(After a long layoff...)
Here is link to Part 1
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex (But Were Afraid To Ask)
I actually remember seeing this back in high school, when A&E was a MUCH different network than it is now (they actually tried to live up to their Arts and Entertainment name). I also remember not really caring for it at the time. However, since it was edited for television and I have a little more developed taste in movies now than I did then, I was hoping for a better experience this time around. However, my opinion was about the same upon this viewing. It really didn't do much for me.
It had some humorous isolated moments, but overall I didn't think it was all that funny. Maybe the subject matter was a little more shocking back in 1972, and that simple fact made the skits funnier. The movie is broken up into 7 parts, each dealing with a different sexual topic. The only real chuckles I got were from the skit on bestiality (because I love Gene Wilder and the way he played such an absurd story so straight) and the one on sex perverts (because they did it in the style of a 60s game show and it had Regis Philbin in it). However, the rest (dealing with aphrodisiacs, female orgasms, transvestites, sex research, and ejaculation) were just there. I have only ever seen two Woody Allen films (I know, what kind of movie fanatic am I?) - this one and Annie Hall (which I loved) - so I don't know if most of his films are like this or if this one is a fluke.
(I couldn't find a trailer on YouTube, but eh, no big loss)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday Night TV Roundup 2/10/11
Community
That's the Community I have been looking for the last few weeks. After 2 weeks of really good but not great episodes, and 1 week that rubbed me the wrong way (last week's episode, due to Pierce's behavior, although I suspect I might like it more upon a second viewing), Community is back to top form this week. Because the characters are so well defined by this point, they have the luxury of highlighting a few of the group instead of the whole and it can carry an episode. This week, its Jeff, Abed/Troy and, especially, Britta who are highlighted. Britta has a particularly strong episode as her hipster beliefs that she is better and cooler than everyone else comes back to bite her in the ass, so much so that she ends up making out with another straight woman before she would even think of asking if that woman is a lesbian in fear of seeming (in her opinion) homophobic. The results were awkward comedy at its best.
Favorite Scenes: Troy - "and make sure no one draws weiners in me"; Jeff - "I don't believe in dibs. Or Love at first sight. or love. Or best friends. Or doing things";" The looks on everyone's faces after Pierce reads his statement; The whole Bare Naked Ladies thing aregument; Jeff: "I've been forcing myself to be into soccer since 2004"; The return of "streets ahead" (even if it was only in Pierce's head); "What's in the briefcase?" "Tacos. Want one?"; Chang's nunchuks and the fact that Jeff made him clean up; "
Grade - A-
The Office
The Office long ago stopped being a show about the type of office that is relatable for normal people. The realism train has long since sailed. I am sure that has turned some people off, bur I am able to just accept that is the direction the show took, and I accept it. This was the type of episode that never would have fit in the early seasons, but it was very funny. Michael and Holly's increasing levels of PDA were ludicrous, but had me laughing out loud several times. The Holly-Michael relationship is one that most people have been rooting for during Steve Carell's final season, and this episode had some nice milestones for them. Even Jim and Pam were enjoyable this week. This was a really solid episode and probably the best of the season so far.
Favorite Scenes: "Birthday Punches!"; "I DOMINATE Valentines Day!"; Oscar's increasing coughing to try and get Michael and Holly to behave; Kevin - "I enjoy watching them, because it makes me horny"; Gabe - "I get it - Andy's slamming my girlfriend"; Gabe again - " Yep, all the honkings";; this exchange: Dwight - "What is the policy on masturbation?" Michael - "Mmm.. pro" ; and my favorite line of the episode - "Hurl your feces!"
Grade - B+
Park & Rec
The roll in season 3 continues. Any Ron Swanson-centric episode is pretty much guaranteed a B+, but this one definitely delivered above even that. Hopefully this show will be on for several more years, so that the return of Tammy can be an annual tradition. Just the sight of Ron Swanson in cornrows and a kimono was enough to send me into hysterical laughter. I also liked how they continue to show Ben learning that Leslie is a special person both professionally and personally. If they end up getting together, I will be all for it - I think they have great chemistry.
Favorite Scenes: Ron's alleged overdue library book - "Its not the size of the boat: Living life with a micro-penis"; Leslie - "whale tail! ABORT!"; "Don't be such a Jerry, Ben!"; Ron - "I am off to have a mid-morning pre-lunch with my lady friend, but I'll be back for lunch"; I loved the new work relationship with April and Chris; I love the way Chris speaks - "I would like a local beer. I would like it in a bottle. And I would like the bottle to be cold"; Tom and Tammy's dancing; The cops all describing the altercation in the bar in the same way; "I wouldn't want him within 500 feet of the library." "That's good advice for all of us"; Andy at the intervention; Ron's warning video, to himself; the return of Andy's alias, Bert Macklin, FBI; Jerry at the bridal shower; the way Tom runs; Ron - "Women like scars. It shows you survived an attack. And they'll assume that attack was from a man."
Grade - A
30 Rock
My internet conked out during this episode, and since I was using this blog template to record my favorite quotes as I watched, I was distracted somewhat from this episode. I know is was pretty funny, but I need to rewatch it to really appreciate it. I will edit this post and give it a final grade after I view it again.
Favorite Lines (what I was able to catch): Jack - "I don't sleep on planes. I don't want to be Incepted"; Jcak to Liz - "Not only is your fly open, there is a pencil sticking out of it"; "Your milk comes in bags. BAGS!"
(Preliminary) Grade - B+
Archer
My internet was still out, so I don't have any quotes for this one. However, I gave up on trying to get the internet to connect again during this one, so I was able to pay closer attention. This was another really good episode. If the Wee Baby Seamus sticks around the rest of the season, it will add another comedy wrinkle to what is already a zany spy workplace show. It already has one dysfunctional family relationship in Mallory and Archer that they can mine for comedy gold, and fatherhood for Archer is full of potential. Even if this is a one time only plot, at least it resulted in a really good episode (the highlight was the revelation that Woodhouse the butler is a smack addict).
Grade - B+
That's the Community I have been looking for the last few weeks. After 2 weeks of really good but not great episodes, and 1 week that rubbed me the wrong way (last week's episode, due to Pierce's behavior, although I suspect I might like it more upon a second viewing), Community is back to top form this week. Because the characters are so well defined by this point, they have the luxury of highlighting a few of the group instead of the whole and it can carry an episode. This week, its Jeff, Abed/Troy and, especially, Britta who are highlighted. Britta has a particularly strong episode as her hipster beliefs that she is better and cooler than everyone else comes back to bite her in the ass, so much so that she ends up making out with another straight woman before she would even think of asking if that woman is a lesbian in fear of seeming (in her opinion) homophobic. The results were awkward comedy at its best.
Favorite Scenes: Troy - "and make sure no one draws weiners in me"; Jeff - "I don't believe in dibs. Or Love at first sight. or love. Or best friends. Or doing things";" The looks on everyone's faces after Pierce reads his statement; The whole Bare Naked Ladies thing aregument; Jeff: "I've been forcing myself to be into soccer since 2004"; The return of "streets ahead" (even if it was only in Pierce's head); "What's in the briefcase?" "Tacos. Want one?"; Chang's nunchuks and the fact that Jeff made him clean up; "
Grade - A-
The Office
The Office long ago stopped being a show about the type of office that is relatable for normal people. The realism train has long since sailed. I am sure that has turned some people off, bur I am able to just accept that is the direction the show took, and I accept it. This was the type of episode that never would have fit in the early seasons, but it was very funny. Michael and Holly's increasing levels of PDA were ludicrous, but had me laughing out loud several times. The Holly-Michael relationship is one that most people have been rooting for during Steve Carell's final season, and this episode had some nice milestones for them. Even Jim and Pam were enjoyable this week. This was a really solid episode and probably the best of the season so far.
Favorite Scenes: "Birthday Punches!"; "I DOMINATE Valentines Day!"; Oscar's increasing coughing to try and get Michael and Holly to behave; Kevin - "I enjoy watching them, because it makes me horny"; Gabe - "I get it - Andy's slamming my girlfriend"; Gabe again - " Yep, all the honkings";; this exchange: Dwight - "What is the policy on masturbation?" Michael - "Mmm.. pro" ; and my favorite line of the episode - "Hurl your feces!"
Grade - B+
Park & Rec
The roll in season 3 continues. Any Ron Swanson-centric episode is pretty much guaranteed a B+, but this one definitely delivered above even that. Hopefully this show will be on for several more years, so that the return of Tammy can be an annual tradition. Just the sight of Ron Swanson in cornrows and a kimono was enough to send me into hysterical laughter. I also liked how they continue to show Ben learning that Leslie is a special person both professionally and personally. If they end up getting together, I will be all for it - I think they have great chemistry.
Favorite Scenes: Ron's alleged overdue library book - "Its not the size of the boat: Living life with a micro-penis"; Leslie - "whale tail! ABORT!"; "Don't be such a Jerry, Ben!"; Ron - "I am off to have a mid-morning pre-lunch with my lady friend, but I'll be back for lunch"; I loved the new work relationship with April and Chris; I love the way Chris speaks - "I would like a local beer. I would like it in a bottle. And I would like the bottle to be cold"; Tom and Tammy's dancing; The cops all describing the altercation in the bar in the same way; "I wouldn't want him within 500 feet of the library." "That's good advice for all of us"; Andy at the intervention; Ron's warning video, to himself; the return of Andy's alias, Bert Macklin, FBI; Jerry at the bridal shower; the way Tom runs; Ron - "Women like scars. It shows you survived an attack. And they'll assume that attack was from a man."
Grade - A
30 Rock
My internet conked out during this episode, and since I was using this blog template to record my favorite quotes as I watched, I was distracted somewhat from this episode. I know is was pretty funny, but I need to rewatch it to really appreciate it. I will edit this post and give it a final grade after I view it again.
Favorite Lines (what I was able to catch): Jack - "I don't sleep on planes. I don't want to be Incepted"; Jcak to Liz - "Not only is your fly open, there is a pencil sticking out of it"; "Your milk comes in bags. BAGS!"
(Preliminary) Grade - B+
Archer
My internet was still out, so I don't have any quotes for this one. However, I gave up on trying to get the internet to connect again during this one, so I was able to pay closer attention. This was another really good episode. If the Wee Baby Seamus sticks around the rest of the season, it will add another comedy wrinkle to what is already a zany spy workplace show. It already has one dysfunctional family relationship in Mallory and Archer that they can mine for comedy gold, and fatherhood for Archer is full of potential. Even if this is a one time only plot, at least it resulted in a really good episode (the highlight was the revelation that Woodhouse the butler is a smack addict).
Grade - B+
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday Night TV Round-Up 1/27/11
Community
Last night was an episode that I thought was funny, but not as funny as some of their better efforts this season. There were a lot of funny bits that were better than than the whole I think.
I think my favorite part of the episode is how they took a tired, cliched sitcom staple - texting someone pretending to be someone else (before cell phones they were still doing this type of story with phone calls or letters, so it has been around a while) and having it blow up in the character's face, and made it work by taking it into such disturbing territory (having Britta's nephew lust after her and sending her an "emoti-penis" in one of his texts) that it is hilarious in spite of how tired that plot has become.
Not one of the best episodes of Community, but still funnier than most of what is on television.
Favorite Scenes: Pierce managing to turn an anti-drug play into a pro-drug rally where the children all shout "We Want Drugs!", Troy wanting a front stinger on his bee costume (and the Dean of course actually having one on his unrelated bee costume), the look Abed gave Jeff when Jeff tried to get Abed to help him resolve the texting fiasco, the fact that Annie lives above a store called "Dildopolis".
Grade: B
The Office
Like Community, an episode where I liked various bits of the episode more than I liked the whole, although I liked Community much more overall than I liked The Office.
Michael and Holly's whole plot (Michael's accent reminded me of Sebulba from The Phantom Menace - ugh, bad memories) just didn't do anything for me. I almost forgot about them for long stretches of the episode, and afterward I really had to think hard to remember what exactly they did, other than Michael;s awkward kiss attempt at the end. Also, Gabe came off as a real jerk in this episode. I know that they are trying to set up Andy and Erin again, so Gabe has to be the "bad guy", but I thought last night was too much (although Gabe is correct - Suspiria IS a fantastic horror movie).
Favorite Scenes: Kevin and "Crazy Train", Kelly's various titles for herself, Creed (as always) and his Lock Ness Monster speech, Jim getting zinged by a wronged childhood friend with one of the lines of the night - "Where's your jetpack, Zuckerberg?", and, of course, THIS:
Grade: C
Parks & Recreation
Another fantastic episode that gave almost everyone in the cast a chance to shine (even Jerry, who made the most of his 3 lines he had). The rampant flu allowed for some great interactions and let things get a little crazy, with hilarious results. Rob Lowe in particular was fantastic. I like where his character's relationship is going with Ann, and I also like how Leslie has finally won over Ben by showing him exactly why the rest of her co-workers like and respect her. And of course, the best relationship building of all was between Ron and Andy. That was comedy gold right there.
Favorite scenes:" You spent over 1000 dollars on waffles alone last year", Ron's idea of stuff to cheer up April - "magazines and lipstick - women's stuff", Pretty much anything out of Ron's mouth - "I'm not interested in caring about people", "You had me at 'meat tornado", "Its a whole new meat delivery mechanism", Leslie's delirium walk after she thought the floor and ceiling traded places, and finally - "STOP. POOPING."
Grade: A
30 Rock
While the subplot with the writers and their disaster plan didn't do much for me, it didn't take up much time so it didn't really drag down the rest of the show. That's good, because the 2 main plots were fantastic. Tracy and Liz battling back and forth and eventually trying to out crazy each other was incredibly funny. Tracy Jordan has been used really well as a character this season, mostly due to the added wrinkle of his quest for respectability by winning an Oscar. I think that has pumped new life into a character that was starting to become stale. Jack's attempt to pre-stage a telethon in advance of any natural disaster hummed along well enough throughout the episode, but the payoff of the actual disaster at the end involving Mel Gibson's island is what really made it work. Alec Baldwin was great in panic mode, as he always is when his character is forced into that situation
Favorite Scenes: Liz' repeated use of the term "snart" (and actually doing it), another in a long line of great fake NBC shows, "The Real Transvestite Hoarders of Orange County Penitentiary", while Robert De Niro's British accent didn't do anything for me, I did love his reading of the potential disasters (especially "these super-intelligent sharks"), all the Mel Gibson pictures during the telethon (the one where he was lighting Jon Gosselin's cigarette was the best of all)
Grade: A-
Archer -
Archer is back! One of my favorite new shows of last year returned last night with a particularly funny episode involving an assassination attempt on an underage European heiress who won't leave Archer alone. As with most Archer episodes, the plot really only exists to deliver rapid fire jokes and last night's was pretty damn funny. If you are a fan of anything on Adult Swim or just want to laugh at a lot of crude sex jokes, make sure you check out this show.
Favorite Scenes: Countess Von Fingerbang, "What is it, the Alabama of Europe?", "Afterward was all gendarmes and dick stitches?"
Grade: B+
Last night was an episode that I thought was funny, but not as funny as some of their better efforts this season. There were a lot of funny bits that were better than than the whole I think.
I think my favorite part of the episode is how they took a tired, cliched sitcom staple - texting someone pretending to be someone else (before cell phones they were still doing this type of story with phone calls or letters, so it has been around a while) and having it blow up in the character's face, and made it work by taking it into such disturbing territory (having Britta's nephew lust after her and sending her an "emoti-penis" in one of his texts) that it is hilarious in spite of how tired that plot has become.
Not one of the best episodes of Community, but still funnier than most of what is on television.
Favorite Scenes: Pierce managing to turn an anti-drug play into a pro-drug rally where the children all shout "We Want Drugs!", Troy wanting a front stinger on his bee costume (and the Dean of course actually having one on his unrelated bee costume), the look Abed gave Jeff when Jeff tried to get Abed to help him resolve the texting fiasco, the fact that Annie lives above a store called "Dildopolis".
Grade: B
The Office
Like Community, an episode where I liked various bits of the episode more than I liked the whole, although I liked Community much more overall than I liked The Office.
Michael and Holly's whole plot (Michael's accent reminded me of Sebulba from The Phantom Menace - ugh, bad memories) just didn't do anything for me. I almost forgot about them for long stretches of the episode, and afterward I really had to think hard to remember what exactly they did, other than Michael;s awkward kiss attempt at the end. Also, Gabe came off as a real jerk in this episode. I know that they are trying to set up Andy and Erin again, so Gabe has to be the "bad guy", but I thought last night was too much (although Gabe is correct - Suspiria IS a fantastic horror movie).
Favorite Scenes: Kevin and "Crazy Train", Kelly's various titles for herself, Creed (as always) and his Lock Ness Monster speech, Jim getting zinged by a wronged childhood friend with one of the lines of the night - "Where's your jetpack, Zuckerberg?", and, of course, THIS:
Grade: C
Parks & Recreation
Another fantastic episode that gave almost everyone in the cast a chance to shine (even Jerry, who made the most of his 3 lines he had). The rampant flu allowed for some great interactions and let things get a little crazy, with hilarious results. Rob Lowe in particular was fantastic. I like where his character's relationship is going with Ann, and I also like how Leslie has finally won over Ben by showing him exactly why the rest of her co-workers like and respect her. And of course, the best relationship building of all was between Ron and Andy. That was comedy gold right there.
Favorite scenes:" You spent over 1000 dollars on waffles alone last year", Ron's idea of stuff to cheer up April - "magazines and lipstick - women's stuff", Pretty much anything out of Ron's mouth - "I'm not interested in caring about people", "You had me at 'meat tornado", "Its a whole new meat delivery mechanism", Leslie's delirium walk after she thought the floor and ceiling traded places, and finally - "STOP. POOPING."
Grade: A
30 Rock
While the subplot with the writers and their disaster plan didn't do much for me, it didn't take up much time so it didn't really drag down the rest of the show. That's good, because the 2 main plots were fantastic. Tracy and Liz battling back and forth and eventually trying to out crazy each other was incredibly funny. Tracy Jordan has been used really well as a character this season, mostly due to the added wrinkle of his quest for respectability by winning an Oscar. I think that has pumped new life into a character that was starting to become stale. Jack's attempt to pre-stage a telethon in advance of any natural disaster hummed along well enough throughout the episode, but the payoff of the actual disaster at the end involving Mel Gibson's island is what really made it work. Alec Baldwin was great in panic mode, as he always is when his character is forced into that situation
Favorite Scenes: Liz' repeated use of the term "snart" (and actually doing it), another in a long line of great fake NBC shows, "The Real Transvestite Hoarders of Orange County Penitentiary", while Robert De Niro's British accent didn't do anything for me, I did love his reading of the potential disasters (especially "these super-intelligent sharks"), all the Mel Gibson pictures during the telethon (the one where he was lighting Jon Gosselin's cigarette was the best of all)
Grade: A-
Archer -
Archer is back! One of my favorite new shows of last year returned last night with a particularly funny episode involving an assassination attempt on an underage European heiress who won't leave Archer alone. As with most Archer episodes, the plot really only exists to deliver rapid fire jokes and last night's was pretty damn funny. If you are a fan of anything on Adult Swim or just want to laugh at a lot of crude sex jokes, make sure you check out this show.
Favorite Scenes: Countess Von Fingerbang, "What is it, the Alabama of Europe?", "Afterward was all gendarmes and dick stitches?"
Grade: B+
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday Night TV Round-Up 1/20/11
( I am going to try and make this a regular feature. We'll see how long that lasts...)
Community
Community has 2 types of episodes - crazy pop-culture parodies (the zombie episode, the spaceship episode) and down to earth episodes that explore the relationships between the characters. Throughout Community's season and a half, it has shown that it can do both types equally well and make them equally funny. Last night was one of the latter types, and it was pretty good. It touched on a lot of the relationships that had been building over time - Pierce and Troy, Jeff and Annie, and Chang with the study group as a whole. It also finally introduced a relationship that had only been talked about until now - Shirley and her ex-husband (Malcolm Jamaal-Warner sporting a FANTASTIC Cosby sweater). Another funny episode from the 2nd funniest show on TV.
Favorite scenes: Troy interrogating Shirley's ex-husband to see if he gets horny post-Halloween, Jeff bringing the woman to the mixer who spelled her name (Kendra) with a Q-U, the interrogation of Annie at the beginning to find out who her crush is ("Black Michael Chiklis"? "White George Foreman"? - both the same person).
Grade: B+
The Office
The Office continues its slide downwards in quality from its once lofty heights of comedy. However, it still has its funny moments (pretty much anything with Creed, and I like the fact that there is more Darryl). Steve Carell leaving after this season will either re-invigorate the show or be the final nail in its coffin, and at this point, I am fine with either outcome.
Favorite scenes: Dwight rollerskating across the road to go to the strip club, Michael and Erin dividing up supplies into Micheal's happy and sad boxes (Erin: "Gummy bears and gummy worms?" Michael: "Bears sad, worms happy—c’mon Erin”).
Grade: B-
Parks & Recreation
IT'S BACK, BABY! And it style too. It was a really funny episode, and it also acted as a good jumping on point for the (hopefully) new viewers that stuck around to watch after The Office. It did a good job of introducing what is great about the characters - Leslie's devotion to her job, Ron's manliness and lack of devotion to his job ("I'm not usually one for speeches, so… goodbye."), Andy's sweet-natured cluelessness, etc. It also sets up the rest of the season with a nice story arc - the "Harvest Festival", upon which the entire future of the Parks Dept. rests. Hopefully, it was enough of a set up to convince people to stick around the rest of the season.
Favorite scenes: Ron dressed as, and eventually acting like, Bobby Knight, Leslie throwing Jerry's painting in the water, Ann's spot-on impression of Chris, Tom as referee.
Grade: A
30 Rock
30 Rock has been having a very strong season so far, but this episode was a slight step back. It had some extremely funny moments (pretty much everything involving Jack and Liz), but the whole subplot with Jenna and Danny and their pretend "marriage" just didn't work for me and dragged the episode down whenever they switched to it. Still, the Jack-Liz dynamic saved the rest of the show for me.
Favorite Scenes: the cut-aways to Liz' behavior/appearance at the wedding, the final counseling scene with Mr. Weinerslav (a GREAT name), Angie's reality show (and Liz' inability to hide her excitement for watching it).
Grade: B
Community
Community has 2 types of episodes - crazy pop-culture parodies (the zombie episode, the spaceship episode) and down to earth episodes that explore the relationships between the characters. Throughout Community's season and a half, it has shown that it can do both types equally well and make them equally funny. Last night was one of the latter types, and it was pretty good. It touched on a lot of the relationships that had been building over time - Pierce and Troy, Jeff and Annie, and Chang with the study group as a whole. It also finally introduced a relationship that had only been talked about until now - Shirley and her ex-husband (Malcolm Jamaal-Warner sporting a FANTASTIC Cosby sweater). Another funny episode from the 2nd funniest show on TV.
Favorite scenes: Troy interrogating Shirley's ex-husband to see if he gets horny post-Halloween, Jeff bringing the woman to the mixer who spelled her name (Kendra) with a Q-U, the interrogation of Annie at the beginning to find out who her crush is ("Black Michael Chiklis"? "White George Foreman"? - both the same person).
Grade: B+
The Office
The Office continues its slide downwards in quality from its once lofty heights of comedy. However, it still has its funny moments (pretty much anything with Creed, and I like the fact that there is more Darryl). Steve Carell leaving after this season will either re-invigorate the show or be the final nail in its coffin, and at this point, I am fine with either outcome.
Favorite scenes: Dwight rollerskating across the road to go to the strip club, Michael and Erin dividing up supplies into Micheal's happy and sad boxes (Erin: "Gummy bears and gummy worms?" Michael: "Bears sad, worms happy—c’mon Erin”).
Grade: B-
Parks & Recreation
IT'S BACK, BABY! And it style too. It was a really funny episode, and it also acted as a good jumping on point for the (hopefully) new viewers that stuck around to watch after The Office. It did a good job of introducing what is great about the characters - Leslie's devotion to her job, Ron's manliness and lack of devotion to his job ("I'm not usually one for speeches, so… goodbye."), Andy's sweet-natured cluelessness, etc. It also sets up the rest of the season with a nice story arc - the "Harvest Festival", upon which the entire future of the Parks Dept. rests. Hopefully, it was enough of a set up to convince people to stick around the rest of the season.
Favorite scenes: Ron dressed as, and eventually acting like, Bobby Knight, Leslie throwing Jerry's painting in the water, Ann's spot-on impression of Chris, Tom as referee.
Grade: A
30 Rock
30 Rock has been having a very strong season so far, but this episode was a slight step back. It had some extremely funny moments (pretty much everything involving Jack and Liz), but the whole subplot with Jenna and Danny and their pretend "marriage" just didn't work for me and dragged the episode down whenever they switched to it. Still, the Jack-Liz dynamic saved the rest of the show for me.
Favorite Scenes: the cut-aways to Liz' behavior/appearance at the wedding, the final counseling scene with Mr. Weinerslav (a GREAT name), Angie's reality show (and Liz' inability to hide her excitement for watching it).
Grade: B
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
1972: Movies Pt. 1
Here are the previous installments in my trip through 1970's Cinema:
1970 - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.
The Getaway
This is an action film starring the quintessential 60's and 70's cool guy, Steve McQueen. McQueen was the perfect tough guy for a generation that no longer looked up to older icons like John Wayne. He was an avid racer, and sometimes performed his own stunts. He was also a massive smoker, drinker and drug user. He was the perfect tough guy for that era.
Since he died in 1980, he was one of those actors that I was aware of as a kid, and knew his name was synonymous with cool, but never I never saw any of his films when I was growing up. In fact, that wasn't rectified until I finally got around to watching The Magnificent Seven a few years ago. It was instantly apparent why he had that reputation - all you had to do was look at that gaze of his and know that this was one guy that you didn't want to fuck with. The same was true with The Getaway.
The Getaway is the quintessential caper film - a crime that is supposed to run smoothly, doesn't. From the time the back robbery goes awry, the movie is a roller coaster ride of double-crosses, car chases and shootouts that doesn't let up until the end. You don't really need to know much more about the plot than that. Throughout the whole film, no matter what happens, McQueen is still the same - exuding a steely, calculated resolve that seems to day, "No matter what happens, I got this", without any of the sly smirking that seemed to be a quality of a lot of the action stars that came after him.
The Poseidon Adventure
Now, this was much more along the lines of what I was expecting when it comes to 70's Disaster films. The Poseidon Adventure doesn't take nearly as long to set up the disaster as Airport did. Hell, the first seen of the movie launches right into the "I warned you!" confrontation between the captain of the ship and the corporate suit that are typical for these types of films (the captain is played by Leslie Nielsen, although he doesn't stick around long enough to make much of a mark on this film past the opening scene). Once the disaster hits, and its a much better one than a combination of too much snow and a bomb on a plane (check out the trailer below), the film is a non-stop progression of the survivors being faced with peril after peril as they make their way to the bottom (now the top) of the ship. Some are more tension filled than others - the scene where they are climbing the ladder in the narrow tunnel was particularly good - and there is just enough stupidity among the survivors to cause friction (Ernest Borgnine's character seems solely to exist to fight with everyone, even a small kid). Overall, it works. Throw in the typical cast of has-beens (Borgnine, Shelly Winters, Red Buttons), and you have great example of the type of movie that was everywhere, both in the theaters and on TV, back in the 70's.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex - Coming Soon
Aguirre, the Wrath of God - Coming Soon
Last Tango in Paris - Coming Soon
Pink Flamingos - Coming Soon
What's up Doc? - Coming Soon
Other notable films that I have already seen -Godfather (although, I might add this one on for a re-watching, since I have been wanting to view it ever since I watched the recent documentary on John Cazale), Deliverance, Last House on the Left.
Notable films I am skipping - Cabaret (much like Love Story for 1970, I know its famous, but I really have no desire to watch this - if I want to see something with Liza Minnelli, I'll watch her episodes of Arrested Development)
1970 - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.
The Getaway
This is an action film starring the quintessential 60's and 70's cool guy, Steve McQueen. McQueen was the perfect tough guy for a generation that no longer looked up to older icons like John Wayne. He was an avid racer, and sometimes performed his own stunts. He was also a massive smoker, drinker and drug user. He was the perfect tough guy for that era.
Since he died in 1980, he was one of those actors that I was aware of as a kid, and knew his name was synonymous with cool, but never I never saw any of his films when I was growing up. In fact, that wasn't rectified until I finally got around to watching The Magnificent Seven a few years ago. It was instantly apparent why he had that reputation - all you had to do was look at that gaze of his and know that this was one guy that you didn't want to fuck with. The same was true with The Getaway.
The Getaway is the quintessential caper film - a crime that is supposed to run smoothly, doesn't. From the time the back robbery goes awry, the movie is a roller coaster ride of double-crosses, car chases and shootouts that doesn't let up until the end. You don't really need to know much more about the plot than that. Throughout the whole film, no matter what happens, McQueen is still the same - exuding a steely, calculated resolve that seems to day, "No matter what happens, I got this", without any of the sly smirking that seemed to be a quality of a lot of the action stars that came after him.
The Poseidon Adventure
Now, this was much more along the lines of what I was expecting when it comes to 70's Disaster films. The Poseidon Adventure doesn't take nearly as long to set up the disaster as Airport did. Hell, the first seen of the movie launches right into the "I warned you!" confrontation between the captain of the ship and the corporate suit that are typical for these types of films (the captain is played by Leslie Nielsen, although he doesn't stick around long enough to make much of a mark on this film past the opening scene). Once the disaster hits, and its a much better one than a combination of too much snow and a bomb on a plane (check out the trailer below), the film is a non-stop progression of the survivors being faced with peril after peril as they make their way to the bottom (now the top) of the ship. Some are more tension filled than others - the scene where they are climbing the ladder in the narrow tunnel was particularly good - and there is just enough stupidity among the survivors to cause friction (Ernest Borgnine's character seems solely to exist to fight with everyone, even a small kid). Overall, it works. Throw in the typical cast of has-beens (Borgnine, Shelly Winters, Red Buttons), and you have great example of the type of movie that was everywhere, both in the theaters and on TV, back in the 70's.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex - Coming Soon
Aguirre, the Wrath of God - Coming Soon
Last Tango in Paris - Coming Soon
Pink Flamingos - Coming Soon
What's up Doc? - Coming Soon
Other notable films that I have already seen -Godfather (although, I might add this one on for a re-watching, since I have been wanting to view it ever since I watched the recent documentary on John Cazale), Deliverance, Last House on the Left.
Notable films I am skipping - Cabaret (much like Love Story for 1970, I know its famous, but I really have no desire to watch this - if I want to see something with Liza Minnelli, I'll watch her episodes of Arrested Development)
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Top 10 Favorite TV shows from 2010
10.) Eastbound and Down
Season 2 of Eastbound and Down was even funnier than the 1st, and season 1 was pretty damn funny. If you take the most egotistical, sexist, racist, drug-abusing-ist former athlete around, and send him to Mexico for the season, its bound to resort in comedy gold. Kenny Powers is the worst human being to appear on television in a long time (at least the characters from Its Always Sunny TRY not to be so racist, although they rarely succeed), but he is also one of the funniest. The scene in episode 2 where he made his first appearance for the Mexican baseball team while Hulk Hogan's old theme song "Real American" played had me in tears the first time I saw it.
9.) Louie
Louis CK has always been a great stand-up comedian, but I had no idea that he possessed the kind of comic genius it took to come up with Louie. Its really hard to describe the show if you haven't seen it. Each episode is made up of series of short films, sometimes they are outright hilarious (such as in episode 8 when he smokes pot with his neighbor) and sometimes they are darkly disturbing (such as in episode 11 when he has a flashback to an extremely creepy religious lesson from his youth). Just about every episode, though, involves at least 1 scene with Louis involved in a situation so awkward that even The Office has never reached the depths of discomfort exhibited by this show. It is brilliant, brilliant show and I am glad that FX renewed it for a second season.
8.) Fringe
In Fringe's first season, it was a show that I liked, but didn't love. It was trying too hard to be 00's version of the X-Files, trying to find a good balance between building a mythology and having standalone episodes so that they could please diehard fans and attract casual viewers as well. Usually, all that strategy does is fail to satisfy both types of viewers. Last season, Fringe decided to scrap that and go full tilt into the mythology. While that hasn't helped its ratings, it has allowed them to craft a fantastic sci-fi narrative and bump this up into "love" territory for me.
I am a sucker for alternate Earth stories and multiple versions of the same characters (one of the first comic books I ever remember owning was a team-up story with the Justice League and the Justice Society featuring alternate versions of The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman, etc.), so the conflict between the 2 Earths storyline was right up my alley. This season, the decision to switch the Olivias has made for some great storytelling and I am really anxious to see where the story goes next when new episodes start in January.
7.) 30 Rock
30 rock dropped off a little bit last year, but that was mostly earlier in the season. The end of the season really picked up the quality back to its higher levels and that resurgence has continued over until the current season. The Jack Donaghy-Liz Lemon relationship is one of my favorite on TV. Her goofy liberalism vs. his raging capitalism make for a great dynamic week after week.
6.) Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire is a fitting addition to the history of great dramas from HBO. The premier was directed by Martin Scorsese, and the rest of the episodes followed with the same Scorsese style. Its the story of Atlantic City at the onset of Prohibition, with all of the corruption and mob activity that came along with it. Boardwalk Empire mixes real and fictional characters into a fantastic tale about how much badness you are willing to let into your life in order to get what you want. Steve Buscemi gives a great portrayal of Nucky Thompson, the man who pulls all the strings in Atlantic City and is being forced to cross the line from mere corrupt politician to full on gangster in order to keep that position. The season finale has set things up for season 2 so well that I cannot remember when I was anticipating the next season of a show as much.
5.) Lost
I know that the finale of lost left many people either let down or angry. I was not one of them. Even if it wasn't as satisfying as it could have been, I didn't let it ruin my appreciation of its awesome final season (it did not effect me nearly as much as the finale of Battlestar Galactica did - I was extremely angry at the end of that one for how crappy it was). The finale notwithstanding, I thought the final season was extremely well done, giving you some more of the history of the island (the episode that told Richard Alpert's tale was one of the best the show had ever done), wrapping up things in our current time while at the same time showing an alternate story (of course I would be all over that) with our characters that kept you guessing. I read many complaints online that the finale ruined the entire show for some people, in that they could never go back and re-watch it knowing that so many of the mysteries would go unsolved. I think that is nonsense. I can't wait to go back and once again watch one of my favorite shows of all time and let it carry me along on that roller coaster again.
4.) It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
This is a show that many people have been telling me I need to see for years. Finally, this summer Comedy Central aired it for a few weeks and allowed me to check it out. Needless to say, I was instantly hooked. I was glad that I was able to get into it before Season 6 started this fall, as this season was particularly strong. Sweet Dee having a baby was the perfect wrinkle to change things up this year, and the resolution in the season finale, involving a drug-fueled Paternity party with all Dee's past conquests and Frank's bridge people (a fantastic addition to the odd supporting cast employed by this show) and a transvestite was pure Sunny craziness. I recently got the entire series on DVD so I can go back and fill in the gaps on what episodes I have not seen, and Sunny has been added to the list, along with Arrested Development and The Office, for shows that I thrown on every once in a while for a re-watch when I need a good laugh.
3.) Community
In its second season, I think Community has evolved into the most consistently funny show currently on television (although, it only holds that title because the next show on my countdown isn't on TV right now - well done NBC). They have established the right mix of crazy, pop culture reference-heavy episodes (like this season's zombie-themed Halloween episode) and episodes about the relationship between the main characters (like the episode early in this season where Jeff went back to visit his old law firm), and sometimes both types in the same episode. This is only possible because of how richly the show's creators have developed the 7 main characters over the course of its' season and a half. An episode can feature any combination of the characters as the main focus, and the quality of humor and sentimentality is just as high. A great show that more people need to be watching.
2.) Parks & Recreation
You ca take that last line about Community and it applies double for Parks & Rec, as NBC held off on it through the entire fall season for Outsourced (UGH) because of its poor ratings last season. It is a complete travesty that no one is watching this show. Hopefully, when it gets the post-Office timeslot in January, more people will discover this fantastic comedy. It started out as too much of a clone of The Office, but they wisely decided in Season 2 to tweak Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope character from a female Michael Scott (loathed by all) to someone that her co-workers actually like, and want to help when she comes up with her crazy schemes. It was a needed change that allowed Parks & Rec to grow on its own. Also, Ron Swanson is one of my favorite characters on TV - a government manager who thinks that all government should be privatized. He is comedy gold.
1.) Mad Men
Once again, Mad Men hit it completely out of the park this season. Don Draper's slowly deteriorating life has made for fascinating television. The seventh episode, "The Suitcase" was the culmination of everything that has gone on between Don and Peggy since the beginning of season 1 and one of the best hours of television that I have ever seen. The decision to start fresh with a brand new add agency was a gamble, and it completely paid off by allowing for a much wider range of story possibilities than if they had kept with the status quo. Simply the best show on TV.
Honorable mention:
Walking Dead (A good start to the series, but with only 6 episodes, there is plenty of room for growth)
Sherlock (A BBC updating of the Sherlock Holmes story to a modern setting. At only 3 episodes, too short to make the list but it was still excellent)
The Venture Brothers (Another solid season)
Futurerama (I was never that big of a Futurama fan during its last run, but I found the new episodes to be very funny)
30 for 30 (An excellent documentary series from ESPN)
The Office (The quality has dropped way off in the last 2 seasons, but still pretty humorous)
The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret(This British series staring David Cross and Will Arnet, shown on IFC, was ridiculously absurd, usually uncomfortable to watch, and ofter very funny)
Ineligible: - Breaking Bad, Pacific, Archer
These 3 series would have been under serious consideration for the list (and in the case of Breaking Bad would have been very near the top), but I was not current on them at the time I wrote the list. I am mostly done with The Pacific (HBO's follow up to Band of Brothers) and Archer (a hilarious Adult swim-esque spy comedy from FX), but I am an entire season behind on Breaking Bad. However, AMC is going to be running all episodes of it Wednesday nights staring in January, so I can catch up eventually on Season 3 before the new season starts next year. If you haven't seen it, set your DVR's as it is a fantastic show.
Season 2 of Eastbound and Down was even funnier than the 1st, and season 1 was pretty damn funny. If you take the most egotistical, sexist, racist, drug-abusing-ist former athlete around, and send him to Mexico for the season, its bound to resort in comedy gold. Kenny Powers is the worst human being to appear on television in a long time (at least the characters from Its Always Sunny TRY not to be so racist, although they rarely succeed), but he is also one of the funniest. The scene in episode 2 where he made his first appearance for the Mexican baseball team while Hulk Hogan's old theme song "Real American" played had me in tears the first time I saw it.
9.) Louie
Louis CK has always been a great stand-up comedian, but I had no idea that he possessed the kind of comic genius it took to come up with Louie. Its really hard to describe the show if you haven't seen it. Each episode is made up of series of short films, sometimes they are outright hilarious (such as in episode 8 when he smokes pot with his neighbor) and sometimes they are darkly disturbing (such as in episode 11 when he has a flashback to an extremely creepy religious lesson from his youth). Just about every episode, though, involves at least 1 scene with Louis involved in a situation so awkward that even The Office has never reached the depths of discomfort exhibited by this show. It is brilliant, brilliant show and I am glad that FX renewed it for a second season.
8.) Fringe
In Fringe's first season, it was a show that I liked, but didn't love. It was trying too hard to be 00's version of the X-Files, trying to find a good balance between building a mythology and having standalone episodes so that they could please diehard fans and attract casual viewers as well. Usually, all that strategy does is fail to satisfy both types of viewers. Last season, Fringe decided to scrap that and go full tilt into the mythology. While that hasn't helped its ratings, it has allowed them to craft a fantastic sci-fi narrative and bump this up into "love" territory for me.
I am a sucker for alternate Earth stories and multiple versions of the same characters (one of the first comic books I ever remember owning was a team-up story with the Justice League and the Justice Society featuring alternate versions of The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman, etc.), so the conflict between the 2 Earths storyline was right up my alley. This season, the decision to switch the Olivias has made for some great storytelling and I am really anxious to see where the story goes next when new episodes start in January.
7.) 30 Rock
30 rock dropped off a little bit last year, but that was mostly earlier in the season. The end of the season really picked up the quality back to its higher levels and that resurgence has continued over until the current season. The Jack Donaghy-Liz Lemon relationship is one of my favorite on TV. Her goofy liberalism vs. his raging capitalism make for a great dynamic week after week.
6.) Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire is a fitting addition to the history of great dramas from HBO. The premier was directed by Martin Scorsese, and the rest of the episodes followed with the same Scorsese style. Its the story of Atlantic City at the onset of Prohibition, with all of the corruption and mob activity that came along with it. Boardwalk Empire mixes real and fictional characters into a fantastic tale about how much badness you are willing to let into your life in order to get what you want. Steve Buscemi gives a great portrayal of Nucky Thompson, the man who pulls all the strings in Atlantic City and is being forced to cross the line from mere corrupt politician to full on gangster in order to keep that position. The season finale has set things up for season 2 so well that I cannot remember when I was anticipating the next season of a show as much.
5.) Lost
I know that the finale of lost left many people either let down or angry. I was not one of them. Even if it wasn't as satisfying as it could have been, I didn't let it ruin my appreciation of its awesome final season (it did not effect me nearly as much as the finale of Battlestar Galactica did - I was extremely angry at the end of that one for how crappy it was). The finale notwithstanding, I thought the final season was extremely well done, giving you some more of the history of the island (the episode that told Richard Alpert's tale was one of the best the show had ever done), wrapping up things in our current time while at the same time showing an alternate story (of course I would be all over that) with our characters that kept you guessing. I read many complaints online that the finale ruined the entire show for some people, in that they could never go back and re-watch it knowing that so many of the mysteries would go unsolved. I think that is nonsense. I can't wait to go back and once again watch one of my favorite shows of all time and let it carry me along on that roller coaster again.
4.) It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
This is a show that many people have been telling me I need to see for years. Finally, this summer Comedy Central aired it for a few weeks and allowed me to check it out. Needless to say, I was instantly hooked. I was glad that I was able to get into it before Season 6 started this fall, as this season was particularly strong. Sweet Dee having a baby was the perfect wrinkle to change things up this year, and the resolution in the season finale, involving a drug-fueled Paternity party with all Dee's past conquests and Frank's bridge people (a fantastic addition to the odd supporting cast employed by this show) and a transvestite was pure Sunny craziness. I recently got the entire series on DVD so I can go back and fill in the gaps on what episodes I have not seen, and Sunny has been added to the list, along with Arrested Development and The Office, for shows that I thrown on every once in a while for a re-watch when I need a good laugh.
3.) Community
In its second season, I think Community has evolved into the most consistently funny show currently on television (although, it only holds that title because the next show on my countdown isn't on TV right now - well done NBC). They have established the right mix of crazy, pop culture reference-heavy episodes (like this season's zombie-themed Halloween episode) and episodes about the relationship between the main characters (like the episode early in this season where Jeff went back to visit his old law firm), and sometimes both types in the same episode. This is only possible because of how richly the show's creators have developed the 7 main characters over the course of its' season and a half. An episode can feature any combination of the characters as the main focus, and the quality of humor and sentimentality is just as high. A great show that more people need to be watching.
2.) Parks & Recreation
You ca take that last line about Community and it applies double for Parks & Rec, as NBC held off on it through the entire fall season for Outsourced (UGH) because of its poor ratings last season. It is a complete travesty that no one is watching this show. Hopefully, when it gets the post-Office timeslot in January, more people will discover this fantastic comedy. It started out as too much of a clone of The Office, but they wisely decided in Season 2 to tweak Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope character from a female Michael Scott (loathed by all) to someone that her co-workers actually like, and want to help when she comes up with her crazy schemes. It was a needed change that allowed Parks & Rec to grow on its own. Also, Ron Swanson is one of my favorite characters on TV - a government manager who thinks that all government should be privatized. He is comedy gold.
1.) Mad Men
Once again, Mad Men hit it completely out of the park this season. Don Draper's slowly deteriorating life has made for fascinating television. The seventh episode, "The Suitcase" was the culmination of everything that has gone on between Don and Peggy since the beginning of season 1 and one of the best hours of television that I have ever seen. The decision to start fresh with a brand new add agency was a gamble, and it completely paid off by allowing for a much wider range of story possibilities than if they had kept with the status quo. Simply the best show on TV.
Honorable mention:
Walking Dead (A good start to the series, but with only 6 episodes, there is plenty of room for growth)
Sherlock (A BBC updating of the Sherlock Holmes story to a modern setting. At only 3 episodes, too short to make the list but it was still excellent)
The Venture Brothers (Another solid season)
Futurerama (I was never that big of a Futurama fan during its last run, but I found the new episodes to be very funny)
30 for 30 (An excellent documentary series from ESPN)
The Office (The quality has dropped way off in the last 2 seasons, but still pretty humorous)
The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret(This British series staring David Cross and Will Arnet, shown on IFC, was ridiculously absurd, usually uncomfortable to watch, and ofter very funny)
Ineligible: - Breaking Bad, Pacific, Archer
These 3 series would have been under serious consideration for the list (and in the case of Breaking Bad would have been very near the top), but I was not current on them at the time I wrote the list. I am mostly done with The Pacific (HBO's follow up to Band of Brothers) and Archer (a hilarious Adult swim-esque spy comedy from FX), but I am an entire season behind on Breaking Bad. However, AMC is going to be running all episodes of it Wednesday nights staring in January, so I can catch up eventually on Season 3 before the new season starts next year. If you haven't seen it, set your DVR's as it is a fantastic show.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Top 10 CD's From the Second Half of 2010, Pt. 2
Click here for part 1 (#'s 10-6)
5.) Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter is a band that I really like (this is the 4th CD of theirs that I have), and its obvious that I really like this disc, based on where I ranked it. However, I am really struggling to come up with a review for some reason (this is why I don't do this for a living). And since I am trying to get this post done this week, and only like 3 people are reading it (hi Tony!), just take my word for it that this is a good CD.
4.) Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
I have always liked some of Kanye's songs, while also hating some of his others (I really can't stand "Jesus Walks" in particular for some reason ). ...Twisted Fantasy is the first album of his that I have liked from start to finish, and I REALLY like it (which is probably evident since I included it on this list when it wasn't released until November 22). This CD contains the best traits of Kanye pretty much on every song from start to finish, such as fantastic beats, top notch guest stars who actually contribute something worthwhile to the song, and lyrics that throw in an occasional humorous reference (like quoting Napoleon Dynamite). Kanye's fifth album has been getting near-universal acclaim, some of it a little overblown, but it does deserve praise. It is his most complete album to date and pretty damn good.
3.) Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Arcade Fire has had about as good of a beginning to a career as an indie rock band could ask for. Their first album (2004's Funeral) was met with universal acclaim by indie rock critics (it is considered one of the best albums of the decade) and sold very well for an independent release. Their second album (2007's Neon Bible) was met with similar high praise, appearing at or near the top of many year end Best Of lists (except for Pitchfork, which only had it at 27, but they are notoriously finicky, usually just because they can), but this time it sold like a mainstream release, reaching gold in both the US and their native Canada and reaching #2 on the US Billboard charts. The Suburbs, their 3rd release, was the culmination of all the band's previous success and debuted at #1.
The amazing thing is that they were able to accomplish this success while retaining all of their indie cred. This is only possible because their music lives up to all the accolades they receive. The Suburbs is meant to invoke a feeling and sound right out of its title and succeeds.
2.) Belle & Sebastian - Belle & Sebastian Write About Love
As I mentioned in my last post about Belle & Sebastian (my post about 1997 music),their music may not be the most "rock 'n' roll" sounding, but it certainly is beautiful. In the follow up to 2006's The Life Pursuit (which contained one of my favorite songs of the last decade), B&S again continue with their signature sound, while this time adding a little bounce to the songs that calls back to early 70s pop. Its a fitting that one of the least rocking bands around is paying tribute to one if the least rocking genres in rock 'n' roll history, but it works for them.
1.) School of Seven Belles - Disconnect From Desire
Disconnect From Desire is the second release from School of Seven Belles, which is the band that the lead singer of the Secret Machines left his former band to start. I was disappointed at the time, as I really liked Secret Machines. However, I think, based on this release and their first disc, 2008's Alpanisms, that I like this band even better. The sound of the 2 bands are much different - Secret Machines had a prog rock sound straight out of the 70s, while School makes upbeat, electronic dream pop. The addition of female singers helps lighten the sound even more. Disconnect... has a very atmospheric sound that swirls around you like a fog. It is an excellent record and I am really looking forward to where this band goes in the future.
Now that I have finally finished that list, here is my overall top 10 CD list for 2010:
1.) Yeasayer - Odd Blood
2.) Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void
3.) School of Seven Belles - Disconnect From Desire
4.) Beach House - Teen Dream
5.) Belle & Sebastian - Belle & Sebastian Write About Love
6.) The National - High Violet
7.) Spoon - Transference
8.) Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
9.) Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
10.) The New Pornographers - Together
5.) Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter is a band that I really like (this is the 4th CD of theirs that I have), and its obvious that I really like this disc, based on where I ranked it. However, I am really struggling to come up with a review for some reason (this is why I don't do this for a living). And since I am trying to get this post done this week, and only like 3 people are reading it (hi Tony!), just take my word for it that this is a good CD.
4.) Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
I have always liked some of Kanye's songs, while also hating some of his others (I really can't stand "Jesus Walks" in particular for some reason ). ...Twisted Fantasy is the first album of his that I have liked from start to finish, and I REALLY like it (which is probably evident since I included it on this list when it wasn't released until November 22). This CD contains the best traits of Kanye pretty much on every song from start to finish, such as fantastic beats, top notch guest stars who actually contribute something worthwhile to the song, and lyrics that throw in an occasional humorous reference (like quoting Napoleon Dynamite). Kanye's fifth album has been getting near-universal acclaim, some of it a little overblown, but it does deserve praise. It is his most complete album to date and pretty damn good.
3.) Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Arcade Fire has had about as good of a beginning to a career as an indie rock band could ask for. Their first album (2004's Funeral) was met with universal acclaim by indie rock critics (it is considered one of the best albums of the decade) and sold very well for an independent release. Their second album (2007's Neon Bible) was met with similar high praise, appearing at or near the top of many year end Best Of lists (except for Pitchfork, which only had it at 27, but they are notoriously finicky, usually just because they can), but this time it sold like a mainstream release, reaching gold in both the US and their native Canada and reaching #2 on the US Billboard charts. The Suburbs, their 3rd release, was the culmination of all the band's previous success and debuted at #1.
The amazing thing is that they were able to accomplish this success while retaining all of their indie cred. This is only possible because their music lives up to all the accolades they receive. The Suburbs is meant to invoke a feeling and sound right out of its title and succeeds.
2.) Belle & Sebastian - Belle & Sebastian Write About Love
As I mentioned in my last post about Belle & Sebastian (my post about 1997 music),their music may not be the most "rock 'n' roll" sounding, but it certainly is beautiful. In the follow up to 2006's The Life Pursuit (which contained one of my favorite songs of the last decade), B&S again continue with their signature sound, while this time adding a little bounce to the songs that calls back to early 70s pop. Its a fitting that one of the least rocking bands around is paying tribute to one if the least rocking genres in rock 'n' roll history, but it works for them.
1.) School of Seven Belles - Disconnect From Desire
Disconnect From Desire is the second release from School of Seven Belles, which is the band that the lead singer of the Secret Machines left his former band to start. I was disappointed at the time, as I really liked Secret Machines. However, I think, based on this release and their first disc, 2008's Alpanisms, that I like this band even better. The sound of the 2 bands are much different - Secret Machines had a prog rock sound straight out of the 70s, while School makes upbeat, electronic dream pop. The addition of female singers helps lighten the sound even more. Disconnect... has a very atmospheric sound that swirls around you like a fog. It is an excellent record and I am really looking forward to where this band goes in the future.
Now that I have finally finished that list, here is my overall top 10 CD list for 2010:
1.) Yeasayer - Odd Blood
2.) Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void
3.) School of Seven Belles - Disconnect From Desire
4.) Beach House - Teen Dream
5.) Belle & Sebastian - Belle & Sebastian Write About Love
6.) The National - High Violet
7.) Spoon - Transference
8.) Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
9.) Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
10.) The New Pornographers - Together
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