Support Local Music!

This is a subject that means a lot to me. In the recent year, I have been going to concerts that are filled with local musicians. Some my friends, some not. Actually a majority not. But I think it is your responsibility as a citizen to go to these shows. After all they could be the next Bob Dylan, except your not going to the Gaslight or the Troubadour to see him. It's a different venue, but same idea. I imagine these artists who have the guts to play in front of local audiences as the next big star, only your seeing them before the big break. Another reason why I love going to these shows is that you get to talk to them afterwords, and tell them you love their music and support them. You can't do that at huge shows. Your lucky if you see the artist without binoculars. Well, some shows, and without amazing tickets. And with that communication, I don't know, it starts to become fulfilling helping these artists. It's pretty amazing, and as I have realized it becomes quite addicting. I love supporting these artists, because you support them, they support you. Win-Win :) Another reason, it's cheap! Local concerts are waaaayyy cheaper. At least a quarter of the price of a ticket at a large venue. And that intimacy at small venues, there's nothing like it. It's awesome. I was going to make a Support Local Musicians/Artists print and T-shirt for Art, but now I'm thinking... Save $$, Support Local Music! who knows?

I love how there seems to be more a personal connection to the music too. I love the short stories and the unpredictability of these shows. It also can help create a more community atmosphere in supporting these young adults who are putting themselves out there and listening to their music. It also can help ignite the arts in the cities where you live, and it can start an art community where everyone helps each other. It can help local businesses, because fans may travel to see these artists and profits rise if the performance is held there. It helps everyone.

Just something I believe in! Hope you do to, if not go to a local show!...it's so worth it.

Local Indie Rock

A few days ago, I went to a concert hosted at The Snuggly Mug where Kenny Stahl, The Brites, and This April played their sets. It was a great show of indie acoustic pop-rock.

From the first act, This April aka Zach played his songs from his EP Ups and Downs. The songs talked about love, and his life at being at the ripe age of 21. His songs are simple, his voice, a guitar and maybe a few other instruments. Lyrics filled with a quiet honesty that is hard to come by, and they exceed his age. It's filled with fantastic hooks, and the recording is similar to his live performance. As time has gone by since the show, I have been going to his EP to listen to-- it's very addictive. Also in talking to him, he said he has a "hardcore-ish" band, Come Find the Lions. Two very different sounds, but he has the talent to perform both. He lives in Grand Rapids, loves making music (got from his info.) and you can hear it in his tunes. Great live show.

The guitar is put away. New bands sets up.

The Brites.

A Theremin. Drums. A Banjo. A Guitar. A xylophone. The music they play is the true definition of indie. Filled with unusual instruments, lyrics that are cheerful and they have a great sense of humor. They played a cover of Sujfan Stevens and they played a great show live. They are recording currently, and they have a very distinct style. Very fun to listen to.

They break down their equipment. Then Kenny Stahl!

Kenny Stahl and his band, the Lemon Tests play a set. Songs filled with love stories, unfortunate circumstances, and a some beautiful pop songs. He is influenced by many artists, from The Beatles, Ben Folds, Sondre Lerche :) Elliot Smith, and various others, but these are the artists that I love listening to that definitely relates to his style of music. Kenny played some great songs, and with talking to him after the show I learned that he played Hell's Half Mile 2 years past. Funny how small the world is. His songs are pop inspired, and while watching him perform I thought of Sondre, and Bob Dylan, The Beatles.

It was a great show, filled with awesome local music.

If you want to check out their myspaces:

http://www.myspace.com/thisapril

http://www.myspace.com/comefindthelion

http://www.myspace.com/britesband

http://www.myspace.com/kennystahl

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

I just finished the book, written by Dito Montiel. A story of a young boy from Astoria, Queens from in the 80's. With a Nicaruagan father, and an Irish mother travelling to the city taking the tiny alleys that only the locals know, making fun of tourists. Going on the subway, and only knowing New York as home. But with this local neighborhood that is similar to a small town, inside one of the biggest cities that Orlandito (his full name) calls home. He remembers going to the local pool at midnight with his friends, Nerf, Guiseppe, Antonio, and Laurie. Dito also remembers when seeing his best friend/older brother, beat a kid to death with a baseball bat in a gang fight. They were know as "kids from nowhere going nowhere." So many memories. The film was written by Dito, directed by Dito and with that an accuracy of detail, feeling comes along. I have to say from reading the book there's a lot missing in the movie, but there's plenty of information that the movie shows that's not in the book.

Funny thing is, I was going through my Sundance On Demand and only really wanted to watch the movie because Channing Tatum is in it (Step Up).

It's also weird because there are some major names in this, and yet everyone I have talked to has never heard of it. That makes me sad, especially when I was in a state of almost crying when the film ended. And I don't cry for movies. Robert Downey, Jr. is in it, Shia LeBouf (his best movie I've seen yet-- real emotion), Channing Tatum, Melonie Diaz (Hamlet 2, Lords of Dogtown) are stars of this. It's a coming of age story, and can relate to about every teenager I know. The thing that is most relateable is, that exposure to the bigger world out there and the strings of people that link us to our past to and the saints that have helped him along the way-- even though by Webster's definition they weren't exactly the normal "saints."

I love how in this film it shows true, real, raw emotion and it brings an intensity that's hard to come by.

It's a great book to read at about any age, but recommend it for anyone that's a teenager and beyond. Guide to Saints has an On the Road feeling to it that I can't quite capture, but it's there.

Dito dreams of going to California, and making a band with his friend, Matt O' Shea who plays guitar. He wants to leave the city, but is drawn back to it.

With this film, I am starting to recognize some of the Saints in my life. The people who have influenced me, or who I just think are really cool and inspire me to do what I want and will help.

Whether the are my mom's friends, family, my friends, or strangers who later become friends to connections, or a band that I met randomly on the street. My journey has barely started, and I thank you for giving me the encouragement to keep it going. Saints are everywhere, you just have to recognize who they are.

More Shoes.

I saw this film at Hell's Half Mile in Bay City, MI a year ago. Lee Kazimir (the director) was there, to take questions and answers. Let me give you a short synopsis of it.

This man, Lee, was struggling having dead-end jobs, and was never fully satisfied with them. He came up with an idea to follow Herzog's advice,"filmmakers should skip film school and instead make a journey alone on foot, let's say from Madrid to Kiev... this journey would teach one more about cinema truly means than would five years sitting in a classroom." Lee took this advice, and he had no reason not to take this adventure. He met an elderly French woman who was picking asparagus on her birthday, and a man at a bar who wanted to take him home to give him something to eat, and various others with their own story to tell. This film is his journey, the people he met, the scenery surrounding him, the strangers who wanted to take care of him (sometimes reluctantly) and the lessons learned from this journey. He travels to Madrid to meet a friend from London to prepare for his trip. Before watching this film, and part of what intrigued me was that I read On the Road by Kerouac a few months earlier. This was only a different version of that, and the man who went on this daunting journey by himself was in front of me. Amazing.

He becomes friends with fellow travellers, and meet the locals, and tries to avoid the tourist places, yet he still visits them. My favorite parts were his commentary, and the short stories given from the people he met on the road. Parts of life we never hear about, and the struggles or victories that we forget about...

I have now talked to Lee, asked advice about cameras, film stuff.

His film intrigued me in more ways than one. I am waaayyyy more interested in film than I ever was, and it has inspired me to backpack Europe (at least), but now take a camera along. I have read a book, by Robert Downes called Planet Backpacker (fantastic, instead of visually seeing his trip you read it) and now it's a dream, but I know I will make it a reality.

He has also inspired me to think of other movies I want to make. :)

This film is so good, and I hope you all will watch it. I have not watched it in over a year and I forgot how good it was.

If you want to check out his website here it is:

http://www.madridtokiev.com/

And it features music from a Brooklyn artist known as Birdie Hilltop:http://www.myspace.com/birdiehilltop

Thanks Lee~!

Top Chef and Food TV

I love this show. I like food television. I watch many of the Food Network shows, and some Travel Channel. But Bravo has brought addiction to these shows, like Top Chef and Chef Academy. The watcher learns about cooking, a chef's perspective, and a lot of aspects of going to a restaurant and the food are closely examined and becomes a learning experience even though you are thoroughly entertained by the conflicting personalities and tastes in food. I am one of the few (that I've realized) that in season 6 of Top Chef, really liked the winner. Mike to me was the most creative, and he can back up his ego. Really back it up. He knows what's he doing. And in the finale, Kevin, who is known for simple food with subtle complexities, and Brian who is an overall good chef who can do many types of cuisine, and then there is Michael, who does creative food that leaves you stunned. All main points of the spectrum: simple, somewhere in-between, and creative. It ended up that the creative end had a better night. I think about food so differently after watching these programs.
I've learned so much about food by these shows. I've learned that letting a steak rest for a few minutes is good, and that you are loosing all of it's wonderful juices if you cut it immediately. Another lesson, in order to have the most juice come out of citrus (lemons and limes): roll it, so the juices are flowing and then cut and press the juice out of it. Simple as that. These tricks work. A tip from Chef Novelli (French Michelin star chef) says leave "pips" from lemons in your rosotto, and leave garlic pressed-- all skin and all. I've learned to use those tips when I make my own Fatoosh (Middle Eastern Salad), incredibly simple recipe, by the way. First couple times I used the recipe, but after about 5 times it's memorized and no need for it to be out.
First food post, won't be the last.
Maybe some fashion stuff will be on here, too.

Continued list of amazing actors...

Well, I promised I'd add more to the list. I wrote down many more guys, but here are a few that have captured my heart (and they can actually act, not look pretty!)

First off,

A Mexican actor. (Trying to get everywhere around the world)
Gael Garcia Bernal

This actor is a phenomenal star todo el mundo (all of the world-- thought I'd put some Spanish in it.) He has worked all around the world, with small films to major features. Examples of these fantastic films are The Motorcycle Diaries (Ernesto Guevara's beginnings aka Che), and a young teenager whom with his friend, Tenoch (Diego Luna-- Milk) take a road trip with an older woman where they learn about life, Y Tu Mama Tambien directed by Alfonso Cuaron (A Little Princess-- amazing children's film, that I still love! So glad my 6th grade teacher had us watch it) Gael has played such a variety of roles, from a overstimulated, fantasy driven art student in Science of Sleep (which my brother had me watch because of the creativity and odd imagery), which was amazing, he spoke 3 different languages for it, English, Spanish and even some French. He also starred in the production, Babel, a more mainstream job. Very well done. Pretty great, Gael is still early in his career, at 31, who still has a lot to offer and has shown his talent.

Another actor that I admire. James Franco, now I don't know who caught him as a host for Saturday Night Live last night, which was hilarious by the way. And I don't watch the show regularly.

I knew of his other work before Pineapple Express (which surprisingly loved him being a pot dealer) or Spider-man, he has captured my heart doing the movies as Tristan + Isolde (an Irish version of Romeo and Juliet-- liked that more, and in school we were reading the original), and James Dean-- he did fantastically, at certain points during the film, I thought it was the real James on screen, but it James Franco. He (J.F.) worked his butt off in everything he does. He also has done Flyboys and learned to fly an airplane, Sonny, where he plays a solider coming back to New Orleans, his hometown to being a male prostitute, who has to try to leave that life behind. Very touching, film directed by Nicolas Cage. Before that role, he played a drug addict, and teenage deliquent as Jimmy with DeNiro playing his dad as a cop. A great crime-drama. He can play anything one can dish out, with all energy and effort. And is soon to be playing Allen Ginsberg in Howl. Can't wait to see it! Especially with my love of Beat stuff.

Another fantastic actor,
River Phoenix.

I've only seen 2 of his works, but those are enough for this post. In Stand by Me, he plays a young boy who is a complete bad boy, who smokes, really doesn't have parents, but is the best of friend to a boy who is innocent in many things, well sort of. He does that fantastically, and he pulls you into his role. The other role was My Own Private Idaho, which I've written about before, and it is a great film done by Gus Van Sant, who I respect very much, and this film is a very complex piece of work and he is one of the most vital characters in this. His performance is jaw-dropping, and a inspiring piece of cinematic work.

I know it's only a few...more later.
Included: Marlon Brando, and others.
I'll do my favorite actresses soon to. :)

Sondre Lerche: Norway's Singer-Songwriter

Sondre Lerche is a singer-songwriter who is amazing, and can capture an audience with either his live serenades or a recorded wonder. He mixes a simple troubadour style with delightful beats with cheerful lyrics. I heard of him through a friend, and am grateful because now I adore his music. I love Heartbeat Radio, his recent album filled with acoustic pop and sarcastic songs that remind me of Tom Wait's trickery. That makes me happy that someone is keeping that tradition alive. He also got some of his recent fame in creating the entire soundtrack for Dan in Real Life, which I have yet to see and hear. He is adorable, and can capture girls hearts worldwide. His simple lyrics, that say so much that can make one hopeful, giggly, or just warm your heart that there is still a guy like that out there. :)

But girls (and maybe guys)...he is married, happily. Darn it! LOL

Well, back to actually talking about his music, he is still relatively unknown, and I guess that's part of why he is so special. Only a few of my friends listen to him, and it's like a separate clique who knows what we are talking about. His live songs are amazing. He's done a few duets, two with Regina Spektor, "Hell No", and "Modern Nature."

A guy with a guitar, simple as that. Everyone love simplicity at some point in their lives.

Florence + The Machine

I first heard of Florence on a YouTube trail-- from Joy Division. Weird right? I've became addicted and I have grown to love her style. She somehow embodies a spitfire facade, with dark, morbid lyrics, and then your listening and have a smile on your face. Florence has only created one CD, Lungs, filled with songs from one end of the spectrum to the other. A pop song about a coffin builder to a song that was in New Moon? Odd. But I don't care. Part of why I love her.
Her voice is so strong, and she can hit notes fantastically. This redhead can sing!

She's been a part of a few bands back in Camberwell (hometown), but this is where she hit it big. Florence has had critical acclaim, in England and in the US. She was on the list in Rolling Stone to look out for her. Funny thing is, I receive that subscription and never noticed it. Found her on my YouTube.

Florence's songs know how to transport you to a new world, and throw you back again. But yet you become addicted to that place along the way. I have found her to be fantastic, and it's only a debut album! Can't wait to hear what she comes up with next :)

Mix tapes and CDs

Ok, has anyone seen High Fidelity? You know when Rob goes to make a mix tape for a friend. How it's a delicate process. I've just undergone this. Being a music lover, it's surprising that I've never really made one before.

I tried to combine artists like The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Blondie with some girl pop-- Kelly Clarkson, Duffy and of course I had to represent some local bands I knew, or listened for a while...those bands being Chicago's Oh My God, and Breathing Underwater. Harder than it looks, and also try to fit all these amazing songs onto one CD. Now that's a challenge. This was for my younger cousin, by the way.

I had to delete song songs, some fillers and helpers to the transistion songs. It somehow sounds fine.

It's the first time I ever made one. It is so much fun, revisiting all the music you've loved during your musical love again...
Forgot about some great artists.

It's fun, choosing songs for a person that'd you'd like to send them.

Music really is the greatest thing. I was talking with a few friends at the time, having a YouTube video recommendation war for about an hour...very fun. I was also talking to a friend of mine that's a musician-- about love of music. Making mix CDs reminds me of it.

Everyone should make one at some point in their lives.

"...if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends."

Penny Lane of Almost Famous

Perks of Being a Wallflower

This book I read in 3 days. 3 days. Now most books take me at least a month to read unless required by school. And sometimes it takes me that long even if I do like the book. But every once and a while there is a book that I read, and read quickly. This book is an example of that.

It is written by Stephen Chbosky, an independent filmmaker (Four Corners of Nowhere) about this boy named Charlie who writes letters to some anonymous person or the reader of this novel. He writes about his life, friends, and life in high school. Seems like several teen books...right? Well, your assumptions are all wrong. This book is filled with great humor, and somehow seems to understand the teenage mind and it covers everything that most high schoolers go through, with such grace and honesty. It also references some of the best music, and film. (In my opinion) Charlie writes about meeting his friends, Patrick and Sam, and going to The Rocky Horror Picture Show with them, and all the costumes. And driving in the backseat of the truckbed listening to music that makes him feel "infinite" while in a tunnel. There's a lot of amazing moments in this book, so I just suggest reading it. It grabbed my heart by the end of Part 1.

I read this on a snow day, when there wasn't much snow. And that's what we call ironic. But I was talking to friends while reading, then decided around Part 3 I was going to listen to the mix Charlie created. It starts out with Asleep by The Smiths, amazing song, by the way. I found the song on YouTube and started to go down the list. Amazing, how the words of the book and the lyrics and tone/mood of the songs fit. They carried the feelings Perks had, but with music. It left me awe-struck and made me read more. I suggest reading this way. It is just better. I then switched to my own favorite music, and it still went with the book. It was so good.

I had a conversation with my friend because I mentioned his film which I wanted to see, and she was upset about how her favorite books never turn into good movies. They never do it justice. For a film lover, I do not want this book ever turned into a film. I like it in my imagination, it could never be better than what I imagine his family, friends, high school looks like. Wendy also mentioned that that was an "awesome book" and "now I have to listen to the Smiths." I completely agree. This book is awesome, and shouldn't be touched. I laughed while reading, and cried a bit too...fantastic. Another friend of mine (Lee) wrote how he looked up the playlist on YouTube also. I was listening to The Smith's song for the first time. It's an amazing book. This little post doesn't do it justice either. But I'm trying. This book is now in my favorites.

The music, the references, the style of writing, all of it is part of why it is so great. I love this book. I want to own a copy and own all the music and the the films referenced. The stories will forever live in my heart, and there are certain parts that will stick in your brain forever. It is well-written story of growing up, and the process of it. And it's not traditional, but that is why I love it.

Thanks for all the people who told me this book was great, I'm glad I picked it up.

5, well 6 Times Where I Wish I Was Alive...

You know, the times or places where movements started, seen the stuff people have seen, but yet you weren't even conceived or your parents weren't even born yet. Ya, this is the list for you. And it reminds me of John Cusack in High Fidelity with all his Top 5 lists. These are in no perticular order because then I'd never have a list.

1. Camden Town, London, mid 70's

I wish I was alive during the British punk revolution, going to "Sex" and see the original Sex Pistol's members hanging out. Then The Clash, oh my. My favorite "band," not artist. They are pure amazing, and would have loved to hear them live. I can't believe my parents never went to their concerts when they played. But then they were "too punk" for them. I guess who knew how amazing they would be. Their songs mattered, and still do. I was watching Let's Rock Again! and a fan coming out of the Mascaleros concert, thanked Joe for writing "The Call Up", that's why he didn't enlist. Now what other rock stars receive that kind of thank you? He is forever missed, and I wished I knew them, and could have hung out with them before and after they became a band. The movement still goes on today, it can relate to anyone. I so wish I was there..

2. The Village, NYC. San Fransisco, CA. 1956

The Beat times. My favorite time in literature. It was on both coasts, both so similar and so different. I love Jack Kerouac, and Neil Cassidy, Allen Ginsberg. From the stories, poetry readings, hitchhiking (which was more acceptable then)...to just hanging out with them in the stingy apartments with the typewriter's keys making rhythms of the writer creating a manuscript at four a'clock in the morning, with everyone asleep on the floor with unfinished paintings, photographs hanging from the ceiling...with jazz records put on repeat. Take me there! And let's go on a road trip in a broken down station wagon for the heck of it. Ya. I've always loved movies like that. And because of Tom Waits, and Bob Dylan I will forever love these ideas. Really need to re-read On the Road again.

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes...the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, glorify and vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." - Jack Kerouac

"Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life." -Jack Kerouac

"I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked..." Howl

"Fortunately art is a community effort-- a small and select community living in a spiritualized world endeavoring to interpret the wars and the solitudes of the flesh." -Allen Ginsberg

3. Italy/France, early 60's...

Well, this one is two places in one. I could split them up, but I'm not quite sure how. Fellini. as I was saying to my brother on my phone "I would bow down to this man, metaphorically and literally...I'd actually stand there dumbstruck." He is my film god. I adore everything this man has done. 8 1/2 started it all and I am now going through every film he's ever done. I'd watch the old film reels from the archive if that's the only copies of his films. His imagery still leaves me breathless.

Then the French, I'm into a lot of early 60's French New Wave films. I also am into the contemporary scene too...Paris, Je T'aime, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Amelie, A Very Long Engagement...(mainly because of my celebrity crush on Gaspard...but it's amazing).

I also have seen Umbrellas of Cherbourg (known to be a film where every line is sung-- it is), and about an hour and ten minutes of Jules et Jim. I love what I have seen, but every copy I have gotten has been all messed up during a vital scene. It's all so beautiful, in black and white, where people dressed up for everyday. And cool old bicycles is how they came to and fro into the countryside and city. And people knew art, and argued about culture and interpretations...things were so different then. The French always seem to beat us out way too many times. I am going to find a way to study film in France, their films are so amazing, from whatever time they come from.

4. Woodstock, NY 1969.

Yes, all of the best music, free love, peace. A idealized world that the hippies dreamed of. Well, I have hippy mindset..."high on life"...

All of the GREAT music played there, from Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane...that's the music I grew up listening to because my dad is a classic rock guy. I grew up listening to these legends, so therefore most modern music has got to live up to these people, and sadly it does not. But the band that got me into music was The Beatles..and my taste just continues to evolve...

If I was alive, I would have found a way to go...and all the great 60's films. aka Hair, Billy Jack, etc.

Donovan's "Colours" and "Catch the Wind" playing in background..so fits the mood.

5. New York, 60's

All the culture, the mecca that is New York City. So much culture and places I want to go...ya, the normal tourist places, but yet I still want to go there. The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island (I loved learning about that in elementary school and now...), Times Square...

But I really want to go to the Village, explore. Find all the old apartments of my heroes, and find all that culture. Joe Strummer's memorial, Imagine memorial (I read a book where a girl goes there and sees a man that looks like John Lennon...Harley, btw. Have to go), then the places where the Beats lived. And Brooklyn, Andy Warhol's old hangouts, the big city vibe that I adore so much. Sick of living in country land. It's beautiful, but I like old buildings instead of farm land with combines sitting in dead leaves of corn plants. I just plain love the 60's, jealous of everyone who was alive then.

6. Fairmount, Indiana late 1940's

James. Dean. James Dean. My hero, who I can't describe why. I've been asked, and I always reply with I'm not quite sure, he just is. is. my hero. I read what he loved, and contemplate his life, with posters of him all around my room. Rebel Without a Cause is by far my favorite, but I love anything this man has ever touched. I wish I knew him before he was famous, back in Indiana..I wish to see his gravesite, see his school, and walk the streets he walked...and put a rose on his tombstone. James or Jimmy Dean is so inspiring...

Control

Ok, I read a short posting on another blog, about this film. It showed some stills from the film and seemed good. Let me tell you, it was amazing. It's now on my list to own.

It's a "rockumentary" and biopic, except it has no interviews, pictures of the band, or really any dedications to lost band members. Control is based on a biography of Ian Curtis, written by his wife Debbie. He was the lead singer of "Joy Division," a post-punk alternative band. Now I have only heard of this band a few times, I'm thinking from all The Clash reading I've done.

Ian Curtis is a writer, a lyricist inspired by Bowie, the 60's (it shows Howl and other major works of the times) on his shelf. He finds a band (Warsaw) at a Sex Pistols gig and starts singing showing off his skill using words and instruments creating a new sound that became a movement in Manchester in the late 1970's.

This film was shot so beautifully, in black and white. It was just beautiful, and it put you in the picture and felt his emotion, and everyone elses. It was a tad creepy seeing a character look like a guy I've met. It was directed by Anton Corbijn, a rock photographer, and music video director.

Sam Riley, of 10,000 Things is the actor portraying Ian Curtis and does a fantastic job. It is more about his true life, not what the media portrayed him. The true, depressed, confused man...which eventually led to his suicide. Now every great rock musician dies. Yet some are living legends, but he was no hero by any stretch of the imagination. He was merely himself. I have now listened to all major songs by Joy Division and now a fan. Because of this film.

This film shows the frustration and confusion he had with his two loves, after marring Deb young, and figuring out the marriage was not working and that he was not a good father to his young daughter, Natalie and the hard decisions he had to make. Ian then met a young Belgian embassy worker, part rock journalist named Aniuk who steals his heart. This is one of the best films that shows true confusion and Sam Riley had a fantastic independent debut. He also being in the band "10,000 Things" also helped. Fantastic job, there are some well known actors performances that don't make me cry, and that did.

Favorite song: She's Lost Control. Great song, fits the mood of the entire film. It's so good.

Shot beautifully, with the black and white of Jim Jarmusch's Coffee and Cigarettes, and Down By Law (both films I adore), this man is so cool. Listen to his commentary on Down By Law and you will agree.

I'm talking to one of my friends about this band..well as I've been writing this YouTube videos have been playing. Addict. This film got me into them, and an odd thing is...one of my artist friends on Facebook mentioned The Stone Roses, which I listened for a while and saw they were in the same movement as Joy Division. They are a post-punk/alternative/independent band, with major inspiration from Bowie (who I adore anything he does-- no matter how weird..that just makes him cooler), and came after the Sex Pistols, and The Clash punk rebellion times. Let's just say it was an easy love. The film just brought their name to the table. The rest is history, I am now a fan of this 2 album band.

Fellini's 8 1/2

Holy crap, this is an amazing film. I'm glad I chose to see this first. Fellini is an amazing director. Images in my head from this film will forever stick to in my brain. Just look at these.
It's been on recommended lists, and I've heard about Fellini everywhere, but never had seen it. This a film about how directors make a film. Simple as that, yet Frederico Fellini can make it so complex, and beautiful. Making shots that should not been able to do, done. Less technical equipment and makes it look stunning, with imagery that is unmistakeably Fellini. The Italian subtitles become nothing as watching it. Seeing this has made me rethink my whole "All-Time Favorites" list. His style also reminds me a little of the artistry of Tim Burton films. Maybe it's just me, with the bold black and white exposure, characters, except real people. (Exception: Ed Wood), see if you haven't. About the world's worst director, and Johnny Depp is amazing, and hilarious. It's now likely to change, and this is the first Fellini film I've seen. I'm going to be watching La Strada, anyday now. Then La Dolce Vida, can't wait. If this was as amazing as it is, then I can't wait. I will also go through his more obscure films. He made this film in the early 60's and it shows in the costumes and hair, but other than that, this movie is timeless. Some of the pictures he shows, are very confusing, and hard to understand. I'm still figuring it all out, and I like that. He leaves things to the imagination. Amazing. The scenes are also very visually psychological, and we kind of see what is in this man's head. It is beautifully filmed, and something that has Fellini named as a "Film Genius", and is pure, amazing, film. It's effing beautiful. See it if you haven't. If you haven't, I will force you after I own it. Next film to own.

The Namesake

This film I've seen about 5 times. I am waiting this long to finally write about it. Why you ask? Because I needed to understand the points in it before I could give a good analysis on it. There is a well-known Indian actor, Kal Penn, Dr. Kutner in Fox's House M. D. television show. The story is complicated, but yet very simple. I don't really want to give the plot away. But the story starts out with Ashoke Ganguli, in 1997 Calcutta traincrash while reading The Overcoat by Gogol. An older man saw this, and gave him advice to go, while he's young to travel the world. His response is "I can travel the world without moving an inch," while lifting the book up. Later, we see him meeting Ashima, his future wife. They meet, and have children. Gogol Nikhil, and Sonia. They are born and raised in the US, but they have never had the culture shock until they go to India as a family, and he sees the Taj Mahal. He grows up always having to deal with his name, and he learns many lessons throughout his life. I am in dire need to read this book that it is based on, most of the time the books are better, and this was pretty dang good.

The first time I saw it, after reading the back about 10 times I finally picked it up. I didn't quite understand it, but after catching bits and pieces at random times in my life I am understanding it more and more. The film is fantastically done, and shows many, many points anyone could understand, just make sure to watch it more than once.

I also dream of travelling to India one day, all the colors and flavors and variety of people. I think it'd be a sensory overload, but so different from Times Square in New York. I want a different kind of overload, maybe that's just it. I want to see the temples, the gods they worship. It's a world so far from my own, and that makes me more curious to see it. I've been fascinated with the culture since I've been in middle school too.

This film also brings this a look into Bollywood, with the costumes, setting in India. It also is directed by Mira Nair, who is the director of the new movie, Amelia, which I will see just because she directed it.

Actors. Can't live with 'em can't live without them.

I love watching movies, as you can very well see. Well, here is my list of favorite male actors (dead or alive). I could care less. They are talents from around the world, and I truly respect them. Not just for their good looks, but that always helps. :)
First choice.

None other than one of the best actors this world has ever known, James Dean. He is super-talented, dashingly good looking, complete rebel, and amazingly gifted in the arts. He succeeded in the movie industry, with only showing three films in his short career. That's unheard of today. He worked on projects he wanted to, and created films on the side. He first learned how to act on stage, but then it transformed into his film career. His work also can also relate to many generations, which not every actor can say they have done. Everyone is still trying to figure out his death, his future in acting, his mystique, and every little detail of his life. And he died over fiftey years ago. He'd be almost 80 if he was still alive. He will always be remembered, and I truly love your work. Your a major inspiration, and I can't answer why, it just is.

International actor. Yes, from France (one of my favorite film cultures). His name is Gaspard Ulliel. Super-talented French actor that is still breaking into the American film. Only 24 years old, and has been in top-rated films. Pretty cool...huh? I'd think so, and also gorgeously handsome.

Part model, part actor. The first film I saw him in was Paris Je T'aime in the Le Marsaile district with the fantastic Gus Van Sant directing. Then I saw A Very Long Engagement, especially with a love of Jean's film Amelie. I loved his 5 and a half minutes soliloquy in Paris, I Love You, and was obsessed ever since. Still need to see the rest of his films, he is just that kind of actor. You love him and will see everything, including the crappy movies too. He is known to be a shy guy, and dreams of being a director, with amazing taste in directors and actors. Which only makes him even more appealing to girls like me. *a girlish grin and laughter ensue this actors name...

Okay, this man I love. Emile Hirsch. Heck ya!

From his role in The Emporer's Club, to his talented job in Into the Wild. Seeing Lords of Dogtown, Milk, and Alpha Dog all helped me see his huge gift he has. He can play any character, from a gay rights activist, to a wannabe-gangster, to a man living in the wild because he wants to, to a young prep school kid, to a skateboarder. Not every mid-20's American actor can say that. I love every work I've seen.He has also said he will never do a teen comedy. I applaud you, Emile. Insert group of people clapping their hands. Great acting, can't wait to see more!

Ok, the classic "chick-flick"...The Notebook. Ryan Gosling.

From not even noticing his great job in Remember the Titans as Allan, to now seeing Half Nelson, he always keeps me guessing. From his Academy Award nominated acting in Half Nelson, to his controversial role in The Believer (which will be forever engraved in my brain of his amazing acting in this indie film), to his hilariously entertaining Lars and The Real Girl. He can play just about anything, and do it with a deep-ness, and prove that this boy from Canada can act. Ryan was fantastic in The Notebook, but girls (and guys...) please see the rest of his films, they are all fantastic and he breaks whatever typecast you call him.

I'll have the next six or seven up soon. Too tired to keep on writing, I need some new wordings, and more time to figure out the rest. Please see their other films, especially the ones I mentioned. Or see them if you haven't.

Oh, Delightful Literature World...

I have many favorite books and authors. I normally like the stuff that's well, out there. Beat poetry and books are my all-time favorite. If there's acid involved, I find it more fun and scary to read. Hunter S. Thompson for example. I love his persona(s), his books, political opinions, way of speaking, and his taking of four hallucinogens at once and writing. Crazy dude, but I've learned I love those crazy people in this world. They do something, whether the world likes it or not. Well, Jack Kerouac. In my top ten writers, his love of the open road, experiencing everything, truly writing the reality of the craziness of the Beat time. I adore every word, even the awkward parts. Here's the list of his amazing talent I've read: On the Road (personal favorite), The Subterraneans, half of Dharma Bums, And the Hippos were Boiled in their Tanks (with Burroughs). He's amazingly talented, and will read more of his literary genius. He also wrote some of my favorite quotes, "a circle in square peg"...well, I've learned I am one. :)



I read On the Road because finding out that Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and The Beatles were all inspired by this book, thought I'd read it. Now I want to backpack/road trip the world. Kerouac is a true inspirer. No drugs involved, well for him, he always does.



If you are a lover of Beat culture, I suggest reading The Holy Barbarians by Lawrence Lipton (dad of interviewer on "Inside the Actor's Studio", it's a true-blue rendition of what really went on in Beat culture, their opinions, and why they did the stuff they did. I understand and love that generation even more. The book maybe hard to find, but so worth it.




One of my favorite books is 1984. Amazing, it struck me so hard. It's supposedly science-fiction. Not my usual genre. My mom reread it, and I read the back and thought it sounded like Fight Club (one of my all-time favorite films), so I read it. Started out pretty boring, but I got into it at about page 70. I think George Orwell's statements about coming generations (being dead on, by the way) scared me first. It's scary-good. The story of a government worker who wants to rebel, but with Thoughtpolice he can never even consider it, it's a creepy reality. It makes me interested in government and politics, and question everything, everything the media says. Could the world ever decline this bad? You never know, so fight for your opinions. Don't stay quiet. I had to read "Animal Farm" for school, and thought it was okay. But as growing up I've realized how influential that story is. "Everyone's equal except some are more equal than others"...that's what I'm talking about. Willis. lol


Okay, so a children's book. The Little Prince or Le Petit Prince. Amazing book. I can read it in about 45 minutes. Written by a French pilot in the 1940's with illustrations to coincide. I read it because it was James Dean's favorite book. Notice the pattern. I learn something new every time I read it. I sometimes read it when I'm in a major angst mood to calm me down, and it always does. The line, "what is essential is invisible to the eye..." remains a everlasting, wise phrase. One of my favorite books. You can read it as a kid, or a kid at heart. While your growing up, a fantastic book. I'm glad I am a humongous fan of James Dean. Because reading Surviving James Dean, I read this one. I now read it everytime I am angsty, angry, frusterated, or feeling like no one understands you. I understand this book more and more every time, and also am more emotional every time.
Hmmm..other favorite works of literature, my stand-bys. Oh, Fight Club. One of my favorite movies (and I'm a girl)...I don't really care if other girls don't understand it. I do and it means something to me. It's more than just Tyler Durden and "Jack" having their butts whooped, and beating the crap out of each other. It's a social commentary, and satire. I love this book, film.
I recommend it to all. Watch movie first, or read first. I really don't care. I see it as a modern definition of man, and how we should run our lives. Amazing. Chuch Palahniunk is an amazing writer. I read over half the book during exam week. And I'm a relatively slow reader. Let that be known. He always writes about stories that interest me, low-life people with the seediest behavior, or something completely random. Probably Tom Waits influence again, and if you are a Tom fan, they play "Goin' Out West" in Fight Club, right before the rules. Amazing song.


I can't think of more, and I'm thinking of maybe trying to read English translated French classics, I'm super into French culture right now. Any suggestions?

Musical Crushes <3

Ok, so I heard of this idea by reading another blog. I was looking up a picture of Sondre Lerche to paint at the time.
Hmmm...my musical crushes. Okay, have one.
His name is Paolo Nutini. Super-talented Scottish singer with major folk, soul, jazz influence in his music, from his song "Jenny Don't Be Hasty", "Loving You", to "Coming Up Easy" and "Candy." Also a cutie, who can play guitar and sing with a young raspy voice that makes me melt. Paolo can sing fantastically live, and puts on a great show...crooning passionately about former loves. His long shaggy hair, sweet voice, amazing smile. And his lyrics are filled with phrases girls want to hear, and therefore we love him. Happily.With a little girlish grin on our faces.On to my next crush,
Now, he may be older *cough, cough* but I love his younger self. The one and only Tom Waits. And I love him now, even in his old age.


He is amazing, a genius. That kind of eccentric genius, that people who understand his "madness", that I don't even consider madness...I see it as pushing creative boundaries. I heart his raspy voice, from the younger days to his voice now. I have a "thing" for those raspy singers. They have something special to their voice, even with some whiskey, bourbon, cigarette soiled voices. Ya, I know they say that's terrible for your singing voice, but I love it. My next crush reminds me of the younger years of Tom, with his lyrics that seem so sweet, romantic but if you really, really listen you realize they are really sarcastic. Pay attention."Late Night Evening Prostitute" is the example (off The Early Years :Volume 1). I love everything he's ever done, and will go on loving him till the day I die. Every time I talk to people in the art industries, if I mention his name it seems like I have instant respect from those people and I am in their "club". And yet when I talk to my friends, they are either freaked out by him or they don't know who he is and ignores this master of music. Everything he does inspires me, from his circus poetry, spoken word, instrumental, anything. He can scare me, make me cry, wish I lived in the 40's and was in Fellini films. He makes me love more things. Mike Patton. Ya, thought it was Tom. Ya, this guy is amazing. And I heard of this legend on Gilmore Girls, and then when watching a rock ballad compilation cd heard his name, when it was John Waite. I'm glad my hearing is bad at 4am. Yup, I love him. *Crossing fingers* hope there is a younger version of him out there.

Sondre. Lerche. Sondre Lerche. My friend introduced me to him, told me I must listen to him. Said he was "pop", (generally doesn't excite me...now rock, experimental, folk, alternative= yes) but really he was folky, acoustic pop, and crooner. His lyrics are simple in nature, and so hilarious if you listen hard. Super cute, hilarious. His voice is fantastic, and he can hit those high notes magically. Simply playing a guitar with hopeful lyrics. I love it. Every song I hear, I love every word. Buying "Heartbeat Radio" tomorrow. Oh ya, he's Norwegian. Gotta love the Scandinavian sound. They know how to do music, or at least everything I've heard is great. (Ida Maria, Sigor Ros, Bjork)


Next musical crush. Easy. Bob Dylan. Complete rebel and he does not even care. Still legendary, and was "mover-shakers" in the music industry. I've read his autobiography, and am a collector of any book relating to the Bob Dylan. Almost done with Tarantula, trippy and amazing. Supposively resembles the 60's and if you want to know, it does. :) He is revered by everyone, and I love his lyrical talent. Saw him live. Wished the instruments amps were turned down so I could hear his nasaly, amazing voice. I make sure everytime I see a troubador I give them respect, I think of Tom Waits and Bob everytime. Support them! If you dont, they will haunt you. LOL I love them both, and it's difficult to type out how much they have impacted me.
One more, that I can think of off the top of my head. That would be the amazing idealist punk rocker. Joe Strummer. I love The Clash, they are one of the few bands who actually have something to say, and to say to everyone. Their songs mean something, and have stood the test of time. Punk rock is something more than just an outword rebellion, it's a movement. Not just teenage angst. At least that's what old school punk rock was about. Joe taught me that punks and hippies essencially wanted the same things, a better world. Agreement. Unity. No government. Ya, they rebelled using their hair, (and yes a reference to Hair: The Musical) is fine, in the 60's and 70's it was growing it long, early 80's brightly colored mohawks. I'm good with either. He has inspired me so much, from the lyrics that make you think and create an impact to the amazing style they had. All the musicians in that band all had their own style and all collaborated to create a new sound. Fantastic.
Another one while I'm thinking about it. I got into his music kind of recently, and can't get over his talent. Mike Patton, of Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, etc. He does many projects, he's worked with Bjork, creating some sound patterns for her mix for "Mouth's Cradle" and "Who is it?" All amazing, I loved those songs before I even knew he worked on them. He pushes what the human voice and recording equipment together can do. Mike also makes the sound effects for video games. I've listened to Mr. Bungle's California so many times. He is a genius. Because of Tom Waits I think Mike Patton is amazing. I thank you. His music is so different, in a jaw-dropping kind of way. Either you get or you don't. Just a warning.Well that concludes my musical crushes. Probably about 10 more if I think harder. I'll hopefully post some more lists...film crushes (directors), (actors), then literary crushes, artist crushes. Ya, I need to write more. Ta-ta for now. Hope you enjoy!

*Random thought: Is it just me or do the musical artists similar? haha