying or what it means but that doesn't matter. It touches something deep inside of me and in the end that's what R.E.M. always did best.

7. Lifes Rich Pageant (1986)

The band's early records were so mysterious. Bizarre messages, cryptic art, track listings that differed from what was on the album, and a lack of apostrophes. Lifes Rich Pageant has long been considered one of the band's best albums and I concur with that sentiment completely. "Begin the Begin" remains a powerful rocker and "Fall on Me" is instantly recognizable as a big hit with a big message. It's the sound of a confident and daring band doing what they do best. I first heard this album while driving through a small town in my home state of Oklahoma and it instantly takes me back there every time.

8. Collapse Into Now (2011)

Few of us could have predicted that the band's latest release would also be their last. It's bittersweet but Collapse Into Now is the sound of a band who's comfortable with where they've been, who they are, and where they're going. From the joyous sounds of "Mine Smell Like Honey" and "Discoverer" to the mellow and contemplative ballads of "Every Day Is Yours to Win" and "Walk It Back", this is a fine swan song and a wonderful and life-affirming bookend to a marvelous career.

9. Up (1998)

The band's first album without Bill Berry was met with mixed reactions and understandably so. Its gentle electronic sound and brooding atmosphere must have been a shock to those expecting the jangly pop of the band's past efforts. Up took me a long time to really appreciate but once I gave it a chance I discovered a beautiful album full of new ideas and gorgeous melodies. "At My Most Beautiful", "Lotus", and "Daysleeper" are already bionafied hits but the record features plenty of unknown gems too. Check out "Sad Professor", "Hope", "Why Not Smile", and "Falls to Climb".

10. Document (1987)

Document is the first R.E.M. album where I feel like it contained filler. It doesn't all flow but it has more than enough great songs to justify it. "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" is a song everybody knows and "The One I Love" was the group's first big hit. "Finest Worksong", "Disturbance at the Heron House", and "King of Birds" are also wonderful and well worth your time and attention. From here the band would make the jump to a major label and take a new direction but this is the last of the IRS Label years and a great way to end them.

11. Accelerate (2008)

This album just blew me away when it first came out and I think many fans felt the same way. We were used to the gentle and more acoustic work that the band had been pursuing; hearing Peter Buck crank up the distortion was something quite unexpected. "Hollow Man" is my favorite here and the album's title track is one of the band's best rock songs. It's loud, it's fun, and it reminded us why we loved the band in the first place.

12. Green (1988)

The band's first major label album really launched them into the stratosphere, especially thanks to hits like "Orange Crush" and "Stand". This is also the point where the mandolin really began to become more prominent in their music and where they began to experiment more with pop music. It's not a perfect album by any means but it contains some great work, especially with the hidden track, which is outstanding and worth waiting for.

13. Around the Sun (2004)

I already wrote an article for my Underrated Record Club last year about why this album is better than many will give it credit for. Sure, it contains some stale production and it feels a bit flat but if you can get past that you'll discover a beautiful and deep album. "Leaving New York", "Aftermath", and "Electron Blue" are R.E.M. at it's catchiest and poppiest while "Make It All Okay", "The Ascent of Man", and "I Wanted to Be Wrong" are gutsy ballads that reach deep and succeed. This is a very personal album to me and it's also the record I was listening to when the band announced they were splitting, so in many ways it will always be tinged with both fondness and sadness for me.

14. Out of Time (1991)

I know Out of Time is considered a classic but it's one that I've always had mixed feelings about. Sure, it has "Losing My Religion" so it gets major points there but overall it feels uneven: half of the album is dull and the other half is fantastic. I absolutely love songs like "Me in Honey", "Country Feedback", "Near Wild Heaven", and "Shiny Happy People", despite the pop cheese that surrounds a bit of it. It's a fun album and despite its lack of consistency I think it's held up well.

15. Monster (1994)

I'll readily admit that this is my least-favorite R.E.M. album. However, that doesn't mean it sits on the shelf collecting dust either. Even the band's weaker albums are filled with stellar tunes and Monster is no exception to the rule. "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" has always been a staple to me and rockers like "Circus Envy" and "Star 69" are a lot of fun. "Strange Currencies" and "Tongue" are two ballads that really stand out to me and I find them haunting and fascinating in their own special way. Later albums would incorporate these sounds much better into their music but this is a good attempt and it has more than enough great songs to overshadow any missteps.

Thanks for the wonderful music, guys. You'll never know just how much it means to all of us.

Sports=Yawn

2011-09-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

Am I the only person who doesn't get excited about baseball, football, tennis, or any other sports? They're so booooooooring.

Futurama Review: Reincarnation

2011-09-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

It's a sad night: the season finale of Futurama is on and now my Thursday nights will be lonely ones. For the past few months I've enjoyed tuning in every week to see the new adventures of the Planet Express crew and it's the only television show I tune in for each week. I'm sad to see it go for the year but I can't deny that it's been a marvelous season and arguably one of the best yet. "Reincarnation", tonight's finale, delivered on all fronts and it was the episode I was most excited about seeing.

The episode was divided up into three independent segments with each one featuring a different animation style. The first consisted of classic black and white, complete with a Steamboat Willie look. The second had an 8-bit video game look and the final segment looked like an anime cartoon. The stories themselves were somewhat weak but they weren't meant to be the focus this time. Instead, the visuals are what made this great and seeing the characters redesigned for different animation styles was insanely fun. The laughs were plenty and further proof that this series is one of the smartest on television.

It's been a great season and this one ended it with a massive bang.

9/10

I Feel Sorry for Star Wars Fans

2011-09-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

I really do. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a big Star Wars fan too. I grew up watching and loving the original trilogy and those three films are still incredible. Few fans or critics are going to argue the seminal importance of those films and there's a reason why they're still loved and treasured by audiences today. I'm in the party who felt that the prequels were dull and underwhelming (although Episode III was good despite it's major flaws. At least I was a bit more engaged during that one). They lacked the charm and emotional headspace that the earlier films had in abundance and I simply didn't feel a connection them. Poor dialogue, boring cinematography, cardboard characters, WAY too much CGI and effects, and stories that felt cheap and hollow while completely contradicting the first three films in so many places. I still watch Episodes IV-VI often; I can't remember the last time I watched one of the prequels and I don't even recall much about them.

It's no secret by now that with the Star Wars Blu-Ray release coming up next week that George Lucas has made more changes to the films and continued the downward spiral of erasing the heart and grittiness from the films that so many of us grew up with and love. While these changes may be stupid and unnecessary, they would at least be tolerable if Lucas weren't so determined to erase the originals from memory. This set contains only the Special Editions and of course the unaltered theatrical films are nowhere to be found. Episodes IV-VI have had more changes and additions made to them that continue to undermine the spirit and fun that they originally had.

In this way I feel bad for the Star Wars fans out there, myself included. Lucas continues to tinker with them and make changes that no one wants. Granted, they're his films and he's free to do what he wants. It's just a shame that he doesn't realize he got it right the first time.

7 Reasons Why We Don't Care About Your Relationship

2011-09-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

I'm well aware that this article will probably raise some eyebrows but that's a risk I'm willing to take. After talking with several friends of mine I realized we shared a similar trait: we're really, really, REALLY tired of hearing other people constantly talk about their relationships. We're tired of seeing constant Facebook statuses about it, we're sick of seeing hundreds of photos relating to it, we're tired of talking to you in person and not being able to have an conversation that doesn't pertain to your significant other. I find it interesting that many married friends have no time to hang out whatsoever, yet they clearly have time to update Facebook and Twitter every 20 minutes talking about how great their spouse it or how their date went last night.

So here it is: here's my list of seven reasons why I, along with others, don't care about your relationship and why we're tired of hearing about it constantly.

1. WE DON'T CARE HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN TOGETHER

There is one obvious exception here: wedding anniversaries. If ever there was a time to celebrate being together then this is definitely the time. However, the problem is that some couples turn EVERYTHING into an anniversary. Here's what I'm talking about:

"Oh my gosh, we've officially been flirting for three months!"

"Today marks the four month anniversary of that time we went to see that crappy movie for our first date."

"We made out for the first time nearly eight days ago!"

How exactly is that a celebration? Being married for a year is a big deal, or five or ten or twenty years for that matter. Having dated for a month isn't exactly an earth-shattering accomplishment and we certainly don't need to hear about it on every networking site imaginable. If the two of you want to celebrate then that's fine. Just leave the rest of us out of it until you actually have a period that deserves valid recognition.

2. WE DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BEDROOM

Honestly, this should be common sense but I'm incredulous at the amount of people who feel the need to share the sexual and intimate details of their relationship in public. Please, for the love of all that is good and decent, do not tell me about what you did, where you did it, how long it lasted, how kinky it was, or whether or not you woke the neighbors up. It's completely insensitive to your partner and disrespectful, not to mention that only the most perverted and voyeuristic people will even care about stuff like this. Close the door, shut the blinds, and leave that business between the two of you.

3. WE DON'T CARE ABOUT SEEING 800 PICTURES OF YOUR WEDDING

Maybe women enjoy this more than men but I've known plenty of women who complain about this too. It's one thing to post several dozen photos; after all, it's a big day and certainly not something to be taken lightly. However, when you're still posting dozens of pictures seven months later and gassing on about it then it becomes annoying. Have a time of celebration and sharing and then know when it's time to stop.

4. WE DON'T CARE HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM

Let me explain this one. If you're in a relationship with someone then it goes without saying that you love them or at least care for them in some capacity. Yes, I'm fully aware that there are abusive and dysfunctional relationships out there but what I'm discussing are the typical get-togethers we see all the time. Posting, "I love my boyfriend. He's the best!" five times a week as a Facebook update is not only obnoxious but it's annoying and unnecessary. How about telling them you love them instead of constantly telling us?

For instance, take those bumper stickers that say things like "I Love My Wife". That's great, but shouldn't we expect that of you already? That's the bare minimum of what you're supposed to do and that was God's first commandment to husbands. Words without actions mean nothing and I'm wondering if these people spend half as much time SHOWING the person they love them as they do simply TELLING them. It's the actions that really show love, not some phrase or trendy sticker.

5. WE DON'T CARE WHERE YOU GO ON EVERY SINGLE DATE

Obviously the first date is a big step and going somewhere unique warrants extra excitement. Letting us know that you both spent the afternoon shopping for fruit doesn't. Tell us the important stuff and leave the everyday tasks between the two of you.

6. WE DON'T NEED A DAILY REMINDER ABOUT HOW WONDERFUL YOUR LIFE IS

See, here's the deal: we're happy for you. Really, we are. Despite this, that doesn't mean that we want you to constantly rub your happiness and success in our face every day and at every opportunity. Even those of us in relationships don't want to hear you talk about it ALL the freaking time.

What a lot of people in relationships don't realize is that many times their single friends usually carry some kind of hurt or sense of alienation. By frequently making the relationship a public and obsessive thing they in turn hurt those who need comfort. They may be happy for you but that doesn't mean they want you acting like a thoughtless and pompous jerk all the time either. There's a time to be joyful and a time to be sensitive and cautious about how you broadcast your relationship.

Again, we're happy for you but there comes a point when people stop being excited for you and start becoming annoyed with you. Moderation is the key here.

7. WE DON'T CARE ABOUT KNOWING EVERYTHING ABOUT THE TWO OF YOU

In essence, this sums it up. A relationship is a private and personal thing that has suddenly become nothing more than a fling and status symbol for many people. Get together, broadcast it over every medium possible, and let everyone know how wonderful you are for finding what many people want but can't have. Like I mentioned earlier, it's not that people aren't happy or supportive of you; it's just that it's tiring logging onto the internet and finding another mindless post about how much you love someone, how great your life is, how you're better than everyone else, or anything that just manages to pop into your head. Last year I was in a relationship and hardly anyone knew. I liked it that way because it gave us privacy and I knew we weren't being cocky or obnoxious with it at every opportunity. It's one thing to change your status to "In a Relationship" and leave it there. It's another to remind everyone everyday of what is already obvious: that you love someone. It's just boring and predictable at this point. If there's nothing else to talk about in your life than your relationship then something is seriously wrong.

This wasn't written out of anger or with any one person as a target. It was more of a viewpoint that I've heard from many of my friends and something I've witnessed in my own circle too. A relationship isn't supposed to be broadcast to everyone all the time. It's deeper and more precious than that. Next time try telling your spouse you love them instead of telling everyone on Facebook. Try doing something wonderful for and with them in private instead of revealing it on Twitter. It's the kindness and love that goes on behind closed doors that makes the biggest difference. Keep us posted from time to time but don't tell us everything every day. We simply do not care and a relationship should be more personal and more special than just an excuse to wave it in the faces of others all the time.

The X-Files Meets L.A. Noire?

2011-08-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

The X-Files has been one of my favorite shows for a long time. When it comes to sci-fi I can think of few shows that have done it better and kept me more riveted. I don't play a lot of video games but I bought The X-Files game Resist or Serve some years ago on the Playstation 2. It's a decent game and as a fan of the series I enjoyed the voice-acting and references to the show, not to mention the creepy atmosphere. However, the game had some flaws, mainly that it focused too much on trying to be a Resident Evil clone and the action sequences were often frustrating and unnecessary. It was a decent game and had potential but I never finished it.

Fast forward a few years to L.A. Noire, which I reviewed a few months ago. Again, as someone who doesn't really play games much anymore I found it to be incredible and it sucked me in right from the beginning. It's a different kind of game and I loved the atmosphere and presentation of it all, not to mention the intelligent gameplay and constant twists. It reminded me that games can actually be fun AND smart at the same time.

After giving it some thought I realized that the engine and style of L.A. Noire would blend in perfectly with The X-Files universe. Having Mulder and Scully drive around and look for clues while interrogating witnesses and being involved in an occasional shootout or chase would fit so much better than a standard survival/horror game. I never realized how similar they were at first but now I'm convinced that this would make a pretty amazing game and as a fan I would certainly buy it. Replace the locations and characters in L.A. Noire with the characters and universe of The X-Files and you could really have something special. Throw some monsters and scares in there too and you'd have everything that makes the series great.

The truth is out there....

Futurama Review: Cold Warriors

2011-08-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Just when I think this season can't possibly get any better, they manage to find a way to top it and up the ante yet again. "Cold Warriors" felt like a classic episode in every sense.

The story itself was pretty simple: Fry catches a cold and exposes it to the rest of the world, which has been immune to it for a thousand years. However, this was merely a plot device to include several flashbacks to Fry's childhood and these were the moments when the episode really went above and beyond. We finally got to see more of Fry's brother and parents, especially his father, which led to some funny and ultimately touching moments. There was also a great reference to Fry's lucky seven-leaf clover, which was a great nod to longtime fans of the series.

There were some pretty funny moments and it was great to see Zapp, Kif, and Nixon's head get some more screen time. Even Wernstrom returned for a time and it was definitely a fun and very welcome moment. However, it was really more of a character study on Fry's childhood and the ending was truly sweet and touching. I don't know how they'll manage to top this one but that's part of the beauty of it: they'll find a way. Simply outstanding.

9/10

Great Debuts: Oh, Inverted World by The Shins

2011-08-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

I already have a column dedicated to records that are underrated and overlooked but I also wanted to take some time to explore the all-important debut album. Some are instant classics and worthy of being ranked with the best and those are the ones I want to focus on. For better or worse, an artist's debut album often sets the tone for the rest of their career and either makes or breaks the public's perception of them. Sometimes artists are able to escape this (like Radiohead, for instance) and others are measured by a successful debut and are never able to get out of its shadow. I'm going to start off looking at Oh, Inverted World by The Shins.

I think The Shins are one of those wonderful indie gems. Despite having only released three albums over the past decade they've managed to improve and make a name for themselves with every release. I know a lot of people first heard about the band because of the Garden State soundtrack, which features a couple songs from this album. I don't remember exactly how I first heard about the band but once I gave them a chance I was instantly hooked. Oh, Inverted World is a solid and energetic debut that's easily worthy of consideration by any music lover.

Frontman and guitarist James Mercer is the obvious force behind the band. From his witty and introspective lyrics to his featherlight voice, he carries the band with impeccable melodies and really evolved songwriting. He's only gotten better over time but right from the start it's apparent that he knew exactly what he was doing. With song titles like "Know Your Onion!" and "Caring Is Creepy" it's hard not to be curious about what's buried within and their melodies immediately grab your attention. The rest of the band can't be counted out either: their use of keyboards and diverse beats gives Mercer plenty of breathing room to sing and play in his signature style. Songs like "One by One All Day" are a perfect example of every member of the band contributing a great part and building up a fantastic song in the process.

It's some of the lesser-known tracks that stand out the most, at least to me. The short but catchy "The Celibate Life" is full of shimmering guitars and a gentle melody that makes it easy to listen to on repeat for hours. "Girl on the Wing" is another personal favorite and has more of a rock feel to it. The Shins are great at balancing several different genres and incorporating them all into each other. From rock to folk to pop they never stay too predictable, yet their sound is just distinct enough that you have a vague idea of what you're going to get. Oh, Inverted World is definitely the most low-fi of their records and the production isn't as bright as their future releases. However, that's also part of its charm. It's off in its own little world and creates an atmosphere that sucks you in and firmly holds you there until the final notes of "The Past and Pending" have gently faded away. It's typical production for a starting indie band but the songs are able to cut through the muck and hit you directly with full force.

As great as this album is, their next two are even better. Their sophomore effort Chutes Too Narrow is even better and features a heavier emphasis on acoustic and poppier sounds. Their 2007 release Wincing the Night Away is one of my favorite albums ever. It's a masterpiece and takes everything about their first two albums and builds upon it infinitely. It's a trilogy of albums that continue to get better and each one has something unique to offer.

Oh, Inverted World is a classic slice of indie pop that does everything right. It takes a few listens before it really hits you but once it does it's easy to see why this band has done so well and continued to get better. It's a fun little world to get sucked into and a fitting introduction to one of today's best bands.

More to Come!

2011-08-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's just another place filler for things that no one is reading anyway. Rest assured I'm working on it!

Futurama Review: The Tip of the Zoidberg

2011-08-18T21:17:00.001-07:00

You know all of those elements that make Futurama great: comedy, geekiness, heart, randomness, great characters, and smart storytelling? This week's episode had it all and the result is arguably the season's best episode yet.

We finally got a story detailing how the Professor and Zoidberg met and why they've remained friends (of sorts). I won't go into spoilers here but rest assured it's a satisfying, interesting, and hilarious episode that continues the season's winning streak.

9/10

Achtung Baby Reissue: A Missed Opportunity?

2011-08-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

If you're a diehard U2 fan like I am then the photo above is impressive beyond words. Chances are you've heard about it by now: at the end of October U2 will be reissuing a 20th anniversary edition of their landmark Achtung Baby album. Out of the five different editions being released the most expensive is the "Uber Deluxe Edition", complete with everything you see above. It's exciting and tempting to be sure, yet the more I read about it the more I realize that I can live without it.

So far the U2 remasters have been beyond fantastic in terms of sound, packaging, and execution. Their catalogue has been long overdue to receive this kind of treatment and over the past few years they've slowly begun to give their discography the special attention it so badly needed. I've been extremely pleased with all of them and was anxiously awaiting to see what the band would do with Achtung Baby. However, I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed and fans across the internet have had mixed reactions to this release for numerous reasons. While the options and packages look great, it seems like the actual music is suffering for this one and I'm really puzzled by it all.

For starters, it was originally announced that both Achtung Baby and its follow-up Zooropa would be released at the same time. To an extent this is true; however, Zooropa isn't getting a separate release and can only be found in one of the two larger box sets. I'm not sure why this album, arguably the band's most bizarre, experimental, and groundbreaking, is being treated as little more than an afterthought. Why not give it an individual release like all the others since it's a fan-favorite and is clearly a different and stand-alone album? Unless the band is planning on releasing it by itself later on then it seems like it's simply being included as an afterthought and that's a bit disheartening.

It also appears that the extras, while interesting, aren't anything terribly different from what we've heard before. There are naturally some unreleased tracks and demos being included that any fan would be thrilled to get, yet the huge price of the set (the highest being somewhere around $600) doesn't justify the rare tracks. I don't need an entire disc of remixes or of material that I've had for years. This was a prolific and experimental phase for the band and there have to be many more goodies stilling on a shelf somewhere. I don't believe that the final track-listing has been confirmed yet but judging from what I've seen I don't see enough new material to warrant the high price. Many of the demos are the kind of thing I would listen to once or twice and then probably forget about. It's really the unreleased songs that I care about and I'm not seeing the abundance of them here that I was expecting.

However, the thing that disappoints me the most is that, according to all sources at this point, neither of these albums are being remastered. This is simply a stunning thing to me. As an audiophile and music-lover I've really enjoyed hearing so many older albums get an updated and clean sound thanks to modern technology. The Edge has supervised all of the band's remasters and they all sound wonderful: they're clear, warm, and a bit louder without succumbing to over-compression and a loss of dynamic range. Both Achtung Baby and Zooropa, while being recorded digitally, are still in desperate need of updating. The discs sound muffled and muddy in places and really could use some cleanup and the volume could afford to be cranked up just a tiny bit. It wouldn't take much to bring out all the subtleties and wonderful sounds on these albums and for some reason it appears that the band didn't think it was necessary.

Now granted, they made these albums and their knowledge of music far exceeds my own so I'm in no place to judge. Still, for albums that are two decades old it just makes sense to remaster them and make them compatible with today's technology. It's just really astounding that they would put all this time and effort into this release and not have it remastered. I just can't get past it and it doesn't make sense to pay for an album that I already have that sounds EXACTLY the same. Unless they come out and announce something different before October then it appears that the albums I own are the ones I'll be sticking with because the sound will be comparable.

I can't deny that these sets look wonderful and the packaging and extras are pretty neat. However, in the end it's the music the matters the most to me and apparently what's included matches up with what I already have. I may buy one of the cheap editions just to get a few of the bonus tracks but other than that it appears my old and worn out copies Achtung Baby and Zooropa are the ones I'll be sticking with. I'm sure a lot of fans will eat these up and that's fine; everyone's different and fandom isn't measured by material objects or money. I'm as big a fan as anyone else but that doesn't mean I'm going to put down my hard-earned money on something that I essentially already own. Here's hoping the band take the time to remaster these great albums and give us some more bonuses worthy of the wonderful music they've made.

Fancy, Eh?!

2011-08-13T12:48:00.001-07:00

So after all this time I finally decided take some time and actually make this blog look like it belongs in 2011 instead of 1995. All in good time, as they say.

Futurama Review: Fry am the Eggman

2011-08-11T22:00:00.001-07:00

I haven't had time to review the last couple of episodes but finally I'm back on track. This episode is one of the best of the season and got plenty of laughs from me, something that Futurama has never failed to do.

After the Planet Express crew stops eating strange food (due to Leela's insistence) Fry decides to nurture an egg and eventually it hatches into a horrendous monster that only he likes. Eventually he's forced to set it free and general strangeness ensues.

One thing that I really liked about this episode was the pacing. Many of the newer episodes have moved at a faster pace and while that's not a bad thing, it has caused some of the episodes to feel rushed or crammed with too much. Thankfully this episode harkens back to the older seasons and seemed more relaxed and focused. There were even some touching moments and that's something that the series excels at: making you laugh and think at the same time.

Overall I loved this one and it's one of my favorite episodes from this season. Great stuff. 9/10

Why Hospitals Are Profound

2011-08-10T22:18:00.000-07:00

Hospitals are kind of like cemeteries: I have always found them to be humbling and profound places, mostly because they're perhaps the two places on Earth that best remind us of our mortality and the fact that someday every single one of us is going to die. That's not me being morbid or cynical: it's just a simple fact and one that our society is in constant denial of. We look for every drug, procedure, cream, material possession, status, and destination we can to make us believe we're living longer or doing more with our lives. It's true that exercise, diet, and genetics play a part in our lifespan but ultimately we're all going to kick the bucket and as we get older we're reminded of that fact more and more.

I was in a hospital yesterday while a family member had some tests done. It was nothing major but it required a bit of surgery and several hours of prepping and waiting. I've had a fascination with medicine for a long time and if I had the brains and talent I would love to be a doctor or surgeon. It's just something that has always excited me and being in the presence of such remarkable and life-saving technology is a real testament to the gifts and abilities that God has blessed us with.

Maybe it's because I'm getting older or maybe I'm just more pensive now than I was a few years ago but I think about death more and more. Let me be clear that thinking about dying and worrying about dying are to very different things. I have no fear of death; I'm merely cognizant that with every day that passes I'm a bit closer to it than I was before. I think it's probably normal for most people to start thinking this way, especially once early adulthood sets in. I'm very blessed to have lived a largely healthy and active life. It's easy to take it for granted but being in hospitals is a good reminder that not everyone is that fortunate and as we get older it's likely that we'll encounter something that begins to wreck us, whether through our own choices or simply fate.

It's a great reminder to serve God and other right now where I am. It's also a good reminder to live and not hang on to material things or accomplishments, for those will all fade and be forgotten the second I depart this word. We can't take anything with us so why bother saving it up? Only our spirits will remain and for those of us who know Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior then the best is yet to come. That is the hope and promise that we have.

That hospital was a good chance for me to remind myself of what's important and to use the time I have left. You never know how much there is so don't waste it.

The Smiths Get Remastered!

2011-08-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

So I recently read where The Smiths are FINALLY getting a remastered and re-released catalogue. I've been hoping for this for a long time and I'm glad to hear it's happening. One of the best bands of the 80's deserves this kind of treatment.

In other words: I'm stoked.

Which Doctor Who Are YOU?

2011-08-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

I don't use Facebook for much but occasionally I enjoy taking a time-wasting quiz on there. Being a big Doctor Who fan, I figured it couldn't hurt to take one of their "Which Doctor Are You?" quizzes just for fun. With a potential 11 Doctors to choose from, there's no shortage of possibilities. Of course, there's also no way to tell which quizzes are biased and whether or not they even figure all 11 incarnations into the questions. Again, we're not taking this seriously so it really doesn't matter anyway.

According to the test I'm most similar to David Tennant, the beloved 10th Doctor. I really wasn't surprised by this; the first time I saw his incarnation of the Doctor I remember thinking that he was the one I could see myself relating to the most. After all, we already share the same hairstyle, fashion sense, and potential to be easily excited by even the smallest things. No complaints here.

Sometimes Facebook can actually be fun.

We Can't We Allow Artists to Evolve? (Installment 2)

2011-07-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Last week I wrote an article about Weezer and how I felt it was unfair for fans and critics to constantly criticize the band for changing and evolving in their sound and lyrics. However, Weezer is far from the only band to deal with this. One of my all-time favorite bands, R.E.M., has come up against similar criticisms and complaints as well.

R.E.M.

Much like Weezer, R.E.M. began their career at such a profound and stellar level of creativity that they've been judged against it ever since. When Murmur was released in 1983 it immediately set the bar high. In fact, the album's title is somewhat ironic because it started the band's run off with a bang. This began their stint on the IRS record label, commonly referred to as the "IRS Years" by fans. This lasted from 1983-1987 and included Murmur, Reckoning, Fables of the Reconstruction, Lifes Rich Pageant, and Document. Few fans or critics will argue against this era and many claim the band was at their artistic peak and you'll find plenty of detractors who believe the band went downhill after this point and never recovered. I'll admit that their IRS albums are some of their finest and those five records are undeniable classics. In fact, Fables of the Reconstruction is arguably my favorite R.E.M. album. Those albums are indeed brilliant and contain so many classics and wonderful tunes.

However, their brilliance doesn't negate the rest of the band's catalogue and it's at this point that the group began to expand and grow. Albums like Green and Out of Time found the band experimenting with pop, rock, and even country, not to mention they spawned classic hits like "Losing My Religion", "Orange Crush", and "Stand". The energetic and jangly sound of the band's earlier work was still there; it was just re-channeled and expanded upon in the way you would expect any growing and mature artist to do.

Automatic for the People was released in 1992 and to this day it's still hailed as one of their crowning achievements. This album is a masterpiece in every sense of the word and every music lover should hear this album at least once in their life. It's beautiful, haunting, devastating, and masterfully crafted. Much like their early records, it seems that every R.E.M. release since then gets compared to this album. With every new record I read reviews that say, "It's their best since Automatic for the People" or "Not since 1992 has the band sounded this great". Again, there's no denying the brilliance of that album but that was just one phase of the band and it's unfair to expect them to be making that same type of music 20 years later.

After that the group experimented with heavier rock with the albums Monster and New Adventures in Hi-Fi. Some fans claim that the band lost them at this point and they've never come back while others view it as a daring and exciting time in the band's career. I'll be the first to admit that I think New Adventures in Hi-Fi is one of the band's best albums and it illustrates perfectly what a tight and energetic band they were.

However, in 1997 drummer Bill Berry announced that he was leaving R.E.M., causing the other three members to consider how to proceed. They carried on as a trio and released Up in 1998. While you'll find complainers throughout the band's career, it's this album that many consider to be the start of their "downfall". Up was heavy on electronic influences and featured a more layered and melancholy sound than its predecessors. It's a great album but for those expecting the bright and upbeat tunes of the past then it threw them a major curveball and it was met with mixed reception.

2001 saw the release of Reveal, another record which I can say might just be my favorite R.E.M. release. Its bright, summertime pop makes it the perfect album for summer days and its lush production makes it a warm and inviting experience. The single "Imitation of Life" became a hit and at the time many claimed it was a "return to form" to the band's more classic sound. This still wasn't enough to please some people and the follow-up Around the Sun has become the band's most maligned and trashed record. I already wrote an entire article about why I think it's underrated so I won't rehash those points here. Simply put: it's not their best but it's far from the disgrace that people make it out to be. If you give it a chance you'll find some wonderful music on it.

The band's most recent albums, Accelerate and Collapse Into Now, have garnered better reviews and seem to have won over new fans as well as those who jumped ship years ago. R.E.M. are still putting out fantastic music but it's sad that many fans simply dismiss so much of their output. Have they changed? Absolutely. Is that a good thing? Without a doubt. As great as their early albums are, I don't want those some albums repeated again and again. I love the fact that Michael Stipe and the rest of the band make the kind of music they want to make and are relatively unconcerned with what people expect or think about their music. The people who gripe about anything post-1997 are missing out on some of the band's most beautiful, challenging, and exciting work.

I'm a fan of the band's whole discography. Sure, some records are better than others and I have my personal favorites but that doesn't mean I haven't found something wonderful and inspiring in all their work. Every album has its fair share of fantastic tunes and daring departures. The band has changed and grown but they've never lost the heart of who they are and what they believe. If the naysayers don't want to accept that then they're welcome to continue living in the past. As for me, I'm still enjoying this band and I'm more than happy to collapse into now.

Underrated Record Club #8-Weezer's Maladroit

2011-07-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

"If you hate this, I can't blame you" sings frontman Rivers Cuomo in the opener "American Gigolo". What he's referring to may be unclear but the album itself could very well be the topic of conversation. After reemerging after a five year hiatus with The Green Album in 2001, it didn't take the band long to release the follow-up a mere thirteen months later. Originally conceived as an experiment, the band posted demos and song ideas on their website and asked fans to give them feedback. How much this helped is debatable, especially since fans and Rivers had major disagreements over the creative aspects of the album. This didn't make it a totally failed experiment though: the album's title and cover were both chosen from fan-submitted ideas and the song "Slob" was added to the album by fan request, with Cuomo even stating that he would never have thought of adding the song to the record if fans hadn't suggested it. It wasn't all smooth but you have to give the band credit for trying something different and working with their fans on a more intimate level than most artists do.

Maladroit takes a lot of heat from fans and to this day I'm still puzzled as to why. It's loud, it's crisp, it's catchy, and it explores new territory with subtle heavy metal riffs sprinkled throughout the album. For fans who wanted Weezer to make a heavier and more experimental album then Maladroit should have satisfied them. Like I mentioned in an earlier article though, there are some jaded and picky fans out there who will simply never be satisfied with what the band does. I'm happy to say I'm not one of them and I love this record. Here's why:

"American Gigolo" is the perfect opener. Patrick Wilson's drums immediately hit you and the urgency rarely dies down during the album's brief 33 minute running time. "Dope Nose" and "Keep Fishin'" are the album's two singles and if they're not enough to suck you in then nothing will. The former is a quick adrenaline ride with punk riffs mixed in with a poppy chorus. The latter is the kind of power-pop we've all come to love from the group. I remember seeing the music video when it first came out (complete with The Muppets, no less!) and instantly being hooked by how catchy and fun the song was. Both are a great introduction to the album and stand as proof that there's plenty of worthy material to be found here.

What makes the album fun is the fact that it's very loose and somewhat scatterbrained. While the sound remains consistent, it's channeled in different ways. "Death and Destruction" slows things down a bit for and it's probably the closest the album comes to having a ballad on it. The lyrics are pretty predictable but I love the way the song swings from quiet to loud several times over. "Burndt Jam" is one of the tracks that most fans seem to love and it's laid-back groove is infectious and fun, giving the album a nice break halfway through. "Space Rock" finds Rivers singing in falsetto during the verses before reverting back to his normal voice during the chorus. It's probably a love-it-or-hate-it kind of track but I'm fond of it just because it's so different and unexpected. "Slave" is my favorite cut here and one of the best songs that Rivers has ever done. It's brilliant, catchy, loud, and incredibly infectious.

A few of the tracks blaze by so quickly that's is easy to miss them. "Fall Together" and "Possibilities" are two songs that drive so fast and so loud that they require a few listens to really grasp. "Slob" is a standard Weezer rocker and that's a good thing. Fans were wise to suggest it for the album and it could have been a successful single easily. "Love Explosion" is a blast (no pun intended), especially during the chorus, which sounds like an alternative version of "The Locomotion", complete with a blistering guitar solo. Brian Bell really lets them fly on this album and his guitar riffs give every song a heavy and dark edge that hits you full force. This was Scott Shriner's first album with the band as their new bassist and it's easy to see why he's stayed with the group ever since. His subtle bass lines really hold the songs together and keep the bottom end moving at a swift stride.

Like its title suggests, Maladroit is a bit clumsy and haphazard. It's all over the place and twists and turns so many times that it leaves you a bit dizzy. While I'm sure this is what bothers so many fans about the record, that's exactly what I love about it. Fans complain when Weezer releases pretty much anything these days and yet when given a chance to pick the songs and give their own input they still complain. I don't care what anyone says: this is one of the band's best albums and I find myself coming back to it over and over again. It's loud, it's fun, and it's classic Weezer from start to finish.

Futurama Review: Yo Leela Leela

2011-07-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Leela getting her own television show? It's true! Going by the name of Rumbledy Hump, it made for a fun, if somewhat predictable, episode.

After telling a story at her old orphanage, Leela is offered a TV show aimed at kids. Naturally Leela begins to become full of herself and eventually the truth about her shows comes out and she has to make things right. It's a standard story and overall that kind of sums up the episode: not bad, just standard.

There were some great one-liners and several classic Bender moments that helped keep the plot afloat. It's not a bad episode by any means but it's probably the first one of the new season that didn't blow me away. Repeated viewings will probably bump this one up some but overall it was decent.

And hey, even decent Futurama is better than most of the things on television.

7/10

We Can't We Allow Artists to Evolve? (Installment 1)

2011-07-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

There seem to be two types of music lovers that I run into. There's the first camp, who we'll simply label as the "Stuck in the Past" group. These people fear musical change. Anytime an artist they love does anything even minutely different from the norm they freak out and talk about how the artist sold out or lost their way. Then you have the "It Must Be Different Every Time" category. These people want every new song or album to be a complete departure from what came before and if it isn't then they accuse the artist of playing it safe and not progressing. Lately I've had several of my favorite artists take on these criticisms and I want to cut through the muck and get to the heart of how I feel about music and whether these claims are authentic.

To begin with, I fall somewhere in the middle. I enjoy artists who try new things and who do the unexpected. It's one reason why artists like U2, Beck, Radiohead, and Elvis Costello are some of my all-time favorites. I can never predict from one release to the next what they'll do or what direction they'll sail in. It's always a musical adventure with them and one I'm more than happy to take any day. However, I also don't mind an artist who sticks close to their roots as long as they do it well. Artists like Nada Surf, Counting Crows, and Foo Fighters have never strayed too far from their trademark sound but they do what they do so well and so consistently that I can't complain about it. Plus, even those artists have grown and branched out from time to time with great results.

There are a few artists who I feel have gotten an unfair shake from fans and critics and I'm going to look at the first one in this article. I'll do some more as I get time.

Weezer

Perhaps no other artist has garnered so much acclaim and so much backlash at the same time as Weezer. Ever since they burst onto the scene in the early 90's they've been one of the most controversial bands out there simply because of the direction they've gone. There's no denying that The Blue Album and Pinkerton are two of the best records of the 90's, if not of all-time. While those records are amazing they've also placed the band in the impossible corner of trying to live up to those songs and that period of their career. It's the problem that many artists face: a successful early career that they spend the rest of their lives having to match and be judged against. It's unfair but unfortunately it happens quite frequently.

Ever since 1996 Weezer has struggled to find a place that makes their fans happy and the amount of judgement and criticism they've encountered is not only unfair but downright childish in some cases. The simple fact is that Rivers Cuomo has shifted his songwriting into new areas and it's angered those hoping for a repeat of their first two albums. I really don't see where the complaining is coming from. Do fans really expect Rivers and Co. to never try new things or delve into new territory? Do they really want the same two albums recycled over and over again with no variation or unpredictability? Rivers hasn't always been the best lyricist but I applaud him for at least trying new things and sticking to his instinct. Sure, some of his writing is cheesy or cringe-worthy but it was that way even back on their debut. I expect a certain level of cheesiness and tongue-in-cheek humor when listening to Weezer. He's a husband and a father now with a happy life; I don't expect him to write the angry and love-torn songs he did 15 years ago. The emotion of Pinkerton isn't something you can force and trying that would be a disaster. I wouldn't mind the band going back to a heavier style but lyrically it would have to be different and I have no qualms with that.

It's not like the band's output since that time has been weak, despite what you may hear. The Green Album is pure power pop but it's upbeat and fun and reminded audiences that Weezer was still relevant and could write a song that you couldn't get out of your head. Maladroit, despite the hate it somehow receives, rocks like nobody's business and still remains one of my favorite records by the band. Albums like Hurly and Make Believe may have been hit-or-miss but they contain some great material while The Red Album found the band growing musically and lyrically. "The Angel and the One" is arguably the best song Rivers has ever penned and that entire album is full of interesting and amazing music. Once again though, it requires an open mind and for the listener to leave nostalgia behind, something many fans still can't seem to do.

Let me be clear that I DO understand where some of the naysayers are coming from. It's hard when something you love changes or reinvents itself and for those who grew up with the band's early work I can imagine how weird it must be to see them branching out. What's funny is that the band's sound really hasn't changed that much from the beginning. They're still rocking and musically they never stray too far from their trademark sound. It's just in a different package and coming from a different angle now. Music, like any form of art, is subjective and people are free to have their own tastes and opinions. I don't begrudge them that. I just feel they're missing out on some great music because they're stuck in the past or unwilling to let their prejudices go.

I'll admit that the band hasn't always hit their target (like Raditude, which is silly even by Weezer standards) but that's okay. That's part of growing as musicians and I feel that Weezer has done that. Sure, their first two albums are incredible and well-deserving of the praise they get. Still, that doesn't negate the work they've done since and all the work they have yet to do. Let the critics continue to complain; I'm too busy enjoying this band and I'm thankful they're still around and still giving us music. They've changed a bit over the years but you know something? I have too. It's called growth and maturity. I find it makes things better in the long run. I'm still enjoying Weezer and I'll be happy to tune in to whatever they do next. Sure, it may not be great but that's the risk that all true artists take and in the end that's what really matters.

I Love My Subconscious

2011-07-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever love your dreams? Do you ever marvel (and sometimes shudder) at the bizarre, scary, and imaginative things that your mind is capable of producing? I know I do.

In the last week I've had dreams about Ghostbusters 3, being in a cathedral with millions of spiders, going back to my old workplace only to discover that it had been completely converted into a huge mall/church, and so on. It may not make any sense but that's what keeps me interested. Dream on.

Futurama Review: Silence of the Clamps

2011-07-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Remember Clamps? He had a few cameos back in the older seasons of Futurama but hasn't popped up much lately. Tonight's episode finally brought him back and it proved to be another solid episode.

After Bender witnesses a brutal beating he goes into witness protection and Clamps takes his place at Planet Express. There were some great setups in this episode, including the return of The Crushinator. I also loved the gag about Billy West's name. That was classic.

It was also great to see the whole Planet Express crew venture out together and each character got some screen time, especially Zoidberg, who's been a big neglected in this season and finally got a chance to shine this time around.

I didn't know how this episode would play out but it had the laughs and twists necessary to draw me in.

8/10

Futurama Review: Law and Oracle

2011-07-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

After missing last week's episode it was nice to catch up with this one. Fry decides to leave his dead-end job at Planet Express to become a New New York police officer.

Overall it was a really fun episode and the references to Police Academy, Minority Report, and TRON were just a few of the great gags. It was also a blast watching the Planet Express crew try to work without Fry before eventually realizing that his stupidity made their job exciting and fun. There were some fun twists and plenty of laughs.

Another solid episode to another great season. 8/10

The Blogging Game: Complain About a Product

2011-07-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

This one is easy because I was probably going to complain about it at some point anyway. I've owned two Blu-Ray players and both have crapped out on me within a few months.

The first was a Sony that I bought late last year. It was great for a few months but suddenly it stopped reading discs. I tried DVDs and Blu-Rays and had no success. I unplugged it and it would work again for a brief time before having the same error. It was frustrating but I assumed I had just gotten a dud and decided to try a different brand.

I bought a Samsung and naturally it worked for a couple of months before suddenly cutting to black in the middle of a disc. The screen would go black and the sound would shut off while the disc continued to play normally. At this point I began to get frustrated and decided that maybe the cables were just old and needed to be replaced. I went out and bought a new HDMI cable and A/V cords and those seemed to do the trick. The player worked great and the errors went away.

However, last week it started cutting to black again. I find this irritating. I don't watch many discs so I can't imagine why the player is suddenly having so much trouble. Add to that the fact that it happens at random and you have a recipe for infinite confusion. Sometimes it'll play a three hour movie without any problems and other times it can't make it through a twenty minute television program without locking up. I have no idea what to do because I really don't want to spend more money on a third player.

I shouldn't have to. This is the technology that was supposed to make films look and sound better than ever. In that regard it's fantastic. However, they're also slow to load and apparently only work when they feel like it. What a load of butt.

This Is Here to Take Up Space!

2011-06-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

Because I'm still working on some more articles that no one will read. Until then, this is my bookmark. Huzzah!

New Futurama Reviews

2011-06-23T21:09:00.001-07:00

Good news everyone! The new season of Futurama began tonight and the two premiere episodes were well worth the wait. I'm planning on reviewing each new episode of this season and so far it's off to a great start.

EPISODE 1: NEUTOPIA

The crew starts an airline business in order to keep Planet Express from going bankrupt. They eventually crash on a planet where gender isn't recognized, forcing the men and women to take sides and eventually transform into each other. It's a hilarious premise and there were plenty of great one-liners and cameos to keep things fresh. The plot moved quickly and it was a great way to bring the crew back after a year. The previous season took a bit of time to really find its footing but this episode wasted no time in giving us the clever humor and interesting story that we've come to know and love from this series. The calender shoot was both disgusting and hysterically funny, plus the ending was classic Futurama. 8/10

EPISODE 2: BENDERAMA

Bender starts replicating himself into smaller and smaller Benders until Planet Express is overrun by them. This one had some great sight gags and the punch-lines were plentiful. We've seen Futurama episodes in this same vein before but this managed to put a new twist on it and keep it fresh. Plus, The Scary Door made an appearance and that just made me laugh like it always does. Brilliant. 9/10

Overall this season is off to a fantastic start. Futurama is back and I finally have a reason to be excited about Thursday night television again. Welcome back!

Underrated Record Club #7-Intimacy by Bloc Party

2011-06-22T17:19:00.001-07:00

British indie rockers Bloc Party are one of those stellar groups that I wish people were more familiar with. While the band is currently on hiatus they've already left an impressive discography in their wake. Their 2005 debut Silent Alarm gained them critical acclaim and it's easily one of the best records of the past decade. The follow-up A Weekend in the City found the band stretching their musical muscles and frontman Kele Okereke delved deeper into the personal and social issues he saw around him. It seems that Intimacy, their third album, is the one that people are split over. Some praise its diversity and depth while others state that it's a rushed and confused album. To be fair, I can see both sides of this but overall I think it's strong enough to stand on its own and easily worthy of a place in your collection (along with their other two records as well). The U.S. edition comes with three bonus tracks in addition to the album's regular eleven and this is the version I'm going to talk about. Those three songs make a HUGE difference and easily eclipse most of the songs found on the regular album.

This album features more electronic and dance-driven tunes than its predecessors. The first two tracks, "Ares" and "Mercury", make this shift in sound readily apparent through the use of different samples, beats, and Kele's rap-like vocals. It's a far cry from the post-punk sound we've come to expect from the band but it's also refreshing and displays a group who's not afraid to experiment and build upon their sound. They're not the band's strongest work by any means but they're serviceable and get better over time. This electronica influence really blooms on "Talons", a track that perfectly merges the band's indie rock edge with more club elements and hits you full force. It's a great ride and one of the album's highlights. Similarly, the ballads "Zephyrus" and "Biko" make use of subtle keyboards and choir effects to create an epic and sonically thick atmosphere that sound unlike anything the band has done.

The band doesn't completely abandon their rock roots on this release either. Songs like "One Month Off", "Halo" and "Trojan Horse" are all more straightforward rockers in the classic Bloc Party vein while the more left-of-center production techniques are relegated to a supporting role. "Better Than Heaven" finds the perfect balance between these two influences, starting quietly with looped beats before the entire live band blasts in and finishes the song in an epic and loud climax.

Two songs that I really love are "Ion Square" and "Signs". Both are beautiful ballads that ride gentle waves of electronic effects and feature a wide range of sounds and emotions. "Signs" in particular is just astounding, both for it's delicate atmosphere and heart-wrenching lyrics, which are some of the best that Okereke has ever penned:

"At your funeral I was so upset, so upset
In your life you were larger than this
Statuesque
I see signs now all the time, that you're not dead, you're sleeping
I believe in anything that brings you back home to me"

The main album as a whole is a bit inconsistent but there are enough stellar songs here to make it worthwhile and even the mediocre cuts are still enjoyable when taken for what they are. Like I mentioned before, the U.S. edition comes with three bonus tracks that should have been on the main album. In reality they're better than 80% of what's on the main record and deserve to be heard by any fan. "Letter to My Son" is an R.E.M.-esque rocker with jangling guitars and a more stripped-down arrangement. I can understand why this song might have been too simple to fit on the main record but I think it would have worked and it's just a great tune all around. "Your Visits Are Getting Shorter" is more akin to the sound found on Intimacy and it's a perfect example of the sound that the band was going for. Again, this would have been a solid fit on the album.

However, it's "Flux" that steals the show. This is by far my favorite Bloc Party song and it hits you like no other. It's about as close to techno as the band has gotten and it's fun beyond belief. The groove and overall sound of this song is infectious and would have been a fantastic addition to the album's running order. This is one worth seeking out on its own and these three tracks, when put together, make the limited edition the one to own.

In the end Intimacy is solid album, even if it doesn't contain the punch of Silent Alarm or the heights of A Weekend in the City. It's the sound of a band stepping out of their comfort zone and pushing themselves and their audience to new shores. I don't know where the band will go from here but I can't wait to find out. In the meantime these three albums are worth your time and your dollars.

An Apology to "Couldn't Call It Unexpected No.4"

2011-06-20T22:10:00.001-07:00

Something has been bothering me and I need to get it out there. Last year in my series of Elvis Costello album reviews I talked about his 1991 album Mighty Like a Rose and didn't even mention the album's closing track, entitled "Couldn't Call It Unexpected No.4". This song is beautiful and one of the record's best cuts and when I stumbled across this video tonight I realized that I needed to post it here. Hopefully this makes up for my poor review and my shameful oversight of this magnificent song. Just follow the link and enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQccA9guwoE&feature=related

Blog Challenge: Make a List

2011-06-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

I mentioned before that I was going to try and keep up with The Blogging Game when I get a chance, so since a free night is upon me at least I'll put it to good use. This challenge involves making a list of some kind, so naturally music came to my mind (as it always does). I decided to do a list of my 20 favorite U2 songs, which is no easy task but that's part of the fun of the challenge. With the exception of the top five these are always subject to change as well. Their entire catalogue is full of amazing tunes so obviously I can't pick any definitive list for too long!

1. Where the Streets Have No Name
2. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
3. Bad
4. The Fly
5. Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
6. Gone
7. Out of Control
8. Ultraviolet (Light My Way)
9. A Sort of Homecoming
10. Love Rescue Me
11. 40
12. Miracle Drug
13. I Threw a Brick Through a Window
14. FEZ-Being Born
15. A Room at the Heartbreak Hotel
16. Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of
17. Running to Stand Still
18. Mercy
19. Walk On
20. Until the End of the World

That's the Droid You're Looking For

2011-06-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying the new Android update for my phone. It looks nice and runs even faster than before, which is impressive since it already ran at lightening speed. Random but it had to be said.

Also, a friend has introduced me to a blogging game that I hope to be incorporating into my blog amid my other pointless articles. We shall see!

"It's Not the Years, It's the Mileage"-Raiders 30th Anniversary

2011-06-11T22:54:00.000-07:00

This is my all-time favorite film. I love everything about it: the acting, the sets, the writing, the cinematography, the soundtrack. It's just perfect on every level and a prime example of masterful filmmaking. Since the film was originally released on June 12, 1981, I figured this is the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the film and character that changed my life as a young child.

I can't recall the first time I saw an Indiana Jones movie. All I know is that I was only about 7 or 8 years old and I was hooked. It's a franchise that has always been a part of my life, though sadly I was born too late to experience the first three during their theatrical debut. I truly love each film: the dark and haunting atmosphere of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the comedy and family-centered tones of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and the sci-fi and coming-of-age focus of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Each film has introduced new aspects and fresh takes on the character while never straying too far from the template that Raiders of the Lost Ark established. While the elements in the films are nothing new and are clearly borrowed from earlier serials and films, that was always the original idea. The character and the individual movies are supposed to be throwbacks to the classics and the franchise has made a name for itself by doing this better than anyone else. Raiders is where it all began.

While George Lucas and Steven Spielberg obviously deserve a huge amount of credit for creating this character and bringing him to life, it's Harrison Ford who we will always associate with Indiana Jones. He plays the character with an intensity and vulnerableness that immediately makes him relatable and likable. He's human, he makes mistakes, and he has to use his mind and whatever's at his disposal in order to get out of tough situations. It's so brilliant because it's so simple and down to earth that anyone can place themselves in his shoes. That's not to say that the film, and by extension the series, hasn't had other great characters but Ford has been the glue that's always held it together. In Raiders we're introduced to him slowly and throughout the rest of the film we see more and more of his personality and beliefs slowly exposed. It's more than just a movie about finding the sacred Ark of the Covenant; it's also a movie exploring who Indy is and where he comes from.

I once read an article where someone described this film as "an atheist's search for God" and I don't think it's too far off to read some of that subtext into it. Each Indiana Jones film has explored different sides of his personality and thoughts and Raiders immediately tackles issues of faith and religious conviction. Indy starts out as a skeptic but by the end is saved only by his acceptance of God's power and by the fact that he's willing to humble himself enough to keep from messing with it. The change is subtle and gradual and by the end we feel as if we've taken that journey with him.

One thing that has always stood out to me is the attention to detail in this film. From the lighting and sets to the shots and musical cues, nothing is superfluous or tacked-on. Every single scene has a purpose and it all drives the story forward at a relentless pace. This is no doubt an action movie but the action propels the story and serves it. I can't think of a single action sequence that has nothing to do with the plot or just feels added in to make the film longer. With every chase or fight we learn something new about Indy and by the time it's over we've arrived at a new point in the story and we're being swept away once again. One of my favorite scenes features Indy and Belloq talking in the bar after Indy believes Marion is dead. We get a chance to see these two men for who they are and I love the way that Spielberg just holds on that shot, allowing us to see nothing but the two characters and hear nothing but their conversation. It's a brilliant and a fine example of suburb filmmaking by simply allowing the actors to play their characters without distraction or any trickery. It's a great reminder that often simplicity speaks the loudest.

I've had the pleasure of seeing this film twice on the big screen. The first time was in January of 2006 at an old theater in Nashville. The film print was old and looked incredibly dated but I didn't care in the least. It's quite possible it was from the original 1981 run and it was an instant throwback. The second time was last winter and the theater was packed. I wish today's Hollywood executives could have been there to see the audience and the film itself. People applauded, laughed, and stayed focused the entire time. No texting, no talking, no leaving and re-entering the theater, just people totally fixated on the movie. It made me wonder how many of today's films will achieve that kind of status. Will any of today's films be as beloved and cherished 20 years down the road? Sadly I can't think of many. Raiders proves that even beyond the craft of filmmaking you have to have great characters and a compelling story. Those are the elements that keep people coming back time and time again and it's a big reason why Indiana Jones holds a special place in so many of our hearts and minds. He's fascinating and we love being taken on his adventures.

I could write countless more paragraphs describing why this film is so important and great but I'm not sure I could fully do it justice. All I know is that 30 years ago today this film was introduced and it's a ride worth taking over and over again. All I have to say is: bring on part five.

Random Tribute Time: Garfield and Friends

2011-06-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

Remember the days when Saturday morning cartoons were worth getting up early for and coming home from school meant an afternoon of putting off homework to watch great shows? Unfortunately those days are long gone but thankfully people my age were the last generation to experience these. One of the cartoons I most fondly remember is Garfield and Friends. In fact, I actually own the entire series on DVD and I can honestly say that I bought them for two reasons: nostalgia and humor. Obviously this show was a big part of my childhood but it has also aged extremely well. It's funnier and more fun to watch at the age of twenty-five than it was at seven. It was hilarious but in a way that both kids and adults could appreciate and marked a time when cartoons were both fun and smartly written.

Lorenzo Music is still the definitive voice of Garfield for me and I don't think that will ever change. His deadpan delivery and natural talent made him the ideal choice to voice the cat. Between the television series and the various holiday specials (admit it, it isn't truly Christmas until you've watched the Garfield Christmas Special) he managed to keep the character fresh without ever really changing his personality or demeanor. I'm not sure who all the other voices were but it must have been a small cast because many of the characters seemed to have similar voices, which is equally impressive and really shows how a small cast of talented actors can work wonders.

Every episode followed a similar format: there were two Garfield cartoons, a Garfield Quickie (based on the Sunday comics), and U.S. Acres. We'll get to that last one in a moment.

The Garfield cartoons were obviously the highlight and you never knew what would happen from week to week. The plots ranged from something simple and straightforward to the absurd and completely over-the-top. You wouldn't think that an episode about Garfield being a vampire (named Count Lasagna, no less) or Jon Arbuckle training to be a mind-reader would work but somehow they do simply because the show never takes itself seriously. In fact, part of the humor comes from the fact that the show is self-aware and Garfield frequently breaks the fourth wall to talk to the audience or make a joke.

What I find so amazing is that the show is funnier as an adult than it ever was as a kid. The social commentary and subtle references to old films and comedy routines are jokes that no six year old kid would ever get, yet as an adult you immediately pick up on it. I'm also stunned at how times have changed and how political correctness has destroyed so much of our humor and entertainment. There's an episode entitled "The Garfield Workout" where Garfield makes repeated fat jokes and preaches against exercise simply because he doesn't understand why anyone in their right mind would want to do it. The segment is hysterical and there's no way a children's cartoon could ever get away with something like this in today's society. It's a sad world we now live in but thankfully shows like this remind us that clean humor can still be edgy and fun if you don't mind laughing at yourself as well.

The show ran for seven seasons and it never slowed down in the wit and humor department. The first episode is just as funny as the last and the consistency of the writing and animation was always solid. I also loved the recurring cameos. Everyone from Binky the Clown to Floyd the mouse would randomly show up and Garfield always had something to say about it, usually to the effect of reminding the viewer that they didn't have the budget to keep these characters around all season. One of my favorite segments was Screaming with Binky. It didn't appear very often but whenever it did I was always pleased simply because it was so random and silly that you couldn't help but love it.

While Garfield himself was entertaining to watch I can't always say the same about U.S. Acres (or Orson's Farm for those of you outside the U.S.). This show certainly had its moments and could be genuinely funny but the humor was too hit-or-miss to keep a lot of kids interested. While most of Garfield's cartoons had plenty of laughs and fun moments U.S. Acres never seemed to reach those same heights. To be honest, the character of Orson is really what holds the show back. He's so annoying and clean-cut that he just sucks the life out of many of the segments. Characters like Roy and Wade have their fair share of humorous dialogue and classic moments but I can't help feeling like the show would have been better if they had been the main focus and given free reign to do whatever they wanted. It was partially meant to be a bit more educational and to teach a valuable social lesson, which is ironic considering that the entire Garfield series always made fun of shows like that and never aimed for that kind of lesson. The show was about having fun, not teaching you anything and U.S. Acres just never seemed to be able to decide where it fit in. It's not horrible and there are some pretty funny episodes but it can be tedious to wade (no pun intended) through them at times.

When all is said and done, Garfield and Friends is one of my favorite cartoons from my childhood. In fact, I can still watch these episodes and laugh and that's really saying something. The show, much like Rocky and Bullwinkle, is more suited for adults simply because the humor and pop-culture satire are largely lost on children. I certainly know they were on me when I was younger. If you're a Garfield fan or just looking for something different I recommend tracking the DVDs down and giving it a chance. It's a great reminder of why we love this character in the first place and it'll give you a fair share of laughs no matter what your age.

Sly 4, Uncharted 3, New Zelda!

2011-06-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, E3 is here and this year I actually give a crap because the games they've displayed are titles I can actually get excited about. After the stellar L.A. Noire I'm beginning to think this is the year when I really start becoming interested in video games again. Here's a quick look at a few things that caught my attention:

Sly 4: Travelers in Time

I've been pining for a new Sly Cooper game for years and it's FINALLY been announced. The trailer was clever yet brief and it makes me want to know more. All the original voice actors are back and apparently it will feature an older take on the characters and improved graphics and gameplay. Even though it doesn't come out until next year I'm just glad to have something to look forward to.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Each Uncharted game manages to be better than the last and this third installment looks like it will continue the trend. There's really not much more to say. It just looks freaking amazing.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Even though Nintendo unveiled a new console it's this game that I care the most about. After all, when has a new Zelda game ever been a bad thing?

Movies That Suck: Gigli

2011-06-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Do you want to watch a bad film, a film so bad that it doesn't even deserve to be called a film? A film of such utter tepidness that it makes every other movie in existence look better by comparison? Do you want to lower your IQ, lose your job and your self-respect? Then I have the movie for you. Here it is: the worst movie I've ever seen and the absolute nadir of cinema. Ladies and gentlemen....this is Gigli.

Everyone hates this film and ridicules it with venomous scorn and it deserves every bit of it. A couple years ago for Christmas I received this movie as a joke present. I couldn't help but be curious and decided I would watch it. After all, it was a gift and I thought maybe it would be one of those films that's so bad it's good. However, nothing on this earth could have prepared me for the horror, stupidity, and downright awfulness of every second of this movie. There's nothing redeemable about this film and it was a tortuous exercise to get through all two hours of it.

To be honest, I can't even explain the plot of this movie because it's so jumbled and convoluted and it makes about as much sense as jumping out of an airplane while riding a donkey and eating Swiss cheese. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are just terrible. The fact that they were a couple at the time should have given them some chemistry but sadly it does nothing. Affleck is a wimpy and poorly-cast gangster while Lopez plays a lesbian who just randomly appears in the story without much explanation or background. There's something in the story about murder, the mob, and a kidnapping but honestly it doesn't make any sense and I gave up trying to pay attention about 20 minutes in. Just staying awake was a battle in and of itself.

One scene in particular takes about 10 minutes and it involves the two of them talking about sex in far too much detail. I guess it was supposed to be seductive but it ended up being awkward and yawn-inducing, just like everything else in this piece of crap. The film drags through pointless scene after pointless scene and you just fight the urge to kill yourself and everyone around you, although you may be doing them a favor if you did. The only performance that is even worth seeing is Justin Bartha, who plays a mentally handicapped man. He actually does a solid job but his part is wasted by the stupidity of the other characters and the mess of a story. It's bad. Just trust me.

The fact that I can't remember much of anything about this film says it all. I guess I subconsciously blocked it out in an effort to remove any trace of it from ever entering my mind again. Gigli is so bad that I would rather listen to Ashlee Simpson. I would rather undergo a vasectomy without anesthetic. I'd rather sit next to Barney Frank in a dark movie theater. And I'm not even joking. This film is a fat load of stinky butt. I've been more intellectually stimulated watching linoleum peel. It's not even so bad it's good. It's just plain bad.

Don't watch it. Seriously. Watch Battlefield Earth or Batman and Robin or any other bad film. At least it isn't as bad as this. And that's really saying something.

Working, Working, Working....

2011-05-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

More stuff that no one will read is coming, including a new series called Things That Suck. I spend a lot of time on here talking about things I love but rarely to I discuss things that I find to be dumb or downright awful.

So yeah, there you go.

Futurama Countdown #1: I'm Philip J. Fry

2011-05-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

With the next season of Futurama set to premiere on June 23, I figured this would be a great opportunity to spread my well-known love for this series by delving deeper into some of the reasons why I enjoy it so much. Each week I'll write an article or two about the show and why it means so much to me.

For the first essay I wanted to look at the most obvious similarity between me and this show. That is the fact that the character of Philip J. Fry is, in essence, me in nearly every way. That might sound strange at first but bear with me. It's not as bizarre as it sounds.

I've had a number of people tell me that I remind them of Fry, both in terms of looks and personality. It's true that we look alike and I've had everyone from friends, family, and even my boss state that I look like him. However, the reason I have a soft spot for Fry's character is because I can relate to him on nearly every level. He's often portrayed as a clueless and none-too-bright loser who doesn't really fit in and has no direction or success in life. Again, that description can easily be applied to every area of my own life as well.

Leela states in one episode that Fry blends into the future so well because he didn't fit into society back in 1999. In many ways I can relate to this. All throughout my life I've been the odd man out. I've been overlooked, picked last, left behind, ignored, used, taken for a ride, been oblivious, failed, and ultimately left at the bottom in every area of my life. I don't say that to be paint myself as a victim but rather to illustrate the truth. No one is ever going to accuse me of being amazing or a real asset and that's okay. God doesn't call all of us to be amazing; some of us merely just slide by taking whatever we can get. That's not to say I like it but I'm not about to try to argue with God either. I know how those discussions will end!

In these ways I know exactly how Fry feels. Whether it's his dating life, career, or just life in general, it seems he's always destined to place last. As someone who's been there I know exactly how frustrating that can be, yet I've always admired Fry because it never seems to bother him. He simply goes about his business while doing his best and that's a pretty neat lesson that we can all learn. If Fry were a real person I'm positive we'd be best friends. Neither of us has much to offer but we're honest, committed, and work hard to treat everyone as well as we possibly can.

If I were thrust into a different time something tells me I would fit in. I've always been an individual and marched to my own beat, comfortable in my own skin and doing things that I enjoy whether other people approve or not. Fry captures that youthful nerdiness that so many of us grew up with and later abandoned because we were afraid of how people would perceive us. I've held onto mine proudly and there's a very naive side to me that matches Fry very well. We always experience the worst and yet with every new situation we somehow think it's going to get better.

I'll never be mistaken for a smart or successful person. That doesn't mean I don't try my best and if it's not good enough then at least I know I've done my part. Sometimes last place doesn't always look so bad. Thanks Fry.

Blood on the Pavement-L.A. Noire Review

2011-05-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

I got the report from the homicide division that a woman had been found murdered out in a secluded area. My partner and I jumped into a police car and drove out to the site. When we arrived I found the woman stiff and naked on the ground with swear words and random letters written on her body with lipstick. Her head showed signs of massive trauma and had most likely been beaten in with a blunt object. There were footprints near the scene that showed signs of a struggle. I examined the body and found that a ring had been stolen from her finger. I also noted the shoe size left behind by the footprints and talked the coroner about what he believed happened. I hopped back in the car and tried to put the pieces together. This is the gritty, frightening, and incredible world of L.A. Noire.

I don't often get excited about video games but L.A. Noire has brought out a childlike enthusiasm in me that I haven't felt since playing Uncharted 2 a year and a half ago. With most games I play them for a couple of hours, get bored, and set them aside to collect dust. I'm proud to say that this game will not be suffering that fate and has already sucked me in far beyond what I could have expected. I'm a huge fan of the Golden Era of American history: the fashion, the films, the music, and the overall atmosphere of the time and Rockstar deserves massive props for recreating this world in all it's gritty and vibrant detail.

I never saw the appeal of Grand Theft Auto or any of the other violent and action-packed games that Rockstar has done. However, L.A. Noire is commendable because it breaks away from that formula. You play as Cole Phelps, a World War II veteran who returns looking for a way to make a difference and assimilate back into society. He joins the LAPD and that's where the game starts. You begin as a beat cop and gradually work your way up to difference desks and departments, everything from Traffic to Homicide to Arson. Los Angeles was a dangerous place in 1947 and the game captures every facet of this and it's up to you to investigate crime scenes, interrogate witnesses, collect evidence, and restore justice and credibility to a department and town rife with violence and corruption.

This is one of the best aspects of the game. You're a GOOD cop and justice is your top priority. It's not like other Rockstar games where you can battle the law and run about shooting up the town. You're a detective and the only time you use your gun is when you're taking down violent suspects or mob members. I've never understood why people enjoy playing as villains so much but it's great to see this company focused on an honest and likable character for once. Eight square miles of 1947 Los Angeles have been painstakingly recreated here and it's breathtaking and overwhelming in it's look and scope. Everything is crisp and detailed and it's easy to get lost just driving around and exploring every nook and back alley. From the L.A. Public Library to Gruaman's Chinese Theater to the classic Hollywoodland sign, it's all here and as someone who's spent a lot of time in L.A. it reminds me of the first time I went there. It's jaw-dropping and you won't run out of things to do and places to explore for months.

The real meat of the experience lies in solving the various cases. This is where everything comes together to create a unique and engrossing experience. This is where most players will either love or hate the game because it's a deep and slow-moving adventure. The bulk of the game requires you to talk to witnesses and suspects, collect clues, examine crime scenes, and trace evidence to find out where to go next and who to question. I love this because it's a thinking game. You really have to be smart and thorough in your searches in order to gather enough evidence and put together an airtight case. You'll have to pour over murder weapons, notes, clothing, vehicles, random objects, and even mutilated bodies in order to gather clues. It's gruesome work and the game's M rating is appropriate. This is a violent, bloody, and gritty game that holds nothing back and forces you to face the dark side of human nature and the horrible things we do to each other. If you love puzzles and detective work like I do then this game is a great opportunity to exercise your brain. If you want non-stop action and a lot of hand-holding then L.A. Noire may leave you feeling bored and dissatisfied.

The breakthrough facial technology has been touted as one of the game's biggest accomplishments and it lives up the hype. Seeing the faces of real actors (complete with every subtle twitch and muscle movement) is almost unsettling in its realism. However, this is imperative to the gameplay because you need to pay attention not just to what a subject says but also to HOW they say it. Shifty eyes, hand rubbing, constant twitching, stern faces, frowns, smiles, eye contact, and everything else factors in to how you read your witness. Once they answer a question you have one of three options: you can believe them, doubt what they say, or accuse them of lying. This is where things get tough. If you accuse them of lying or don't believe their account then you'll usually have to present evidence to back up your claim. If you didn't do proper searches or turned up little evidence then they'll often refuse to talk to you, accuse you of misconduct, swear at you, or start crying and clam up. This is very intense and I found myself really taking my time and paying attention to everything they said, both verbally and non-verbally. It's not as easy as it sounds and you'll no doubt misread people and walk away with your tail between your legs. Other times you'll nail it and have them right where you want them and there's nothing more satisfying than conducting a perfect interview. You never know who's hiding something and there are innocent people mixed in as well. Separating lies from the truth takes skill and patience but it's also thrilling and rewarding when you get it right.

There are more fast-paced moments thrown in as well. There are 40 "street missions" that you can solve along the way. A call will come over your police scanner and if you choose to answer it you can drive to the scene and help out. These are usually short, action-packed segments that have you doing everything from pursuing a bank robber to having a shoot out with gang members. They're nice breaks that allow you to exercise your trigger finger and gain experience points that can be used to unlock bonus items and new skills. The action is fluid and the controls are tight and responsive. Driving and shooting are easy to control and rarely did any problems or frustrations play into it, although at times I found the camera a bit hard to control. It didn't happen often but sometimes it's hard to chase a suspect through tight corridors and keep the camera focused on where you want to go next.

I could go on and on about everything in this game but that would take far longer than I have and it's probably way more than any of you would care to read. Part of the fun of this game is exploring it for yourself and seeing all that it has to offer. I can honestly say that this game brought so many smiles to my face, from the smart dialogue to the locations to the subtle film noir references sprinkled throughout the game (The Big Sleep has a few cameos that Chandler and Bogart fans will enjoy finding). I had a blast with this one and I know I'll be delving even deeper into it just to find everything. For fans of film noire, detective novels, or just great art then L.A. Noire is visiting.

Underrated Record Club #6-Our Love to Admire by Interpol

2011-05-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

New York City's very own Interpol has had an interesting ride. They rose to prominence in 2002 with their debut album Turn on the Bright Lights and gained even more attention with their sophomore effort Antics in 2004. With all the praise they received it's strange how quickly fans and critics were to turn on the band with Our Love to Admire, their first record on a major label. I've never understood why this album gets so much heat because in reality it's not much different from what they had released before. Interpol's a great band but their trademark sound really hasn't changed over the last decade. You can take nearly any song off one of their albums and place it on another without being able to tell the difference. However, with this album they incorporated keyboards into their writing and opted for some more interesting structures. It's a fine effort and certainly worth more than some would lead you to think.

Just the somewhat gruesome album cover is enough to suggest that things are moving in slightly different direction. The opener "Pioneer to the Falls" starts out in a more sinister and haunting direction before sifting in another direction by the end. It's a great song and a fine example of the musical growth that the band had been going through. "No I in Threesome" follows nicely while adding a bit more of a kick and harkening back to their previous albums. The arrangements here are certainly more spacious and much more ambitious, a trait that apparently left some listeners disenchanted. Personally I like this aspect and it's refreshing to find the band willing to experiment and add some classical overtones to their post-punk sound.

The rest of the album works to balance out these new influences. "The Heinrich Maneuver" feels more like a standard Interpol song but it's so fun and infectious that it passes with flying colors. "Who Do You Think" and "Mammoth" are also more indicative of a standard rock song and serve to firmly remind the listener of what made the group so endearing and exciting in the first place. However, it's some of the slower songs that really give legs to this release. "Rest My Chemistry" and "All Fired Up" are atmospheric in their approach and take a few listens to fully appreciate. The patience pays off and you're rewarded with two of the most interesting and restrained pieces on the album. "The Lighthouse" closes the record in a quiet and more haunting fashion while "Wrecking Ball" starts off small and slowly builds until it catches you by surprise and you're fully able to contemplate what you just heard. The whole affair is a huge roller-coaster, with one song speeding things up and the next slowing things down and giving the band's sound some breathing room. Nothing feels out of place or superfluous here and overall it flows cohesively as a whole.

Each band member is in top form. Paul Banks' distinctive voice floats effortlessly above the music and his subtle guitar playing gives lead guitarist Daniel Kessler plenty of space to add his complex yet melodic lines. Carlos D's bass playing remains an overlooked addition here but that's part of what makes him a good player. He does his thing without trying to overdo it. He left the band last year and I hope they can find someone of his skill as a permanent replacement. Sam Fogarino's drumming is furious and perfect. He drives the songs along with a precision and relentlessness that I, as a fellow drummer, really love to hear. Much like Carlos, he holds up the rhythm section and always finds new ways to propel the songs forward.

Interpol had a lot to live up to after the success of their first two albums. Our Love to Admire doesn't quite capture the energy or the excitement of those recordings but it does build upon them and it finds the group growing and maturing, which is always a good sign. This one is solid and I've always liked it. Don't listen to the naysayers.

Dr. No (1962)

2011-05-08T19:59:00.001-07:00

"The name's Bond...James Bond." With those iconic words Sean Connery ushered in one of the most successful and longest-running film franchises in history. The 1962 cinematic debut of James Bond is a fantastic film and gives the series strong legs to stand on. It doesn't contain the over-the-top stunts or epic set-pieces that the series would later be known for but it puts the formula in motion and still remains one of the finest in the series.

Obviously Sean Connery deserves a large bulk of the credit for his portrayal of Bond. Right from the start (complete with a dramatic yet subtle introduction that's brilliantly done) he plays the character with a charm, confidence, and toughness that has marked 007 ever since. Ursula Andress is still one of the most memorable Bond girls, even though her actual voice in the film was overdubbed by someone else. Joseph Wiseman plays Dr. No in such a creepy and deadpan fashion that you can't help but be fascinated by him. He doesn't get much screen time but that just makes him all the more mysterious.

Despite the low budget the film looks great. The Jamaican scenery is beautiful and some of the sets, especially Dr. No's lair, are extremely impressive and indicative of what the later films would bring to the table. Monty Norman's "James Bond Theme" plays strongly throughout the film and we quickly associate it with the character, something that people had to do when it was released because Bond and his theme had not yet become a cultural icon.

Look back at Dr. No it's easy to see why the 007 series became such a big hit. It's a calmer and more humble film than many of the entries that would follow but it's still one of the finest and a great place to start. It gets a perfect score from me.

5/5

Nice Guys Finish Last. And So What If They Do?

2011-05-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

Nice guys finish last. We've all heard the phrase used in all sorts of situations, from business to relationships to sports and just in life in general. I've heard it for so long and it's caused me to really think about this and examine my own life and the lives of those close to me to find the answer. I've come to this conclusion: Nice guys DO finish last. But is that really such a bad thing?

I've been told by countless people over the course of my life that I'm nice, generous, sweet, thoughtful, reliable, and outgoing. I don't say that in a bragging sense because I really don't think those things are true. Moreover, I actually take it as an insult when someone says that to me because it implies that I'm weak, easy to walk over, too available, and not too bright. Those things may be true as well; I certainly won't rule any of those out. As a male I don't want to be known as "nice" or "sweet" or "thoughtful" because more often than not those terms are used as insults. They imply weakness and most men would rather be known as tough and strong and suave. Those are traits we shoot for because we're wired that way and because we've been told by women that's what they look for in men. In that regard it all makes sense. Why would anyone want to be weak when they could be strong?

Let's extend that beyond the realm of relationships and friendships and put it in a larger context. How many people get ahead in their jobs by working hard and doing the right thing? I was in this position last year. I had a great job and I worked as hard as I could: I was the first one in every morning, I didn't take lunch breaks, and I didn't dump my work on someone else or stand around gossiping like some of the other people I worked with. The result? I was one of the first people to go. Or take a relationship I had last year: I was as honest and loving and committed as I could possibly be. All it got me was being dumped for someone else who was tougher, more successful, and had an edge that I couldn't conjure. "Nice" simply didn't cut it in those situations. It never will.

I don't say all of that to paint myself as a victim. I just did my best and it wasn't enough. For a lot of guys out there it's the same deal and the same outcomes. If we're nice we're used. If we're reliable we're walked over. If we're honest we're taken advantage of. In the fallen world we live in it happens and we have to deal with it. We also have to deal with watching others walk away with the people and gifts in our life because we were too "nice".

So what is the solution? To be a jerk, to cheat our way to the top, to use others and stab them in the back when they least expect it. Is success worth all of the that? Is it worth selling out to make it to the top? I've decided that it's not and it never will be. If that means I always come in last and never make it anywhere then that is the price I will pay. I simply can't stand before God one day and admit that I got to the top by being dishonest. I can't and I won't.

I once had a friend say, "Nice guys often finish last, but they also finish best." Sometimes winning the race isn't worth the price you have to pay. I don't think of myself as a nice guy, even though friends and family are constantly telling me that. Is walking over others the way you want to win? I certainly don't. Naturally there are plenty of nice guys who DO finish first. I know plenty of them. However, there's also a level of skill, brains, luck, and God's blessings that factor into that and none of us can really know whether or not those factors will be on our side.

When you look at all of it this way it makes finishing last seem easier. For those of us who know Jesus we know that our prize rests on the other side of this life. The race we run now determines eternity, not just the here and now. When you look at the big picture nice guys finish last on earth---and first in heaven.

Random Tribute Time: MXC

2011-05-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

Takeshi's Castle was a hit show in Japan back in the late 1980s. I'm sure they never would have guessed that the show would reappear on television fifteen years later as the irreverent and beloved MXC (Most Extreme Elimination Challenge). Leave it to us Americans to take an already funny program and turn it into a hilarious, random, and disturbing spoof. After watching the DVDs again this week I was reminded of just why I love this show and why it was cancelled far too soon.

I won't waste time talking about the history of the show or how it all came about. That information is widely available on the internet for anyone who wants to know more. All you need to know is that a small production team took the Japanese footage and subbed their own dialogue over it with hilarious results. The main commentators (dubbed Kenny Blankenship and Vic Romano) are the perfect combination. Vic's serious and informative commentary is always counter-pointed by Kenny's immature and pointless observations. Their commentary is played over the craziest and (at times) somewhat dangerous and painful games that the contestants go through. The footage itself is a blast to watch and the silly commentary makes it even more fun. Imagine watching American Gladiator with Jerry Seinfeld and Groucho Marx doing the commentary and you'll have a rough idea of just how funny and over-the-top it can be.

The voice cast deserves major props for making these characters come to life. The cast was small and most of the them did multiple voices. However, they managed to say the most outrageous things while still managing to sync them up with the movements on-screen, which is no easy task. From the stern and self-absorbed Captain Tenneal to the creepy and undoubtedly gay field reporter Guy LeDouche, the voices dubbed over the original Japanese make it a real pleasure to watch. The original show had some comedy but most of the dialogue was straightforward or contained subtle Japanese humor while the American show had absolutely nothing to do with the original and that's part of what made it so fun.

However, it's the writing that really makes this show stand out. It's even more interesting because so much of the comedy is toilet humor, dirty jokes, double entendres, and random pop culture references that are usually turned into something disturbing. I don't normally find toilet humor funny but the writers of this show did it so smartly and so thoughtfully that even the most uptight and sensitive viewers will find themselves laughing uncontrollably. Again, it's hard to explain but just observe some of these lines and you'll see what I mean (although I recommend watching the actual episodes since the humor makes more sense with the footage and the voices):

Vic: "He's a biochemist. He specializes in turning solids into gasses."

Ken: "I guess that makes my grandma a biochemist."

Vic: "Did you know that the average American produces 8.3 pounds of waste per week?"

Ken: "Wow, then I've already met my quota because I churned out that much this morning."

Vic: "No Ken, I was talking about trash and wasted materials."

Ken: "Yeah, me too. It was massive."

Vic: "This next contestant is working hard to make public busses shorter so you can get to your destination faster."

Vic: "He's the winner of the Gaytona 500."

Ken: "Yeah. The only way to win that race is to come from behind."

Guy: "It appears I'm the first....and the last....person in line for the Ben Afflect Film Festival."

Ken: "Have you ever gotten high at a party and French kissed your mother's bridge partner?"

Vic: "Ah, those were the days Ken."

Vic: "Whatever happened to the classic and talented actors?"

Ken: "Yeah, like Papa Smurf."

Again, it's hard to get a feel for it by just reading text but once you hear it within the context of the show and with the twisted personalities of the characters then you'll understand it. It's one of the smartest toilet humor and pop culture shows I've ever seen and every time I watch I catch something different. The jokes and crazy footage just never get old.

I could go on and on but I'll just leave it at this. It's an extremely difficult program to really write about because you have to see it to really understand it. It ran on Spike TV for several years before disappearing and now it's available on DVD. Pick these up and prepare to laugh. It's crude, it's random, it's bizarre, and it's hysterical. If you want a laugh this show will do the trick and then some.

This Space for Rent!

2011-04-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

New They Might Be Giants EP!

2011-04-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

Do you like TMBG? If you're one of the sensible people who does then there's good news! The band's 15th album, Join Us, is set to be released in July. However, in the meantime the band has released an EP on iTunes with four advance tracks from the album. I don't normally buy these types of releases when I know I'm just going to buy the full album down the road. Plus, I like to be surprised when hearing an album for the first time and I usually try to avoid listening to too many songs ahead of time.

But hey, this is They Might Be Giants we're talking about and I can't resist putting down $3.99 for some new tunes. If these songs are any indication then the new album is going to be another solid entry in their already vast and impressive catalogue. The tracks harken back more to their earlier and more chaotic sound while still retaining the tight production and rock sound that has permeated their more recent albums. This duo has never released a bad album (in my humble opinion) and Join Us looks like it's going to continue in that proud tradition. Check it out.

1. Can't Keep Johnny Down
2. Cloisonne

3. Never Knew Love

4. Old Pine Box

I Choose Not to Run. Well, Your Race Anyway.

2011-04-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

I'm not even running the same race as most of my peers. There's nothing wrong with relationships or careers or pursuing your dreams but what I'm after is something real and eternal. I'm a futurist and I've always looked at life through a bigger lens. It extends far beyond my brief time here.

What we have on this earth is so temporary and brief that often times we don't even realize how quickly it's passing us. Eventually we all will die, someone else will replace you in your job, and no relationship is ever a sure bet. Only by having a relationship with Jesus and being open to serving Him and others here can we really live a life of gratitude and substance. I used to think that I had been left behind or surpassed by my peers in most areas of my life. Who knows, maybe I have in some ways but I don't care. So many of them want money and fame and recognition. Again, there's nothing necessarily wrong with that but they don't last and you can't take them into eternity.

My path is different, my prize remains undetermined, and my future is unknown. However, I know where the finish line is and until I get there I will finish what has been handed to me. I wasn't left behind because I was running a on separate track this entire time. If you feel this way then ask yourself what race you've been running. You might be further than you think.

Underrated Record Club #5-This Desert Life by Counting Crows

2011-04-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

I love this record. That's a pretty succinct and direct way of saying it but it's true. I've been a big fan of Counting Crows for over a decade and this was the album that started it all for me, so naturally some fond memories and nostalgia figure into it. I don't know if this album can technically be considered "underrated" since the band has so few studio albums (only five as of writing this) but this album seems to be the most overlooked in their catalogue. Following the massive success of albums like August and Everything After and Recovering the Satellites it had a lot to live up to and I always get the feeling that fans tend to pass this one by for some reason. That's why I'm going to take up space here to celebrate it and proclaim how beautiful it really is.

This album was released in November of 1999 but it wasn't until the summer of 2000 that I finally got around to purchasing it. At the time I didn't know much about the band but I liked the few songs I had heard from them and something about this album just intrigued me: the bizarre cover art, the song titles, and the fact that they labeled the CD with Side 1 and Side 2, a throwback to old vinyl albums. It was strange and old-fashioned but that's what I liked (and still like) about it. In a day and age of floundering record sales and people cherry-picking digital downloads it's refreshing to see a band still committed to the album as a complete and intimate experience. This Desert Life was ahead of the curve in that department and I remember buying it while on vacation in Wisconsin. The first time I listened to it I was instantly hooked and it's been a personal album for me ever since.

Frontman Adam Duritz once again wears his heart on his sleeve and uses the band's tight yet delicate melodies to weave a canvas of personal pain and introspection. It's what he does best and his songwriting has never been anything less than direct and open. The opener "Hanginaround" was a big hit and probably the most popular song from the album. It's fun and upbeat and helps give the album some levity early on. Similarly, the album's closer "St. Robinson in His Cadillac Dream" is also poppy and more on the lighter side. There's also a hidden track called "Kid Things", which is upbeat and really surprises you when you discover it. This works well because everything in the middle of the album is much darker and feels much more personal.

Many of these songs pick up right where Recovering the Satellites left off, with Adam dealing with the stress and loneliness that fame and success can bring. "Colorblind", a gentle piano ballad, hints at this with lines like, "I am covered in skin/No one gets to come in/Pull me out from inside/I am folded and unfolded and unfolding/I am colorblind/Coffee black and egg white/Pull me out from inside/I am ready, I am ready, I am ready/I am fine". "All My Friends" also tackles some of these struggles, with Adam wondering where all of his friends have gone and why they never seem to stick around. This isn't necessarily new territory for the band but Adam has always managed to write about personal struggles without coming off as pretentious or whiny. You can feel for the guy and at the same time it's easy to see yourself in the songs and soon you realize that he's not just telling his story but also yours as well.

The album finds a pace by shifting from more uptempo numbers to slower and more quiet pieces. "Four Days" and "I Wish I Was a Girl" keep things moving while still retaining the lyrical finesse and heart of the slower songs. The latter song is particularly memorable for the disturbing line, "I'm going down to Hollywood/They're gonna make a movie from the things that they find crawling around my brain". The classic ballads are also here in full form. "Amy Hit the Atmosphere" is one of the best, a gentle piano-driven ballad that gradually builds until the very end while telling a sad story at the same time. "Speedway" has always been one of my favorite songs, mostly because the lyrics always seem to hit me, especially in the bridge: "And all this time the bottom line is you don't know how much I feel/You say you see me/But I don't agree, you don't know/You don't know how I feel/I'm just trying to get myself some gravity/You're just trying to get me to stay". I can't explain why this song resonates with me so much but that's the beauty of music sometimes: you don't have to explain or even understand it. You just have to be open and allow it inside you.

"High Life" is a beautiful number and a centerpiece on the album where Adam laments about the price of fame, loneliness, love, and everything in-between. It's an incredible ride, complete with orchestral touches and plenty of great atmospheric moments from the rest of the band. However, it's "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" that steals the show and happens to be my favorite Counting Crows song. This was the song that totally sucked me into the record and the very first time I heard it I instantly knew it was something special. It's an epic and emotional ride that never lets up for even a second during it's nearly eight minute duration. It chugs along at a furious pace and Adam shows off some of his finest lyrics here. It's one heck of a ride and well worth seeking out if you've never heard it before. I really can't say enough great things about it.

This record still brings back fond memories for me. I can still remember listening to it while driving through the dark Wisconsin countryside at four in the morning. I was mesmerized by it and over a decade later it's still important to me. It was one of the first records I can remember feeling that kind of attachment to and those are treasures that are rare but well worth finding. This Desert Life is a somber and complex ride that is certainly worth jumping on. Don't miss it.

Book Review: Exploration Fawcett

2011-04-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett disappeared in the jungles of South America back in 1925. A seasoned adventurer, Fawcett made numerous trips deep into the Amazon and surrounding areas from 1906 right up until his mysterious disappearance. He mapped much of the region and explored it fervently, helping to survey and note corners of the map that had previously been left blank. His passion for adventure, his fair and kind treatment of the local natives, and his unmatched strength and endurance make it all the more puzzling how he could have vanished without a trace during an expedition to find Z, a lost city he believed to exist in the jungles of Brazil. To this day his remains have never been recovered and various reports and rumors continue to circulate about how he (along with his son Jack and Jack's friend) ended up and what really happened.

Author David Grann explored this history in The Lost City of Z a few years ago and it's a great companion piece to Exploration Fawcett, an autobiographical account of Fawcett's adventures compiled from his journals, manuscripts, letters, and notes by his other son, Brian. It's a thrilling, interesting, humorous, and ultimately haunting account of his adventures from 1906 right up until his disappearance. Hearing the man's story and tales in his own words is fascinating and will no doubt entertain history buffs and adventure lovers like myself. This guy was the real deal and endured hardships and trials that most of us can only dream of.

Perhaps what I enjoyed most about this book is that, despite Fawcett being a hero of mine, he was also a real person who made mistakes, had quite an ego, could be a real taskmaster at times, and held some views and beliefs that I simply didn't see any sense or value in. He was human and that's what makes his tale so interesting. Obviously his notes are not heavy on self-examination or admittance of mistakes but he seemed to have a genuine heart for adventure and for people, at times even abandoning or canceling an entire expedition to ensure that someone in his party got medical treatment or the supplies they needed. His dedication and love for his wife and family (neither of which he saw much of during those busy years) was impressive and their support for him was equally fascinating to read about. His wife in particular was one of his biggest champions and encouragers.

Fawcett's writing style is very descriptive without bordering on overkill and it flows effortlessly from one adventure to the next. There's also a surprising amount of humor here. Fawcett met and traveled with some interesting characters throughout his life and some of the things he witnessed will undoubtably bring a smile to your face or make you cringe, sometimes both in the same sentence. He could be a stubborn and hard man at times but he also appeared to have a good sense of humor and optimism that peppers his writing with a vitality and ease that draws you in and makes you want to stay. Every chapter is unique and it would take paragraph upon paragraph to describe all of the freaky, amazing, and downright bizarre things he experienced. They include attacks from local tribes, extreme storms and temperatures, starvation, giants spiders and bugs of every kind, violent outposts, and even some paranormal and other-worldly encounters that you'll have to decide on for yourself. You have to read it to fully appreciate it all.

One criticism I do have is that Fawcett's writings end in a pretty boring fashion. The last few chapters are dedicated to his fascination with the supposed existence of Z and he goes into a long history about the origins of the people there and how the race may have come to exist and survive. It's tedious to read through and totally anticlimactic after all of the great stories that come before it. Fortunately Brian writes a couple chapters in the epilogue that detail the search for his father and all of the different theories floating around about his death. They're tinged with both sadness and reflection and thankfully bring the book to a dramatic closing that leaves the reader feeling more satisfied than the history chapters.

Exploration Fawecett still remains one of the greatest autobiographies of its kind and firmly held my interest the entire time. We may never know what really happened to him and his party but the writings and legacy he left behind will last for a lifetime. I can't recommend it enough.

What Is the Light?-My Journey to Find the True "Soft Bulletin"

2011-04-01T21:49:00.001-07:00

If I had to make a list of my top five favorite albums of all time, The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips would easily be in it. It's a masterpiece of epic proportions: daring, sprawling, heartfelt, and operatic. It's their finest hour and has been praised by fans and critics ever since it was released in 1999. It's a record that truly lives up to the hype and it officially cemented the band as one of the most original and brilliant groups out there. The fact that they hail from my home state of Oklahoma is something I take great pride in.

However, this isn't a history lesson or even an album review. They're a great band that everyone should look into and this album deserves a spot on the shelf of any serious music connoisseur. What I wanted to share instead is my strange journey to figure out what this album really is and why The Soft Bulletin that is widely available doesn't exactly give you the entire picture---or the entire album for that matter.

What I didn't realize at first is that the album has a different tracklist depending on where you are, with the U.S. and European/Australian versions differing. The recently released vinyl version mixes things up a bit more and the re-release of the album in 5.1 surround sound seems to be considered the preferred version of the album that the band originally intended to release. After reading about this I began to wonder: could I have been listening to a different album all this time? As it turns out, in many ways I was.

Please don't get me wrong: The Soft Bulletin is flawless no matter which version you have. A simple shuffling of the tracks can't diminish their greatness. Still, I'm an old-fashioned "listen to an album from start to finish" kind of guy and with a record as important and special to me as this one I wanted the version that the band intended to release. With three different CD versions and the vinyl edition, it can get a bit confusing. After purchasing the 5.1 CD/DVD version (which appears to be the final one) I'm happy to say that it's like listening to the album again for the first time, because in some ways I am.

The CD version that's widely available here in the U.S. features most of the tracks, with the exception of "Slow Motion", which is available on the U.K. and Australian version. However, they don't have "The Spiderbite Song", which the U.S. has. So essentially each country is missing a track that the other has. The typical U.S. CD looks like this:

1. Race for the Prize (remix)

2. A Spoonful Weighs a Ton

3. The Spark That Bled

4. The Spiderbite Song

5. Buggin' (remix)

6. What Is the Light?

7. The Observer

8. Waitin' for a Superman

9. Suddenly Everything Has Changed

10 The Gash

11. Feeling Yourself Disintegrate

12. Sleeping on the Roof

13. Race for the Prize

14. Waitin' for a Superman (remix)

One thing that's immediately apparent are the remixes. Back when the album was first released there was pressure from the record company for more commercial music, hence why several songs were remixed. That's okay for radio play but why they were left on the album, not to mention mixed in to take the place of the original tracks (like "Race for the Prize") makes no sense and really disrupts the flow of the album. Except for "Buggin'" (which sounds much different and is actually a great remix) the others are pointless and hardly distinguishable from the original tracks. The U.K. and Australian release shakes things up even more:

1. Race for the Prize

2. A Spoonful Weighs a Ton

3. The Spark That Bled

4. Slow Motion

5. What Is the Light?

6. The Observer

7. Waitin' for a Superman

8. Suddenly Everything Has Changed

9. The Gash

10. Feeling Yourself Disintegrate

11. Sleeping on the Roof

12. Race for the Prize (remix)

13. Waitin' for a Superman (remix)

14. Buggin' (remix)

This edition is a bit closer to what the band intended but it's not quite complete. It's nice to have the remixes left at the end but it's still not quite right. Similarly, the vinyl version is a bit different too but that's harder to come by so I won't delve into it here. As you can see, trying to figure out which version to get is frustrating and I never could tell which one was definitive. Again, the album is perfect no matter how it's laid out but as a diehard fan I wanted this special album to be the one the band originally wanted to release but couldn't back in 1999. Thankfully I found the answer in the 5.1 CD/DVD mix that was released back in 2006. I didn't pay much attention to this version until I read that this was the version the band prefers and that it included all 13 original songs and no remixes. Here's how this version, the final and approved one, is laid out:

1. Race for the Prize

2. A Spoonful Weighs a Ton

3. The Spark That Bled

4. Slow Motion

5. What Is the Light?

6. The Observer

7. Waitin' for a Superman

8. Suddenly Everything Has Changed

9. The Gash

10. Feeling Yourself Disintegrate

11. Sleeping on the Roof

12. The Spiderbite Song

13. Buggin'

It's like listening to a completely different album. The remixes are gone, "Slow Motion" is finally on this edition and the running order has been corrected. In fact, the original version of "Buggin'" is vastly different from the remix and it takes some getting used to because the remix is one of my favorites. Again, who knew that one of my favorite Flaming Lips songs was a remix? It's things like this that make me mad at record companies. They tend to muck up releases and hide listeners from what the artist originally created, meaning you can listen to something for years and never know that it's unfinished or different from the original. The new version is great and surprising.

At first it blew my mind: all these years I was listening to the album and yet it wasn't quite complete. Most people wouldn't care too much but when a record means this much to me I want it just the way the band intended for it to be and thankfully it's here, remastered, resequenced, and complete. I still have the original U.S. CD and the vinyl version because this is one of those albums where you can't own too many copies and it's fun to have the different versions. However, the 5.1 release is the one I'm listening to from now on. It's just beautiful.

No matter how you hear it, The Soft Bulletin is one of the best albums ever made. I recommend checking it out in any format, especially if you're not picky or can't find the 5.1 release. It's been a bizarre journey and finding the proper version of this record has been interesting to say the least. However, as I sit here listening to the album The Flaming Lips meant to release I feel at peace. It's still one of my favorites and now I'm getting to take the journey all over again. When the music is this good it makes it all worth it. Race for the prize indeed.

Random Tribute Time: The Maltese Falcon

2011-03-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

"It's the stuff that dreams are made of." With that closing line, Humphrey Bogart ends the penultimate hard-boiled detective story. Not only is Dashiell Hammett's novel a literary classic but the 1941 film is one of the best of all time. It's flawless in execution and direction and sucks you in and doesn't let up for even a minute. It's a classic and one of my favorites. I just wanted to take a few paragraphs to pay tribute to this masterpiece and everything that it represents.

I don't want to write too much because otherwise I could go on forever. The first time I saw this film I wasn't really impressed. In fact, I think I fell asleep. However, I was in school and the film class was after lunchtime, so a low circadian rhythm and a full stomach probably didn't help. I was still fairly ignorant of the classics at that point but I remembered the film and after watching it again a few years later it clicked with me and instantly became one of my favorites. I love the novel and the film is a great adaptation, taking nearly everything from the novel (even much of the dialogue is taken straight from the book) and bringing it to life respectfully and maturely. This is the way book-to-film adaptations should be done and it's worth reading if you get a chance. This version is actually the third incarnation of the film: it was made in different versions before but this is the one that finally got it all right and thankfully Hollywood has been smart enough to leave it alone and let it take its rightful place as a true classic.

The cast is brilliant. Humphrey Bogart plays Sam Spade so perfectly that I can't imagine anyone else ever being able to do better. He's my favorite actor and roles like this are the reason why. He knew his stuff and every man on the planet should want to be him, both for his toughness and honesty. The rest of the cast is no less impressive: Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, and Gladys George all fill their roles above and beyond the call of duty. Each character has their own traits and personality that make them both interesting and believable. Watching their paths cross and trying to guess what will happen next is part of the fun. Spade is in the middle of all the madness and yet manages to work it all to his advantage and to see that justice is done. He's in over his head and yet somehow you just know he's going to come out on top, even if it costs him.

Director John Huston deserves a lot of the credit here. His attention to detail and the masterful cinematography of Arthur Edeson keeps everything moving smoothly. I love all the subtle images and shots that are thrown in. Every time I watch this film I catch some small touch or minor detail that enhances the viewing experience. Subtext and metaphoric images abound and they take the film to a much deeper place that isn't immediately apparent while you're watching it. Every time I watch I feel like I'm seeing it again for the first time because there's always something new to spot.

I won't get into the twisted plot here because I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it. It's great fun to watch it all unfold and the last ten minutes are thrilling as we watch Spade pull it all together and wrap everything up. He's rough around the edges but in the end we get to see him do the right thing and it's satisfying and shocking at the same time. It's tough and edgy and smart and the first real example of what film noir should be. I love this genre and this is the film that started it all.

I won't say any more because I'll just start repeating myself and honestly I don't think words can do this film justice. It's perfect in every respect and required viewing for anyone interesed in film. In a day and age where special effects, hollow characters, and annoying camerawork are the norm The Maltese Falcon is a great reminder of what makes a truly great film. See it.

Filling This Space...Because I Can

2011-03-26T23:04:00.001-07:00

I haven't updated in a while. I've been busy....and distracted.

Dream Beneath a Desert Sky: The Joshua Tree 24 Years Later

2011-03-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

I can still remember that night shortly after Christmas of 2001. I wasn't feeling well due to eating too much chocolate (that's another story for another time) and decided to lie down and find something to do. I had received a bunch of new records for Christmas and was in the process of going through all of them. However, U2's The Joshua Tree was one of the few I hadn't gotten around to hearing yet and now seemed like a perfectly good time to delve into it. I had no way of knowing that that night would be a defining musical moment in my life that would drastically change everything I believed and knew about music.

I was only a little over a year old when The Joshua Tree was released on March 9, 1987. U2's popularity had been growing and previous albums like War and The Unforgettable Fire had turned the band into international successes. The Joshua Tree turned them into the biggest band on the planet and ever since they've managed to retain that title through tireless work and constant innovation and reinvention. Every U2 album is special to me and each one has played an important part in my life; however, The Joshua Tree still remains not just my favorite U2 album but also my favorite album of all-time. I had always been aware of U2 but they had always been under my radar and once I finally decided to add this album to my Christmas list at the last moment in 2001 I finally realized why this band is so beloved and popular. I'm not going to get into the history behind the album or anything like that. This is just my personal opinion and my experience with the band and album that forever changed (and in many ways saved) my life.

I love music that's able to paint a picture and whisk you away into another world. U2 has always been good at this and The Joshua Tree is a perfect example. The desert imagery is everywhere, from the album title and photos to the lyrics and instrumentation. You can feel the desert wind, see the storm clouds rolling over the sandy plains and see the dry and dusty landscape from the dunes and towering mountains. The band embraced American roots and blues music and mixed it into their signature sound to create a dense and intimate sound that draws you in right from the beginning. There's nothing like driving through the open country of America while listening to this album. It really gives you the full experience and draws you into another time and another world where you're completely free. It's surreal and well worth the effort if you've never tried it.

I can't think of a better opening to an album than "Where the Streets Have No Name". It's my favorite song and probably as close to heaven as we can get on this earth. The slow fade-in of the organ as The Edge's shimmering guitar kicks in is so moving and wonderfully done. Bono doesn't even sing until nearly two minutes in and instead lets the rest of the band come in and drive the song as it continues to build. Anyone who's seen the band live can tell you what an amazing and exhilarating experience this song is in concert. It's the climax of every show and everyone waits for the moment when the red lights come up and The Edge's gentle notes kick in. Bono has even said that it's the one song they play at every single show simply because of the reaction it gets and I certainly can't disagree. I've seen the band three time and "Streets" was a highlight every single time. In Atlanta the crowd was so energetic and loud that the band couldn't even play the next song for several minutes until the cheering died down. It's a big and personal worship experience and I only wish that church could feel that authentic and honest. You have to see it to believe it .

"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and "With or Without You" follow and they make up what could quite possibly be the best three song opening to any album in existence. The former song has always been one of my favorites; some see it as a crisis of faith but it's really about the feeling that we'll never be satisfied in this life. There's always something we're missing or one thing left to do that forces us to keep running. The song isn't about losing faith but rather about understanding that faith doesn't give us everything we want or every answer we crave. It's smart and extremely insightful and one of the first U2 songs I can remember liking and feeling a connection to. "With or Without You" is the mother of all love-torn songs, a desperate yet beautiful journey through a wide range of tortured emotions. I think it's a great reminder that sometimes simplicity works best, a notion that U2 has always been privy to. They're all amazing musicians but they realize that sometimes a few chords and a simple beat say more than blistering solos and complicated rhythms and this song proves that point beyond a doubt.

Those three big hits are known to everyone but the album doesn't stop there. Every other track on the record, while maybe not as well known to causal fans, is something to hear and experience. "Bullet the Blue Sky" is one of the band's best political songs and it burns with a passion and anger that totally takes you by surprise. From the pounding of Larry's drums and Adam Clayton's simple yet mesmerizing bass-line it packs a bunch and culminates in one of Edge's most powerful solos, a cacophony of screeches and wails that occurred after Bono asked him to "Put El Salvador through an amplifier". It's anger and frustration at the American military's involvement in the 1980s during the El Salvador Civil War helps play on the album's American themes: it's a land of many flaws yet one still worth seeing. The album has moments where it may question America but never doubts or dismisses it and considering that the band has always loved America it doesn't feel cheap or mean-spirited. "Running to Stand Still" is one of the hidden gems on the album, a devastating look at the heroin addiction that was sweeping across Dublin in the 1980s. The gentle piano and acoustic guitar sounds are just barely audible over Bono's gentle voice until the end where Bono's harmonica quietly fades out with the song. It's beautiful and has always been a personal favorite of mine, both for it's musical and lyrical finesse.

"Red Hill Mining Town" focuses on the various mining strikes of the 1980s but never actually references a particular incident. Instead it uses these headlines to form a more open-ended story about the trials and difficulties of working in a mine and we hear all of this through the eyes of one of the workers, who in the chorus can only say "I'm hanging on/You're all that's left to hold on to". It's a fantastic song and has long been a fan favorite. "In God's Country" is a more up-tempo track that looks at the promises that America offers to foreigners, using the Statue of Liberty as an icon with the lines "She is liberty/And she comes to rescue me/Hope, faith, her vanity/The greatest gift is gold/Sleep comes like a drug in God's country/Sad eyes and crooked crosses in God's country". It's a cautious yet optimistic warning that America offers a wide variety of opportunities, both good and bad.

The album continues with "Trip Through Your Wires". This is easily the most fun and laid-back song on the album. Every member gets a chance to shine here and Bono gets to show off some impressive harmonica skills once again. The song stands as a solid reminder of how well U2 truly grasped American music, a concept they would take even further on the their next record, Rattle and Hum. "One Tree Hill" is about Bono's personal assistant and close friend, Greg Carroll, who died in a motorcycle accident in 1986. It's a touching song and one of the band's best overlooked efforts. "Exit" is the heaviest and darkest song on the album, beginning quietly until the thundering conclusion where crashing drums erupt in fury. The meaning of this song always seems to change for me: sometimes I think it's about a killer, sometimes about someone driven crazy by a love they can't have and other times they're driven mad by love itself. It's a twisted tale and Bono leaves just enough vagueness in the lyrics that you have to decide for yourself. The gentle closer "Mothers of the Disappeared" is both haunting and epic, a tribute to the mothers whose children had disappeared or been taken by Argentinean and Chilean governments, something Bono had heard about firsthand while working in South America as a volunteer. Despite the American themes of the album it's really the time that Bono and his wife spent helping in South America that influences this album and runs through it.

The Joshua Tree is beautiful, epic, and absolutely stunning. Every note, every word, every tiny instrumental touch means something and has its own story. Survival and perseverance are two of the biggest themes running throughout the album. Even the Joshua Tree itself is iconic, a lone tree that's able to survive in the harshest of environments. Every U2 album has its own themes and sounds running through it and this album is the one that started it all for me. I feel a spiritual connection to this album, almost like a part of me wouldn't exist if this album didn't and it's hard to imagine I would feel the way I do about life and music if this record, as well as this band, didn't exist. It's hard to put into words but this album just touched me in such a dramatic way that it changed everything for me: musically, spiritually, and mentally.

The real Joshua Tree was struck by lightening and toppled over in 2000. However, that hasn't stopped countless fans from journeying out in the California desert to pay tribute to it. Countless records, plaques, monuments, letters, and trinkets have been left at the site and one day I would love to travel there just to experience it for myself. At the end of the day that's what The Joshua Tree is: a journey. It's one I've taken hundreds of times and one I plan to take again and again. If you don't own this album you should and if you haven't heard it then do yourself a favor and just get it and experience it for yourself. It'll take your mind and spirit to a place where the streets have no name and until I meet my Maker there I'm happy to dream about it in the meantime.

I Can't Stop Looking at the Stars

2011-03-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

The recent last voyage of the space shuttle Discovery has caused me to think about space and how much I love it. The stars, the constellations, the colors, the vastness, and the endless possibilities. With all the sheer craziness going on in the world this story has been pushed to the back page but the wonders and interest of space have always been front and center for me, so I'm going to use this brief space (no pun intended) to gas on about why I love space.

To be honest, I can't remember where my love for space originated from. I think it has always been a part of me, just one that I never really took much interest in until I began to get older. From having a telescope as a kid (which never really worked as well as it should have) to watching programs and reading books on space as an adult, I find that the older I get the more entrenched the universe is within my mind. I can't explain it but just looking up at the night sky is an adventure in itself: picking out constellations, looking for planets, and trying to measure where all those different stars reside and wondering how many light-years it would take to reach them. Sure, it's nerdy and probably pointless but that doesn't stop my curiosity from kicking in anyway.

It should come as no surprise that science fiction is one of my favorite genres. From film and television to books and video games it's the perfect mix of fact and fiction and it helps indulge my sense of wanderlust at the universe around me. Still, despite these fantastic stories there's nothing that compares with the work and sacrifices of real-life astronauts and astronomers. People who spend all day arguing about Star Trek or obsessing about costumes in Star Wars are missing the point. Those franchises definitely had plenty of fantasy and unrealistic elements but they also contained a sense of adventure and inspiration that translates into the real world. They spark our imagination and should inspire us to explore the universe around us and all the amazing things that happen within it.

The universe is one of the biggest reasons why I believe so fervently in God. The way it's designed and laid out is beautiful and perfect. Only a gifted artist with a brilliant mind and loving heart could paint our galaxy the way it is and lay it out so perfectly. Check out these interesting facts:

*Our Galaxy (The Milky Way) is spinning at a rate of 225 kilometers per second. In addition, the galaxy is travelling through space at the rate of 305 kilometers per second. This means that we are traveling at a total speed of 530 kilometers (330 miles) per second. That means that in one minute you are about 19 thousand kilometers away from where you were.

*If two pieces of metal touch in space they become permanently stuck together. Its called Cold Welding.

*There are four types of galaxies: spiral, lenticular, elliptical, and irregular.

*Saturn’s rings are made up of particles of ice, dust and rock. Some particles are as small as grains of sand while others are much larger than skyscrapers.

*A piece of a neutron star the size of a pin point would way 1 million tons.

*The Moon is moving away from the Earth at about 34 centimeters per year.

*The typical size of a meteor is about one cubic centimeter, which is equivalent to the size of a sugar cube.

The more you delve into the sheer size and diversity of our universe the more fascinating it becomes. I won't go on about it anymore but simply put: I love everything about space. I know I'll never go there or be able to explore it for myself but that doesn't keep me from looking up at the night sky and dreaming about it anyway.

Underrated Record Club #4-Radiohead's Amnesiac

2011-02-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking: how can anything of Radiohead's be underrated? After all, they're one of the most critically acclaimed groups in history and have had a huge following for over 15 years. People love this band and I'm certainly one of them. I think they're brilliant and they're one of my favorite bands. I also agree that the majority of their output has been stellar and worthy of the praise it gets. However, even a great band has some works that tend to fall between the cracks and get overlooked. This is where Amnesiac, the band's fifth album, comes in. I've always liked this record and I think most fans do as well; it just has a lot to live up to, especially considering that it followed masterpieces like The Bends, OK Computer, and Kid A.

To be fair, the band's debut album Pablo Honey is their most maligned, mostly because it sounds so different and far removed from the band that Radiohead would eventually morph into. It's a decent record with some enjoyable songs but, in my humble opinion, it pales in comparison to everything the band has done since. Most fans and critics (and even the band members themselves) seem to agree on that so I'm only focusing on their work from The Bends on up.

Most of the songs on Amnesiac were written and recorded at the same time as those on Kid A, causing the band to decide to release two separate albums. Kid A came out in 2000 while Amnesiac appeared the following year. Both albums were major departures for the band and definitely left a lot of people scratching their heads. Kid A has always been the more popular of the two and I have to admit that it's the superior album. That being said, Amnesiac isn't just an album of leftovers or second-rate tracks but rather a companion piece that takes the questions and uncertainty of the first record and builds upon them. It's a more challenging and wild record but no less exciting and worthwhile for those with the patience to delve into it.

The album opens with "Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Box". Just the title and spelling alone let you know that this will be another musical detour. It's opening rhythms and synthetic sound seem to pick up right where Kid A left off, where frontman Thom Yorke wastes no time in singing, "Get off my case, get off my case". "Pyramid Song" is a highlight on the album, which its gentle piano that slowly builds as each band member comes in to eventually give the song a more traditional structure and shape. It also features some of the best lyrics and imagery on the album: "I jumped in the river and what did I see?/Black-eyed angels swam withe me/A moon full of stars and astral cars/And all the figures I used to see/All my lovers were there with me/All my past and futures/And we all went to heaven in a little rowboat/There was nothing to fear, nothing to doubt".

The album continues to explore electronic sounds and beats with "Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors". The sounds and textures the band uses here are real ear candy and Yorke's robotic voice floats effortlessly over the top of it. Audiophiles will have a lot of fun trying to pick apart the various sounds going on and the entire album is full of these wonderful moments. In terms of sounds and instrumentation this album may be Radiohead's most diverse and layered to date. "I Might Be Wrong" and "Knives Out" are two of the most popular cuts from the album. They have a bit more of a traditional sound but there are also enough small instrumental and electronic touches thrown in that they never become too predictable or familiar. The drums and guitar work are great to hear, especially because they really get so little time here and are often relegated to the background on a majority of the songs. "You and Whose Army?" features a simple arrangement at first but Yorke's distinctive voice manages to keep your attention and pull the song along in a chilling fashion until the rest of the band comes in and flushes it out into a beautiful finale.

"Morning Bell/Amnesiac" takes the song "Morning Bell" from Kid A and adds a new arrangement to it, giving us two completely different takes on the song depending on which album you're listening to. I'm still undecided about which version I like better but it's neat to see it make another appearance here. "Hunting Bears" is a brief two minute instrumental that's not terribly memorable but isn't bad either. I just see it as another sign of the band willing to explore and do the unexpected, which is why so many of us love them in the first place.

The song "Like Spinning Plates" is interesting because, to be perfectly honest, I really can't find the right words to describe it. I love it and the "swooshing" background to it but I'm at a loss as how to translate that into words so just listen to it and decide for yourself. "Dollars & Cents" is another track that sounds more familiar while the closer "Life in a Glass House" is amazing. It features a jazz arrangement and it still remains one of my favorites on the record. It's use of horns and jazz influences is impressive and really ends the album in style. That's what this era of Radiohead did best: incorporating jazz, electronic music, classical elements, and subtle rock into one massive package. They seem like an unlikely pairing but this album, as well as it's predecessor, are a great example of how anything is possible in the right hands and under the right circumstances.

A lot of people seem to think this album is just leftovers from Kid A when really it couldn't be further from the truth. These songs are definitely more wild and some of them lack the precise structure that so many of Kid A's tracks had. However, that in no way makes them inferior or throwaways. It's a challenging listen and if you're new to the band then this is certainly not the best place to start. It's a wild ride and one that I enjoy taking time and time again. When compared to most of their other records it may not place near the top but it's still a wonderful and important piece of their discography that deserves more credit and appreciation than it gets. It's not the kind of album that will suck in new listeners or get commercial airplay but Radiohead has never cared about that anyway. They make music for the sake of art and Amnesiac is a prime example of that. It's messy and confusing and dissonant at times but the more you look into it the more beauty and potential shine through. Be sure to give this one a shot and make up your own mind. It's worth it.

10 Best U2 Songs You May Not Have Heard

2011-02-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows the hits: Beautiful Day, With or Without You, Vertigo, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Pride (In the Name of Love), One, Staring at the Sun, Gloria. The list is endless and any casual listener of U2 can name most of their hits and well-known songs. However, there's an entire catalogue of amazing music that the casual listener is missing out on. The hits are well-deserved and the albums themselves are chock full of wonderful and inventive music that shouldn't be missed. As a diehard fan I wanted to take a look at ten of my favorite U2 songs that aren't on an album or are unknown to a mainstream audience: b-sides (remember those?), unreleased tracks, and exclusives that only obsessive fans and collectors can find, although some of these are easier to get than others and most of them are readily available on YouTube. Some of these have also been released with the deluxe edition remasters of their earlier albums so be sure to pick those up if you get a chance. They sound great!

10. Every Breaking Wave (outtake from No Line on the Horizon): Any fan will tell you that even the songs that don't make their way onto an album are well worth hearing and Every Breaking Wave is a perfect example of this. It's been performed a few times on the U2360 Tour but has yet to receive an official release. It's simple and features some beautiful guitar work from The Edge. Hopefully this one will make its way onto a future album because it's too good to leave on the shelf.

9. A Celebration (single released between October and War): Released as a stand-alone single in 1982, this song has a great energy and a zest that's undeniably U2. I love Bono's lyrics, especially the line, "“I believe in a third World War/I believe in the atomic bomb/I believe in the powers that be/But they won’t overpower me”. You can find this track on the deluxe remaster of October.

8. Angels Too Tied to the Ground (outtake from War): Until the recent remaster of War I don't think even hardcore fans knew about this one. Thankfully the band managed to find it and share it with us, which is great because it's fantastic and a real lost gem. The subtle piano playing is great and Bono really gets a chance to let his voice shine here. I can understand why it was left off the album, mostly due to being a bit too lite stylistically compared to the heavier material on the album, but thankfully it's now available and should be checked out by any U2 fan.

7. Fast Cars (released on the special edition of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb): Recorded at the last minute, Fast Cars has a distinctly acoustic and Middle Eastern influence that's pure fun and sounds unlike anything else the band has done. Originally it was called Xanax and Wine and featured more of a rock arrangement. Both versions are great so just be sure to look into both because it's an excellent track and a lot of fun too.

6. Bass Trap (b-side to The Unforgettable Fire): U2 instrumentals don't happen too often but when they do they're amazing and Bass Trap is one of the best. It's fast-paced and hypnotic, plus it features some great piano playing from The Edge.

5. Winter (outtake from No Line on the Horizon): An acoustic version of this appeared in the film "Brothers" but the original is my favorite and I'm still puzzled why this didn't make it onto the album. It's a soaring and epic number that builds and finds each band member in top form. It's truly incredible and one of the best U2 songs to never make it onto a release (unless you count the mini-movie "Linear" that came with the deluxe version of the album).

4. Spanish Eyes (b-side to I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For): This track is a fan-favorite and definitely one of mine as well. It's fun and upbeat and a great reminder of how well U2 do romantic songs. This one is well worth your time and if you're extremely lucky you may even catch a rare performance of it at one of their shows.

3. Disappearing Act (outtake from The Unforgettable Fire): This track was worked on for the album and then never finished. Over 20 years later Bono and The Edge found it and decided to put the finishing touches on it and the result is incredible. It's classic U2 with Bono's stunning lyrics and voice backed up by the band. It's remarkable and has quickly become a favorite of mine. Be sure to hear it for yoursef.

2. A Room at the Heartbreak Hotel (b-side to Angel of Harlem): I love this song and it's probably my favorite of their b-sides. It has a gospel flavor and would have fit in nicely with the other tracks on Rattle and Hum. I can't say enough great things about it other than it's excellent in every way and a powerhouse of a song.

1. Mercy (Wide Awake in Europe EP): This is it: the mother of all unknown U2 songs. Ask any diehard fan about Mercy and chances are they'll rave about it all night. It was originally recorded for How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and was then left off the album at the last moment. Except for an (I assume) unfinished version floating around the internet the song never saw the light of day until last summer, when the band began playing it on tour to the delight of fans everywhere. A performance of it ended up on Wide Awake in Europe, a vinyl-only release that came out last year and was limited to about 5,000 pressings. The live version sounds more finished and has an addition of piano and some different lyrics. It's certainly amazing but the original version is my favorite, mainly because it's 6 1/2 minutes of everything that makes U2 great: intricate guitar work, deep lyrics, thumping bass, pounding drums, and a soaring chorus. It builds and builds and eventually explodes, making you want to take the ride all over again. The newer version is awesome too and I recommend searching for both because they're each great for different reasons. This is the best U2 you may not have heard...and you really need to.

Random Tribute Time! The Lone Gunmen TV Show

2011-01-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

Anyone who's a fan of The X-Files will tell you two things: the series was amazing and any episode that featured The Lone Gunmen was something to get excited about. The trio of geeky conspiracy-theorists were allies to Mulder and Scully in numerous episodes and their quirky manner and small underground newspaper were endearing and extremely fun. They always seemed to know about some government test or invention that was doing harm to the American public without anyone knowing it and you couldn't help but wonder how they knew all this stuff. Their short-lived spinoff delves into that and it's a fantastic show that deserved more than it got.

Usually spin-offs are lame and can't match the heights of the original source material. It's true that The Lone Gunmen program couldn't live up to The X-Files but it wasn't meant to. The two are VERY different in tone and characterization and you certainly don't have be an X-Files fan to appreciate or even enjoy watching The Lone Gunmen. However, it does help to watch The X-Files episode "Unusual Suspects" (from the fifth season) first because it's a brilliant episode and shows how these three characters met and how Mulder knew of their existence. It's hilarious and really helps you to understand the characters better. Their spin-off worked because the three Gunmen are distinct and interesting characters who you can't help but root for in any situation they're in. The show only lasted one season but the 13 episodes it contained are well worth your time if you're looking for something different.

Comprised of former-FCC officer John Fitzherald Byers (named after JFK, naturally), tango dancer and pirated electronics expert Melvin Frohike and hacker extraordinaire Richard Langly, The Lone Gunmen published a self-written newspaper of the same name and were committed to exposing government cover-ups and conspiracies against the American people. It's no wonder that they became such good friends with Fox Mulder, since their missions were largely one and the same. Each character has their own distinct personality: Byers is the hopeful and calm voice of reason, Frohike is the man of action and the first to jump into any situation, and Langly is the punk rock-loving geek who prefers to work behind a computer monitor. These traits were immediately apparent in The X-Files and they're even more fleshed out in the spin-off. We really get to know and love these characters on a whole new level simply because they're now the stars and get the most screen-time. While some spin-offs tend to overplay or wear out minor characters, The Lone Gunmen show only enhanced these guys and have them a life outside of The X-Files. It allowed viewers to really see what they did for a living and it's entertaining to say the least. The show is much lighter in tone than The X-Files and the physical and situational comedy is top-notch. You can't help but be in a good mood while watching it.

TLG aren't the only stars though. They're joined by Jimmy Bond, a goofy yet good-hearted sidekick who's allowed to work with them because he has the money to fund their newspaper. As the series progresses it becomes less about enduring his stupidity and more about a real bond that he forms with the team. By the end of the show he feels like a natural addition. They're pitted against sometimes-friend-sometimes-enemy Yves Adele Harlow, a femme-fatal who helps the gang while often playing them at the same time. Her character is definitely interesting and with each episode we seem to know more about her without really ever seeing what she's up to. It's a quirky and entertaining cast and the actors truly deserve credit for their chemistry and believability. They truly seem to be having a great time and it's clear that they had fun making this and playing these roles, which only makes watching the show more fun. I won't spend time getting into the individual episodes because the surprise at the downright bizarre scenarios is part of the fun of watching it, especially for the first time. However, I will note that the pilot episode features a plot to crash an airplane into the World Trade Center. This episode came out in the spring of 2001 and it's extremely eerie to watch in light of what would happen just a few months later.

Even though the three Gunmen died as national heroes in The X-Files episode "Jump the Shark", their memory in the hearts of fans never dies. This show is so well done and entertaining that I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something fresh and different. It had great characters, sharp writing, inventive scenarios and more great music from composer Mark Snow. If you can hunt down the DVDs give them a try and remember: their kung-foo is better.

Where Is the Flying Car?

2011-01-16T23:21:00.000-08:00

I just have to wonder where the flying car is. Futuristic films have portrayed this mode of transportation for decades so why isn't it here? We have everything else: small gadgets and cameras, advanced security systems, quick travel and everything else so there's no excuse why science hasn't done this yet. It needs to happen.

Underrated Record Club #3-U2's Pop

2011-01-06T19:44:00.001-08:00

"It starts out at a party and ends with a funeral." This is the way Bono once described Pop, U2's ninth album. Released in the spring of 1997, it went on to sell more than 8 million copies worldwide and spawned the massive and daring PopMart Tour. Yet with all that success and fame it seems that fans, critics, and even the band members themselves have issues with this album. Out of every album in their catalogue this one seems to divide fans more than any other. Some find it brilliant and daring, a strong statement of the band's depth and willingness to experiment while others claim it's an unfinished and overblown album that didn't live up to it's potential. As a diehard U2 fan I've always loved this album and the approach the band took. Just because it "ends with a funeral" doesn't mean it isn't worth attending.

After the experimental and dark industrial sounds of Achtung Baby in 1991 U2 had proven themselves to be masters of reinvention and on the forefront of rock n' roll. 1993's Zooropa took an even more experimental approach by incorporating more electronic elements into the band's classic sound but both were met with commercial and critical success. That makes it all the more baffling why people didn't understand Pop. With it's techno furnishings and dance club vibes it pushed the band into even more exciting territory and if this album were released today it no doubt would be a hit. However, U2 have always been ahead of the trends and in 1997 many fans simply didn't know what to make of all this and instead of trusting the band and giving it a chance they simply dissed or ignored it. After hearing some negative things about it I couldn't believe my ears on the first listen: it was great and I wondered if they were hearing the same album I was.

"Discotheque" opens the record in a fun and upbeat style. The Edge plays a killer guitar groove that never lets up and the band really seems to be having a great time. The video is also one of the band's best and a great reminder of their sense of humor. If you haven't seen it go to YouTube and look it up. It's pure fun from start to finish. There are some other fun songs here: "Miami" seems to take a lot of heat from critics for it's sudo-rap style and funky grooves but it's fresh and very free, allowing Bono to really openly sing about the city and the various (and bizarre) experiences that the band has had there. "Do You Feel Loved" opens with some awesome drum sampling and electronic touches before Adam Clayton comes in with one of his most addictive and sick bass lines to date. It's a strong song that never gets much attention but it's a hidden gem that perfectly matches U2's famous sound with modern furnishings.

While the album is sprinkled with techno and dance sensibilities it's the song "Mofo" that best demonstrates these elements. From the opening drum samples and club sounds to Edge's simple but powerful guitar, it's a monster that couldn't be more different from the U2 of the 80's. However, the themes are the same. The loss of Bono's mother at a young age has been a source of lyrical inspiration throughout the band's career. "I Will Follow", "Tomorrow", and "Lemon" all cover this topic and it shows up again here in painstaking detail as Bono first sings about spiritual yearning ("Looking for to fill that God-shaped hole/Looking for baby Jesus under the trash") before focusing on his mother in one of his most endearing and heartfelt lines: "Mother, am I still your son?/You know I've waited for so long to hear you say so/Mother, you left and made me someone/Now I'm still a child but no one tells me no". One thing I love about this album is that the upbeat melodies and production disguise some dark and very personal themes. In fact, this is lyrically my favorite U2 album. Bono has always been a gifted and honest lyricist but here he goes all-out, covering everything from fame, consumer culture, love, materialism, the troubles in Northern Ireland and finally the search for God in a mad and cruel world. It's a lot to take in and I find myself blown away every time by the sheer volume and depth of what he covers here.

Bono also joked that the album should have been called "Shouting at God" and there's certainly some truth to that. The band's Christian faith has always been a focal point of their music but Jesus appears more on this album than any other. "If God Will Send His Angels" finds Bono looking at the world around him and wondering where God is in the mess: "Jesus never let me down/You know Jesus used to show me the score/Now they put Jesus in show-business/And it's hard to get in the door". One thing I love about the band is their honesty: they're not afraid to praise God in one song and question Him in the next. Some Christians may be uncomfortable with this but haven't we all been there, wondering where God is and why bad things happen to innocent people? Bono doesn't shy away from asking the tough questions and it all culminates in the closer "Wake Up Dead Man" were he pleads "Jesus, Jesus help me/I'm alone in this world/And a f**ked up world it is too/Tell me, tell me the story/The one about eternity and the way it's all gonna be". Pop isn't a denouncement of faith but rather a look at the questions and tough tests we all must face. The honesty and rawness of this album speaks volumes to me and has given me perspective and courage in my walk with Christ to ask questions and not be afraid to cry out in anger and sadness. Plenty of people in The Bible did it and U2 isn't afraid to do it either.

"Please" and "Staring at the Sun" are more politically-driven numbers about the wars in Ireland and why peace never seems to settle there. They're both great pieces of work and all four members get to shine in equal measures. "Last Night on Earth" is a rocker with a big kick and plenty of attitude, telling the story of a girl who seems anxious to cram everything she can into her life and living each day to the fullest. The chorus of "You gotta give it away!" is both catchy and could easily be a reference to both material possessions and selfishness. "Gone" is my favorite cut here and Edge's guitar work once again goes above and beyond. It's epic and you need to hear it if you haven't before.

"If You Wear That Velvet Dress" is a sexy and quiet lounge number that you might not notice at first but after a few listens its beauty shines through. "The Playboy Mansion" is one of my favorites and it's another underrated number that fans always seem to overlook. The Edge's funky guitar guides the song along as Bono sings about pop culture and what people consider important (money, fame, beauty, entrance to the Playboy Mansion) versus what truly matters and what real paradise is (Heaven, perseverance, honesty). Bono's plea of "When will there be no time for sorrow?/When will there be no time for shame?/And though I can't say why, I know I've got to believe". He seals the deal brilliantly by ending the song with the lines "It's who you know that gets you through the gates of the Playboy Mansion/But they don't mention the pain". It's these subtle lyrical touches that make U2 stand out from the rest and the more you dig into Bono's words the more they reveal.

Nearly 14 years after its release it seems like Pop is finally getting the recognition and respect it deserves. Fans and critics seem more open to it and hopefully the band will too. They booked their tour before finishing the album and they've always claimed that it's unfinished and needed a bit more work. However, I don't hear anything unrealized or unfinished about it. The rock mixed with techno/dance is solid, Bono's lyrics are some of his finest, Edge's guitar sounds are truly extraordinary here, Larry Mullen, Jr.'s drumming is solid and diverse and Adam's bass lines are so groovy and thick that you can't help but be sucked into every song. This album is a masterpiece, a monster of sonic and lyrical beauty that disguises darker themes under more upbeat music. Life is full of parties and funerals and I'm glad U2 is there to guide me through both. Get this album and see for yourself. It's epic and worth your time.

Top Ten Albums of 2010

2010-12-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

2010 was a fantastic year for music and as it winds to a close I can't help thinking about my favorite records, so here are the ten that I enjoyed the most and that had the biggest impact on me.

10. Spoon-Transference

Anyone familiar with Spoon knows what they're getting here: tight musicianship, smoky vocals, interesting melodies and plenty of fun. It's a solid album that doesn't necessarily break any new ground for the band but doesn't find them repeating their past either. "Nobody Gets Me But You", "Goodnight Laura", "Who Makes Your Money" and "Is Love Forever?" are some of my favorite tracks here but overall it's another great offering that everyone should check out if they haven't already.

9. Barenaked Ladies-All in Good Time

With the departure of lead singer Steven Page I was curious to see what direction the band would take and they didn't disappoint. On my first listen I was a bit underwhelmed but after a few more spins the songs work their way into your head and you soon forget that Steven is no longer with the group. They really branched out and matured with this record, especially with songs like "You Run Away" and "I Have Learned". Jim Creegan and Kevin Hearn get more of a chance to shine here and after seeing the band live back in May I can say with full confidence that they're still on top of their game despite being short a member.

8. Interpol-Interpol

Fans and critics seem divided over this album and in some ways I can understand that. It's slower and much darker than anything the band has done previously but that's not such a band thing. Interpol is a great band but also one that hasn't changed much from the sound that made them so popular back on their 2002 debut. Their self-titled fourth album doesn't stray too far from the formula but it does toy with it and when it works it's thrilling. The dark themes of the crumbling of a relationship are unsettling and it makes a powerful and foreboding statement. It may be the band's weakest album but it's still a worthy addition to their catalogue if you're willing to give it some time to seep in.

7. Elvis Costello-National Ransom

After doing a review of every major Elvis Costello album this year I should have known that Elvis would add one more to the list. National Ransom is one of his most diverse and challenging albums yet, moving from rock to blues to Dixieland jazz to folk to country to ragtime all in the span of an hour. This causes the album to be a bit unfocused and uneven but there are more than enough stellar tracks here to make it worthwhile. Be sure to check out the album's title track, "I Lost You", "The Spell That You Cast", "Jimmie Standing in the Rain", "Five Small Words" and the epic "That's Not the Part of Him You're Leaving" for starters. This one is a slow burner but well worth the effort.

6. Weezer-Hurely

It's been a busy year for Weezer: they released a new album, an album of rarities, and a deluxe version of their classic Pinkerton. Hurley, complete with it's bizarre cover, won't win over any new fans but it's a reminder that Weezer has never taken themselves too seriously. The album rocks harder than anything they've done in almost a decade and it's catchy and fun enough to keep you entertained.

5. The National-High Violet

The National is one of those bands that takes some getting used to but once you get them you're hooked. They've been the buzz of the indie community for quite some time and their latest album is a perfect reason why. It's sprawling and epic and it all comes together in the song "Bloodbuzz Ohio", which is not only the high-point of the record but also my favorite song of the year. It's so haunting and mesmerizing that I can't even find words to describe how soaring and beautiful it is. Get the album and be prepared to hit the repeat button with this song. Believe the hype: these guys are the real deal.

4. Steven Page-Page One

After being pleased with the new BNL album I was anxious to see what direction Steven Page would take after leaving the group. His solo album is everything you would expect from him and then some. The lyrics are clever and heartfelt, the melodies infectious and the arrangements go from pop to dance to big band while all managing to flow together. "A New Shore", "The Chorus Girl" and "Over Joy" are some of the highlights here and his trademark vocals have never sounded better. It was sad to see him leave BNL but as long as he manages to put out material this good I can't complain. It's pure fun and you can't help but smile when listening to it.

3. Arcade Fire-The Suburbs

Critical darlings Arcade Fire have made a name for themselves over the past few years as one of the most promising and consistent groups out there. Their third album The Suburbs doesn't pack the punch that their first two albums had but it's no slouch either. It's bold and diverse and tackles the good and bad points of growing up in the suburbs and coming to terms with growing older and the responsibilities that inevitably ensue. It may only be their third release but it's clear confirmation that Arcade Fire is here to stay and only getting better.

2. MGMT-Congratulations

MGMT is an impressive duo and their second release takes everything that made their debut so great and builds upon it by adding new layers to it. Poppy numbers like "It's Working" and "Someone's Missing" sit side-by-side with more experimental cuts like "Lady Dada's Nitemare" and "Flash Delirium". The 12-minute epic "Siberian Breaks" is the centerpiece of the album and flows through several incarnations that keep you guessing the entire time. It's great fun and more than worthy of a place in your collection. And let's face it: that album cover is just brilliant.

1. Vampire Weekend-Contra

Out of all the great albums this year Vampire Weekend's sophomore album stands the tallest for me. Every song is flawless: no filler, no wasted space, just gorgeous melodies and creative musicianship that pushes their unique sound forward. "Giving Up the Gun" is worth the price of admission alone but every track is strong and you want to hear the album again as soon as it's over. Well done guys.

The Relationship Roller Coaster: Why Being "In Love" Isn't the Same as Loving Someone

2010-11-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

After an experience that I had this year, as well as the experiences of friends and those close to me, I've noticed a disturbing trend: most people believe that being in love is the same as loving someone. On the surface these two sound like they could be intertwined or even one and the same, yet there's a fundamental and often overlooked difference: one is based purely on attraction and one is based solely on commitment. Understanding the difference and the warning signs is one of the best ways we can have effective relationships and avoid the pitfalls of heartbreak and irresponsibility.

Anyone who has read C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity already knows that he covers a similar topic in there and he said it far better than I ever could. However, I have some personal testimony in this area and others I know can tell you similar stories, making this a topic I've seen from both the inside and outside. With a divorce rate of 50% here in America I can't help but feel that part of this is due to people having little understanding of what they're getting into and even less idea of how to keep it going. I'm certainly no relationship expert (otherwise I'd be married by now and putting these principles to the test) but it doesn't take a genius to realize that our society is missing a very crucial piece of the puzzle.

Let's start by comparing love to an amusement park (I admit that this analogy is strange but I promise I'm going somewhere with this). Let's pretend that the act of "falling in love" is akin to being on a roller coaster, a fast and adrenaline-filled ride that feels great. Then let's say that the park as a whole is love itself, which includes not just the rides and attractions but also the long walks, tedious lines, overpriced food and poorly planned parking lots. There are essentially two types of people: let's call them "The Thrill Seekers" and "The Casual Tourists". Again, I promise there's a logic behind all this.

"The Thrill Seekers" are the people who want to be on a ride every second, often crisscrossing the park and always running to the next attraction with little regard for anything else. These people can't relax or sit still; they need stimulation and they feel like they can't get their money's worth unless they ride everything and do it as quickly as possible. These people are the most dangerous when it comes to relationships because they always want one and once the initial thrill of the attraction wears off they break it off and find someone else, thus repeating the entire process over and over again. They're also dangerous because they often leave a trail of fractured relationships and broken hearts in their wake, sometimes completely oblivious the the damage that they've caused. They love the thrill of the roller coaster while it's going but once it stops they grow bored and immediately look for the next ride without even savoring the journey or enjoying the scenery along the way. I'm not saying they always do this intentionally but it DOES happen and they do a tremendous amount of damage to others as well as to themselves.

"The Casual Tourists" enjoy the roller coasters and thrills just as much as "The Thrill Seekers". The difference is that they realize that the ride eventually stops and they're okay with that. They understand that there are so many things to see and explore and they don't feel rushed or intimidated by the idea of taking it easy and simply strolling through the park. The rides aren't everything and they're just as content to sit in the shade as they are to ride something fast. These are the people that we should be and we should look for because they realize that the initial thrill of meeting someone eventually dies and becomes commonplace, yet they don't see that as bad and they realize that the love has simply matured into something more meaningful and wondrous than simply sexual/physical attraction. The ride may be fun but when it ends they don't see it as a bad thing but the beginning of a more mature and intricate journey that deepens the initial love they felt.

This is where many people jump ship. They wake up one morning and find that the butterflies have stopped and the giddiness they felt when they first saw the other person is almost non-existent, leading them to believe that they've made a poor choice or that something is wrong and they call things off without thinking it through. People who are married for 30 years don't get giddy every time they see each other, so does that mean they weren't meant to be together? People who date for any length of time eventually become more comfortable and start to see each other differently, so does this mean they're wrong for not wanting to scream and jump on a couch in excitement like Tom Cruise? Not at all. It simply means that the initial physical attraction has bloomed into something deeper and less obvious. It's this deeper love that separates the "being in love" phase from the "being committed" phase.

That's why loving someone for who they are (instead of simply what they look like) is so vital for a healthy and long-lasting relationship. Don't misunderstand me: it's GOOD to find someone you're physically attracted to. That's certainly a good thing. However, that should only prompt you to know them on a deeper level and in finding out about their heart and mind they become much more attractive than anything the outside could offer. I see it like this: the physical attraction should lead you TO someone, while what's inside should KEEP you attracted to that person. For instance: when you get a new job it's exciting and fresh and you love it, yet after a period of time it simply becomes a job and the thrill and newness wears off. It doesn't mean that you picked the wrong job or that it's not a good fit for you--it just means that it's become routine and you have to find satisfaction and pride it in beyond the mere surface level. It's the same with relationships. Some days you may be upset with that person or they may be upset with you but you don't give up on the bond you've created but instead make a conscious choice to love that person and stand by your commitment. Love is a CHOICE and a VERB and treating it only as a feeling is asking for more trouble than you can imagine down the road.

"The Thrill Seekers" sadly can't get past this phase. Many of them are users and flakes, asking you to treat them well and jump through hoops to keep their attention. Once the magic wears off and you run out of tricks they decide to dump you and move on. They never seem to understand that a thrill NEVER lasts; eventually that car will come to a stop and you have to get out, something they don't want to admit and so they take the coward's way out. Pick any excuse you want: "God told me we shouldn't be together", "Let's just be friends", "I need some time to figure out who I am", "It's me, not you". Any way you slice it, it's just pathetic and hurtful whether they realize it or not. They want the butterflies without having to commit to the storm clouds and droughts that will come with any relationship. "The Casual Tourists" are fine with the ride but they really look forward to the quiet and intimate times when they can really learn about the person and love them unconditionally. They understand that being "in love" lasts for a moment while "loving someone" can last a lifetime. It's hard work and brings its own set of challenges but all good things in life do.

Again, I'm not some expert and I can only speak from my personal experience and the things that have happened to my friends and family. However, I do know that I look beyond my feelings to something deeper and I understand that loving someone is hard work and isn't based purely on how I feel. These are the women I seek out and these are the people we should strive to be. Don't settle for the person who loves you just on the roller coaster: look for the person who wants to hold your hand and walk beside you across the park and beyond.

Underrated Record Club #2-The White Stripes' De Stijl

2010-11-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

Long before The White Stripes became a household name they were an underground duo putting out great music that hadn't quite reached the mainstream ear yet. Most people know albums like White Blood Cells, Elephant, and Get Behind Me Satan and for good reason: those albums are amazing and worthy of the acclaim that they've gathered. However, it's easy to overlook their self-titled debut and their second album, 2000's De Stijl, a term for a Dutch art movement meaning "The Style". Jack White is a big fan and naturally decided that the album should be named after it. It's become a fan-favorite and never seems to get much mention or attention (it was the only album that didn't have a single track represented on their Under Great White Northern Lights live album) and this may lead you to believe that's not worth looking into, which would be a fatal flaw because it's actually one of the most diverse and accessible albums in the duo's catalogue.

The first striking thing about this record is that the sound isn't as abrasive and in-your-face as some of their other work. It strikes a delicate balance between blues, rock, punk, and alternative and feels natural. They've always been good at achieving this but this album in particular really lets that ability shine through and it's put firmly at the forefront. The fact that the two covers on this album, "Death Letter" and "Your Southern Can Is Mine", are both firmly rooted in blues is a testament to Jack White's love and understanding of the genre. They're done well and stand up well against the rest of the original material on the record.

The standard rockers are here and they're excellent. The opener "You're Pretty Good Looking (For a Girl)" is fun and instantly infectious with a mixture of humor, insight, and innocence that characterizes their early work so well. "Little Bird" and "Hello Operator" contain just enough punch to catch your attention but they're coupled with a touch of sweetness and intricacies to keep them feeling fresh. "Sister, Do You Know My Name?" is a real highlight and sounds like a typical Jack White number, which is a complement. The blues influence continues into "Truth Doesn't Make a Noise" and "I'm Bound to Pack It Up" while "Jumble, Jumble" and "Let's Build a Home" feel more like the standard White Stripes numbers we're all used to. "A Boy's Best Friend" contains some awesome slide guitar, which is actually sprinkled quite a bit throughout the album and gives it a different flair that works incredibly well.

Jack's guitar playing is top-notch as always and Meg White really gets to experiment with a wide range of beats and rhythms. I think a lot of people underestimate her as a drummer but in all honesty it's her simple and mechanical style that gives Jack so much room to play and do his thing. She's really the essential part of their sound and even Jack himself has said this. This album is a perfect example of the two of them working together at a relaxed pace and playing off each other so well. Jack may be the brilliant songwriter but Meg plays such a vital role that can't be overlooked.

De Stijl still remains a fan favorite and it was the last record before their mainstream breakthrough would begin to kick in. The group is still great and this album is a classic reminder of where they came from and how good they were even in their early days. It takes a few listens to appreciate but give it enough time and you'll find one of the most diverse and laid back albums in the group's discography. The White Stripes may tend to overlook this one but don't let that fool you: it's a keeper.

Winning the Smut War One Mind at a Time

2010-10-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

I had an experience yesterday. It was one of those experiences that at first is kind of bizarre, then kind of funny, and finally left me feeling sad when it was all over. I don't even know why I'm wasting time talking about it here and I doubt anyone will even read this. But if only one person gets something from this then I'll consider it all worthwhile.

Yesterday I was in a bookstore and a man came up to the register and pointed behind it. At first I wasn't sure what he was pointing at until I discovered that it was a rack of pornographic magazines hidden out of view in the back. He could hardly mutter anything intelligible and basically mumbled that he would like to see some of them, asking if they were all the same and requesting to see various issues. There was no shame or embarrassment in the voice, just the deranged and lustful words of a dirty old man who wanted a Playboy or Penthouse that he hadn't seen yet. I don't know what difference there could be between the two since I've never looked inside them but apparently this man knew and he wanted to be certain he got something fresh and new.

The look I saw in this man's eyes kind of shook me and I spent a good portion of yesterday thinking about it long after the incident was over. It was a look of lust and greed and sickness, a desire to fill his mind and time with any smut and piece of momentary pleasure that the print world could offer him. No one was with him and I saw no wedding ring or any indication that he had anyone else in his life; I guess the exploited ladies inside those glossy pages were enough for him and it fills me with a twinge of sadness and regret, not just for the choices this man has made in his life but for the millions of other people worldwide who have made this decision as well.

Please don't misunderstand me: I'm not trying to get up on some soapbox and act like I'm righteous or perfect because I'm not. However, this is a sickness that we've let slide under the radar and swept under the rug so that now it's commonplace, nothing more than curiosity and a harmless peep every now and then. I know women struggle with this too but I find it's much more common with men so they're the main group I'm targeting here. We've dropped the ball big time and ignored our friends/girlfriends/wives/children in favor of images on a page or screen. It's shameful and I'm tired of watching people destroy themselves and others through this poison. It's not harmless and the porn industry sits back and laughs with every mind they claim all in the name of innocent fun.

We in the church have to take some blame for this. We've brushed it aside and kept it a secret so long that now it's an epidemic and it's wildly out of control. Youth and college groups rarely ever talk about sex or relationships or Godly friendships and thus a generation is sent out into battle with no knowledge of the enemy and no weapons or resources to fight. Once they encounter these messages and images they're already dead in the water and I'm tired of watching people I care about fall into the trap. It's even sadder when they have little or no desire to even climb out. We as Christians have got to stand up and fight back; even if you're not a believer it doesn't matter. Let's not give the industry another statistic or another cent. Let's actively pray for the many men and women who have fallen into the industry's grip and don't realize that their lives are worth more and they don't have to participate in obscene movies to make a living. Great organizations like The Pink Cross Foundation have gone a long way toward fighting for these people and I encourage anyone who doesn't take this seriously to visit their website and get the real stories and statistics. I think you'll be shocked at what you find and what the industry doesn't want you to know.

U2 has a song called "The Playboy Mansion". In it Bono compares what people consider paradise on earth (riches, fame, entrance to the Mansion itself) versus what real paradise is (God, heaven, love, honesty, relationships). It's a great song and really drives home the fact that people like Hugh Heffner shouldn't be idolized or envied: they should be pitied.

I don't know why this cause is so important to me. I don't even know why I felt prompted to type out this long tirade that no one will even read. I guess what I saw in that man's eyes awoke something in me, a desire to never see that face in the mirror or the in the eyes of people I know and love. I think we have a tendency to believe that if we're not involved in the problem then it isn't ours to deal with. Just because I don't sit around looking at dirty magazines doesn't mean I have to sit passively by and watch others throw their minds and lives away. Let's fight back for real relationships with real people. Let's treat women as PEOPLE, looking beyond the surface to the individual that God made them and celebrate that. Let's stop assuming that looking at these images is harmless or fun and face the fact that this is a sickness that continues to grow on a daily basis. Let's commit to monogamy and faithfulness instead of one-night stands and relationship hopping.

It's time to take our minds back and fight for love, marriage, and the individual worth of people as God sees them. And most of all: let's make sure that we, as well as those we love and care about and even those we don't, never turn into the muttering man who goes into a store filled with wonderful books only to buy the dirty magazines behind the counter.

Thieving Ain't Easy...Sly Cooper Is Back!

2010-10-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

I just had to share my excitement at the fact that on November 16 Sly Cooper and the gang will make their return...sort of. Unfortunately it's not the fourth installment we fans have been praying for all these years but they are getting a makeover: all three games are being re-released for the Playstation 3 with updated graphics and new features. I love this series: the characters, the writing, the animation style, the locations, the music. It's all perfect and one of the best game trilogies ever and I can't wait to play them all again. Color me excited.

Underrated Record Club #1- R.E.M.'s Around the Sun

2010-10-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

Every artist seems to have it: that one album that people consider a failure, a mistake, an embarrassment, or a good idea that turned into a bad one. The whole goal of this series is to examine some of those albums from my favorite artists and point out that, while they may not be the best, they're still worthwhile albums and perhaps even great ones that simply never got their chance to shine.

The members of R.E.M. are certainly no strangers to this. For nearly 30 years this band from Athens, Georgia has created some of the most memorable and exciting music of our time. Songs like "Losing My Religion", "Everybody Hurts", "The One I Love", and "Orange Crush" are easily recognizable to any listener and they've helped make the band one of the biggest and most popular in the world, complete with their introduction into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. They're never slowed down and still continue to make great music despite drummer Bill Berry leaving the band in 1997. They've continued as a three-piece and managed to reinvent themselves time and time again.

As with any long-running artist, they have a big fan base that loves to discuss their work. Some albums like Murmer, Life's Rich Pageant, and Automatic for the People will always be considered classics while others like Monster and Up seem to divide fans and critics alike. However, one album that seems to garner universal distain is 2004's Around the Sun. Upon its release it was met with lukewarm reviews and was the band's first album since 1988 to fail to make the Top Ten in the U.S.. Some of the complaints about this album are valid but upon closer inspection I believe there's also a lot to offer here as well.

Upon my first listen I had to agree with fans and critics: it just wasn't very good at all. It sounded flat, dull, and lifeless with uninteresting songs and boring arrangements. However, I also knew that most R.E.M. albums are growers and take several listens to fully appreciate, so I kept with it and soon discovered myself enjoying a majority of the record. The opener "Leaving New York" was the lead single and when I first heard it in 2004 I was underwhelmed; it just felt bland to me and it wasn't until picking this album up last year and really listening to it that I came to discover what a beautiful song it really is. For anyone who's ever visited the city or had to leave a place that they love then the song will definitely resonate with you in some way. Peter Buck's jangly guitar works its magic here while bassist Mike Mills offers up his usual top-notch backing vocals and singer Michael Stipe's voice is solid, something that has never changed over the band's career. He sounds just as good now, if not better, than he did 20 years ago.

Two songs that immediately caught my attention are "Electron Blue" and "I Wanted to Be Wrong". "Electron Blue" is one of my favorite R.E.M. songs and rides a wave of electronic sounds that are reminiscent of some of their late 90's work. It's a great song and a staple of the album. "I Wanted to Be Wrong" is an acoustic-themed number that features more of Stipe's amazing vocals and a gentle melody and passionate lyrics:

You know where I come from
you know what I feel
You're Yul Brenner Westworld
reporting from the field.
I threw it into reverse,
made a motion to repeal.
You kicked my legs from under me,
and tried to take the wheel.
I told you I wanted to be wrong,
but everyone is humming a song
that I don't understand.

It definitely features an anti-war theme but the lyrics are also vague enough that they can apply to almost any situation. Don't miss this one because it gets better with every listen.

The album features some other solid numbers as well. "Make It All Okay", "The Ascent of Man", and "Final Straw" are all decent numbers that I've grown to love more and more over time. "Aftermath" is another high point that actually serves as a fitting metaphor for the entire record: a great song that at first sounds like the kind of pop song that the band can write in their sleep. The melody is upbeat and playful but it wasn't until I really listened to the lyrics that I realized what a devastating piece of work it is:

And you close your eyes.
He's not coming back.
So you work it out, overfeed the cat.
And the plants are dry and they need to drink.
So you do your best and you flood the sink.
Sit down in the kitchen and cry.
Now you've worked it out
And you see it all
And you've worked it out

It ends on a more optimistic note but the themes of being left behind and betrayed seem to a recurring stream running through the album and lend toward its melancholy atmosphere. "Aftermath" is a slice of classic R.E.M. and it's catchy enough to draw in anyone willing to give it a shot.

"The Outsiders" is decent and features a rap by Q-Tip at the end of it which actually works better than it sounds. It's not nearly as cheesy as "Radio Song" was on Out of Time while "The Worst Joke Ever" and the album's title track are serviceable enough. They probably won't blow you away but they're enjoyable in their own right. "Boy in the Well" is another song that's not amazing but not bad either and manages to at least keep the record moving.

That's not to say that every song comes close. "Wanderlust" starts out with a haunting keyboard part before suddenly swerving into a bouncy pop melody that sounds a bit too silly. It's alright but seems like it could have been so much more. However, my least-favorite track has to be "High Speed Train", a song title that implies kinetic motion but instead moves at a snail's pace and really doesn't go anywhere during it's five minute duration.

Around the Sun will never be hailed as a classic the way many of their previous albums have. Its soft acoustic sounds and slow pacing don't work as well as they did on albums like Automatic for the People and Reveal, causing the whole album to feel a bit unfocused and unsure of itself. I can understand why many fans were disappointed and understandably so; even the band members themselves seem to wish they had done things differently according to some interviews. The album definitely could have been better but they should be proud of what they did get right, which is really quite a bit in my opinion.

That being said, I do believe it's better than most give it credit for and I actually find myself enjoying it quite a bit whenever I listen to it. It has a few standouts and some great lyrics that are definitely applicable to my life at the moment and the anger and hurt of these songs speaks to me. It's not an album you'll love on your first or even fourth listen but eventually, when taken for what it is, you may find yourself enjoying another trip around the sun. I know I have.

10 Things I Learned from Ian Fleming and Raymond Chandler

2010-08-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

I could spend hours listing all of the authors and books that have had a significant impact on my life. From adventure to history to comedy, great books are like great films: they entertain you while teaching you something at the same time, no matter how small or even insignificant it may seem. Two authors in particular who share these traits are James Bond creator Ian Fleming and Raymond Chandler, best know for his hard-boiled and wise-cracking detective Philip Marlowe. Both authors created a realm of fiction and mystery that has yet to be matched and still holds a special place in the hearts of readers and retro-centrics alike.

These are just ten random observations that I made while reading through their works. These are just meant to be fun and interesting; I can’t guarantee that they’re feasible, true, or even politically correct. However, I do find them fascinating and hopefully they will provide a fun distraction and encourage those who haven’t read these novels to give them a try. I’ve taken my five favorites from each author and attempted to summarize them below, as well as referencing the work in which they’re found:

Ian Fleming:

Simple Ways to Guard Your Hotel Room (from Casino Royale)-In the beginning of the novel James Bond returns to his hotel room and immediately begins checking for signs of intruders. He’s relieved to find one of his hairs is still stuck to a door and undisturbed, powder on his briefcase hasn’t been smeared and the waterline in his toilet is still at the same level as when he left. It’s all a lot of work but the attention to details is what keeps him alive and gives him the extra edge in nearly every situation. If you want to catch someone then it’s the little things that make a big difference.

Nightingale Floors Can Keep You Safe (from You Only Live Twice)-When Bond visits Japan he’s given a crash course in Japanese tradition, culture and history. His alley Tiger Tanaka tells him that in ancient Japan they used Nightingale Floors to warn of intruders and allows Bond to try one for himself. These floors are apparently very rough and very loud, making it almost impossible to walk or creep across them without causing a lot of noise. One squeaky board may help you but an entire floor of them raises the stakes on your side considerably.

Use Urine for Ink (from On Her Majesty's Secret Service)-I have no idea if this works but it sounds neat. While needing to write a note to headquarters in secret 007 uses natural ink: his own urine. By holding it up to a fire the urine will turn brown and the invisible ink will become clear. I'm not sure I'd want to try this myself but I'd be curious to know if this really works.

4. Make a Dummy and Fool Your Friends (from The Spy Who Loved Me)-When poor Vivian Michael finds herself trapped in a motor lodge with two deadly killers 007 happens to show up just in time to lend her a hand. Knowing that the two killers are untrustworthy and dangerous he realizes he will likely be their first target and devises a way to protect himself over the course of the night. He places pillows under the sheets of his bed and uses pine needles from the nearby woods to make the appearance of hair on his pillow. He even hangs one of his shirts on a chair to complete the scene and discovers the next morning that his dummy has been shot multiple times. The distraction worked and Bond’s only regret is that they ruined one of his best shirts. Creative thinking always pays off.

All Great Men Are Maniacs (from Dr. No)- Being trapped in the lair of a super-villain is a sticky situation and while dining with the nefarious Dr. No James Bond gets a lesson in crime and learns that “all great men are maniacs”. Whether or not this is true is subjective at best but all great villains have to start somewhere so maybe there’s more to this than meets the eye.

Raymond Chandler:

6. Calling Someone “Hemingway” Is a Great Way to Get Under Their Skin (from Farewell, My Lovely)- Nobody understands the concept of sarcasm and wise-cracking better than Philip Marlowe. When confronted by a couple of goons in a grisly case Marlowe taunts one of them by continually calling him Hemingway by stating it’s because “there are ladies present”. The man continues to get angry while Marlowe shows complete and utter indifference to the whole situation. Sometimes just finding the right name does all the work for you.

Ice Picks Make Great Murder Weapons (from The Little Sister)- Obviously this is nothing new but Raymond Chandler puts it to good use in this novel. Marlowe finds several of them embedded in the necks of various victims spread out all over town and begins to put the pieces together about who would use such an item. They make good weapons but lousy evidence for proving your innocence.

Sometimes Murders Go Unexplained (from The Big Sleep)- Philip Marlowe has a natural knack for solving crimes but there are some cases that even he doesn’t always get around to. One murder goes completely unexplained in the novel and apparently Raymond Chandler didn’t realize this until after its publication. Sometimes a murder just gets left in the dust, even in the realm of fiction.

If You Don’t Want a Man to Find It, Hide It in Confectioner’s Sugar (from The Lady in the Lake)- While trying to solve the case of a drowned woman Marlowe fishes around in a nearby cabin for clues that the police might have missed. He discovers a necklace hidden in a container of confectioner’s sugar and states that only a woman would hide it in that location because a man would never think to look there. Maybe it’s sexist and maybe it’s kind of strange but I have to admit that it wouldn’t have crossed my mind to look there, so maybe there’s some truth to it after all.

A TV Detective Never Takes His Hat Off (from Playback)- This sly observation from Marlowe is more humorous than anything else but the more I think about it the more truth I can see in it. It’s rare in a film or television show to see a detective remove his hat in most instances, even when it would seem appropriate to do so.

11. Honor and Integrity Win Every Time- This extra point isn’t from any particular novel but it’s a running theme throughout all the works of Ian Fleming and Raymond Chandler. Perhaps the most important thing I gleaned from their writing is that honor, integrity, toughness and duty are all virtues that never die and will serve anyone well in any circumstance they find themselves in. James Bond and Philip Marlowe had their share of flaws and trials but when all was said and done you could always count on them to do the right thing and stand on their principles. That’s something that I've always celebrated and it’s a gentle reminder that we are all capable of being great if we stand strong in our beliefs and principles.

Secret, Profane & Sugarcane (2009)

2010-06-14T17:09:00.001-07:00

Elvis Costlello's latest album finds him at the top of his game once again. Teaming up for another album with T Bone Burnett, Costello dives back into the world of bluegrass, country, Americana and folk for another rich and diverse offering that officially cements him as one of the greatest musical minds in history. This album finds him dealing with stories and themes of the South and it's Antebellum stylings never cease to surprise at every twist and turn.

The album opens with "Down Among the Wines and Spirits", a brilliant and bluesy introduction that's both catchy and fun. It's clear which waters EC is choosing to sail and the trend continues with "Complicated Shadows", a redone version of a song that previously appeared on All This Useless Beauty. This version trades the loud guitar and drums of the original for acoustic stylings and a country swagger. "She Handed Me a Mirror" and "Red Cotton" tell great stories while "Hidden Shame", "I Dreamed of My Old Lover" and "Sulfur to Sugarcane" all explore different areas of bluegrass and country while remaining accessible enough for those who aren't big fans of the genre. It's clear that Costello is a music lover and he does country better than most of today's country artists. If country and bluegrass were always done this brilliantly then I'd tune in much more often.

"The Crooked Line" is a fiddle-driven number that's just awesome and the closer, a cover of "Changing Partners", is dedicated to Cosetello's wife and it's a fitting and touching ending to the album. However, it's the ballad "I Felt the Chill Before the Winter Came" that literally gives me chills. It's haunting and downright beautiful and an absolute must hear. It's a classic Cosetello ballad of epic proportions and the fact that gets some help from Loretta Lynn just seals the deal. It's devastating and has quickly become a favorite of mine.

I'm not a fan of country and bluegrass but Elvis Costello does it so well that I can't help but be impressed. This album is terrific and while not quite perfect it's certainly in the upper-tier of his work and it's worth a listen for the musically adventurous. Check it out.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Momofuku (2008)

2010-06-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

After several years without a new solo Elvis Costello release I'm sure I couldn't have been the only one wondering if EC had finally decided to retire. Over the course of his career he's had numerous instances when he thought about retiring or leaving the music business and after three and a half years I thought maybe he had finally decided to stop. I should have known that Costello's love of music is too strong of a pull to keep him quiet for long and in the summer of 2008 he returned with The Imposters for Momofuku, a reference to the man who invented Ramen noodles and also a sly reference to how the album was recorded: quickly and with very little fuss. It's a brilliant album from start to finish and easily my favorite Elvis album since All This Useless Beauty.

The album opens on such a spectacular note and the instant I played the album for the first time I knew Elvis was back with a vengeance. "No Hiding Place" takes everything that makes Costello great (a catchy melody, clever lyrics, and plenty of energy) and mixes them all together to introduce the album with a bang. Not only is this my favorite song on the record but I'll even go so far as to say that it's one of the best pieces of music he's ever written. Words cannot even begin to describe how satisfying and downright fun it is. Do yourself a favor and at the very least check this track out. It's truly remarkable.

The rest of the album is no slouch either. "American Gangster Time" roars through your speakers with a relentless energy and Steve Nieve's organ sounds like it was ripped right out of 1978. "Turpentine" continues the rock trend nicely and finds Elvis in top form. A few other uptempo rockers are spread throughout the album, mainly in the form of "Stella Hurt" and "Go Away". They're all a lot of fun and it's clear that Elvis and his band were in a lighthearted and fun mood while making this. The entire record feels fresh and laid-back.

There are also some ballads and gentler numbers here as well. The acoustic flavors of "Flutter and Wow" and Drum and Bone" help to balance out the more raucous numbers while "Song With Rose" features some help from Roseanne Cash that sounds amazing. "Pardon Me Madam, My Name Is Eve" is one of the best numbers on here and it tells the story of a wife meeting the woman her husband is having an affair with. It's a delicate number with great lyrics and some subtle humor told in the way that only Costello can do so well. "My Three Sons" is a tribute to Costello's three boys and it's so tender and heartfelt and reminds you that, for all the venom that EC can spit, he can also be gentle and sincere too. The lyrics are really something special: "Deep in the night I turn cold and sick/But I'll only curse arithmetic/I bless the day that you came to be/With everything that is left of me/I love you more than I can say/What I give to one the other cannot take away". It's a great song and a standout on an album full of standouts.

Momofuku is one of Costello's best records in the last ten years and it's pure fun from beginning to end. It does slow down a bit in the middle which might throw a few listeners but that's what I like about the album: it perfectly balances his rockers and ballads and weaves them together in a masterful fashion. If you're a newcomer this is a great place to start and if you're a longtime fan then I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. You need this album.

Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5

The Delivery Man (2004)

2010-06-01T16:27:00.001-07:00

Elvis Costello continued his rich songwriting kick by releasing The Delivery Man in 2004. The Imposters return for this one and it finds Elvis delving more into blues and Americana territory. In a sense it feels a bit like the spiritual successor to King of America, just with more guitars and a more upbeat atmosphere. Originally it appears that Costello envisioned this as a concept album about a delivery man (apparently called Abel) who travels around and has a series of relationships and adventures. Ultimately the album is kind of split, with some of these songs following that storyline and others just being stand-alone songs. It's a bit disorienting but overall The Delivery Man delivers the goods.

"Button My Lip" kicks off the album in classic Costello style. It's biting and energetic and features classic lines like, "I'd say 'I want you'/But you know I don't". "Needle Time", "The Name of This Thing Is Not Love" and the catchy "Monkey to Man" are all great rockers that have a loose and laid-back feeling. "Bedlam" just explodes from your speakers and it has Steve Nieve's fingerprints all over it, complete with swirling keyboards and organs done in a fashion that only he can pull off. The album's title track hints more at the story Costello must have originally created and it's a clever song to try and decipher.

The album also features some great ballads. "Country Darkness" was one of the first songs on the record to really grab my attention and years later it's still a favorite. "Either Side of the Same Town" and "Nothing Clings Like Ivy" are both solid bluesy numbers while "The Judgement" is a slow burner that takes a few listens to really appreciate.

However, it's the duets that really shine here. "There's a Story in Your Voice" is a duet with Luecinda Williams that's both fun and about as close to country as the album gets. "Heart Shaped Bruise" features Emmylou Harris to amazing effect while the closer "The Scarlet Tide" also features her gentle vocals as Elvis quietly sings and plays the Ukulele. The album seems to find the perfect mix of ballads and rockers, although this will probably frustrate as many listeners as it pleases. This album took me a few listens to really get into but once it grabs you it works its magic in traditional Elvis fashion.

This would be EC's final solo album for several years. From here he would dive back into the world of jazz and various collaborations, including writing his very own opera. The album itself is a bit inconsistent and does drag in places but overall it's a solid mixture of rock, blues and Americana with a dash of country thrown in for good measure. If you're up for another good musical adventure then this isn't a bad journey to take.

Rating: 4 out of 5

North (2003)

2010-05-31T16:30:00.001-07:00

After turning up the volume with When I Was Cruel Elvis Costello set out on the complete opposite course for his next album by focusing solely on piano and gentle orchestral ballads. Perhaps inspired the dissipation of his second marriage and the start of a new relationship, Costello found himself in a much more reflective and tender mood. North is an interesting album that follows the breakup of a relationship and the gradual hope of a new one just starting. While the concept is certainly unique the album itself is a bit of an underwhelming experience.

"You Left Me in the Dark" opens the album with gentle piano and a few strings thrown in for good measure. This is appropriate for the album because those are about the only instruments you hear on the record. "When Did I Stop Dreaming?" and "Someone Took the Words Away" are all soft jazzy ballads that talk about the loss of a relationship and trying to pick up the pieces afterwards. The album follows this arc until later tracks like "Let Me Tell You About Her", "I'm in the Mood Again" and "When Green Eyes Turn Blue", which are naturally more optimistic and hopeful. Lyrically the album is solid and Costello's personal lyrics help keep things interesting even when the music tends to drag.

Two songs that I really love here are "When It Sings" and "Still". Both are catchy and beautifully orchestrated, using simple piano chords and structures to draw you in. A lot of the songs on the album sound alike but these two stand out as being a bit different and more memorable, at least to me.

To be honest, there's not much more to say. The album is mostly Costello and a piano churning out jazzy and queit arrangements. It's not bad and I applaud Costello for keeping things fresh; however, it just feels kind of dull and never really gets off the ground the way you expect it to. Costello has a remarkable track record of beautiful piano ballads ("Deep Dark Truthful Mirror", "Shipbuilding", "Shot With His Own Gun") so an entire album of this material had the potential to be mind-blowing. Unfortunately it just doesn't work and while it's great to see Costello in such a bright mood it fails to really grab and hold your attention throughout its duration.

North isn't a bad record but it's probably my least-favorite EC record and it's the one that I reach for the least. It's good rainy day music and it's nice for a change but only the most dedicated of fans will find themselves playing it over and over again. I saw Costello on the tour for this album and live these tracks were great. Unfortunately the energy of a live show just can't translate to a recorded song and it shows here.

Rating: 2 out of 5

When I Was Cruel (2002)

2010-05-23T18:28:00.001-07:00

After spending the time between 1996 and 2002 recording side projects and tackling ballads and classical arrangements, Elvis Costello was finally itching to get loud and rowdy once again. With a new bassist on board and the return of Pete Thomas and Steve Nieve, Costello dubbed them The Imposters and set out to make a new kind of record while giving it a kick at the same time. The result was When I Was Cruel, a diverse and ambitious record that found him tampering with beat box sounds and good old-fashioned rock n' roll. Unfortunately the weight of the album holds it back to some degree but many of the songs here are so good that it makes it easier to overlook some of the flaws.

"45" kicks the album off in classic Costello style. It's a great rock song that compares growing older and relationships to a record collection. It's brilliant and downright infectious. "Tear Off Your Own Head (It's a Doll Revolution)", "Daddy Can I Turn This?" and "Dissolve" are all great rockers that find Costello playing to his strengths while incorporating The Imposters to their maximum effect. Thomas and Nieve are great as usual and newcomer Davey Faragher is a solid bassist. Bruce Thomas had a style that was hard to duplicate but Faragher is a solid replacement and keeps things moving in the bottom end.

Aside from the louder numbers there are plenty of new touches and softer songs. "Spooky Girlfriend" is has a great soul sound while "15 Pedals" features blasts of horns and plenty of energy. "My Little Blue Window" takes a more acoustic route while "Tart" rides a wave of Nieve's signature keyboard playing. The Latin flavor of "Episode of Blonde" takes an even more interesting twist with Costello nearly rapping throughout the verses before bursting into a catchy melody during the chorus. "When I Was Cruel No.2" features a cabaret arrangement that sounds unlike anything Elvis has done before. It's a lot to take in but each song has its own unique sound, kind of similar to Spike but with more electric guitar and electronic elements sprinkled in.

There are two songs in particular that I love. "Alibi" is a fairly simple song but lyrically it's amazing and it gets better with every listen. However, the closer "Radio Silence" is far and away my favorite song here. It's haunting and absolutely stunning in its execution and delivery. It's kind of a modern-day version of "Radio, Radio" where Costello targets the various disc jockeys, talk show hosts and DJs who squander their time and fill up the airwaves with poor programing and apathetic ideas before eventually looking at himself: "But there's one thing I should have said/'The hostage will wind up dead'/It's just a comedy/The hostage is me". It's beyond amazing and deserves to be heard.

This album was hailed as a return-to-form upon release which is a bit unfair. It's not a straightforward rock album, with only a handful of tracks that stand out as loud and uptempo rockers. However, the album's weight tends to bring it down. The production is a bit too murky and it's hard to hear Pete Thomas' great chops or the small instrumental touches in the background. The album itself runs a bit too long and while the individual songs are great they don't necessarily gel together as a cohesive whole. Had some of the weaker tracks been sliced off the record would flow a bit better and feel less bulky as a result. It's not a bad album by any means but it does take some time to get into and at times it just needed a bit more energy. It may not be the best place to start for newcomers but it signified Costello's new focus on his solo career and spawned a new burst of creative output that would go even further in the next couple of years.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

All This Useless Beauty (1996)

2010-05-17T18:16:00.001-07:00

At last we come to my favorite Elvis Costello record. This may be a weird choice considering that few outside of his hardcore fanbase even know about this album. It didn't spawn any hits and I don't think it was met with much commercial success but it's a flawless and beautiful album from beginning to end that blew me away upon my first listen and all these years later I still think it's his best. It was his last official album with The Attractions and it consists mainly of songs that he wrote for other artists, leaving some to assume that this was nothing more than a record full of leftovers or unacceptable songs. However, nothing could be further from the truth. All This Useless Beauty is a stout reminder that Costello is not only an amazing songwriter for himself but that he has a knack for writing songs for other artists, even if they never end up recording them. Only four of these songs were ever recorded by anyone else and it's neat to watch Costello put a new spin on a song that he wrote and gave to someone else.

The album opens tenderly with "The Other End of the Telescope", a song originally co-written with Aimee Mann. Once again it really sets the tone for the rest of the album and let's you know that this will be a softer and more contemplative experience. "Little Atoms" rides a gentle drum loop and features more great piano playing from Steve Nieve while "Poor Fractured Altas" and "Why Can't a Man Stand Alone?" are classic ballads delivered in a way that only Costello can compose and perform. The album's title track is gorgeous and features some brilliant writing both lyrically and musically: "Good Friday arrived/ The sky darkened on time 'til he almost began to negotiate/She held his head like a baby and said 'It's okay if you cry'". It's fantastic all around.

"Distorted Angel" features an interesting arrangement and its religious-themed lyrics tell a great story. "Starting to Come to Me" is an upbeat and uptempo number that gives the band a chance to loosen up while the album closer "I Want to Vanish" is beautiful and so simply done that it's easy to miss it if you're not paying attention.

There are a handful of rockers here to lighten the mood. "Complicated Shadows" was originally written for Johnny Cash but the rock treatment that The Attractions give it make it hard to beat. "Shallow Grave" is a brief two minute exercise in loudness and a great reminder of just how good Elvis and the band worked together as a rock group. "It's Time" is a brilliant piece of pop and contains some classic Costello lines, including the tell-off "But if you do have to leave me who will I have left to hate?". "You Bowed Down" deserves special mention because it might just classify as my favorite Costello song of all-time. With its Byrds-esque arrangement and chiming guitar it's Elvis at his melodic and lyrical best.

I can safely say that all 12 tracks here are brilliant. There's not one wasted track and not a trace of filler or dead space; every song flows easily into the next one and this album features some of the best lyrics and music that Costello has ever penned. Apparently even the songs he intends for other artists to record end up being on par with the material he writes for himself. He had originally envisioned this as a double album and I have no doubt that there are many more great songs out there that could have been added but personally I think the record is perfect as it is and I wouldn't change a note.

All This Useless Beauty isn't for everyone. It's mostly a quiet and ballad-heavy album that is sure to throw off those expecting more rock from Elvis and The Attractions. I loved it the first time I heard it and out of the 20-plus albums EC has recorded this one stands at the top for me, a perfect blend of rock and ballads with an introspective and mature viewpoint that only Costello in this stage of his career could have achieved. It'll probably never be well-known or go down as a classic the way so many of his other albums have but that's okay. This album is like a nice little secret that you share with those close to you because it's so special and intimate. If you want to get a sampling of all the different sides that Costello has or just want to get into him in general then I think this album is a good place to start and I can't recommend it enough.

Costello's career would veer into new territory after this and the original three Attractions would be no more. The album's closing lines perhaps say it best: "I want to vanish/This is my last request/I've given you the awful truth/Now give me my rest."

Rating: 5 out of 5