They sang me to sleep every night, accompanied each road trip, eased my high school heartbreaks, and augmented my internal romantic. Read the rest of this entry »
Archives for posts with tag: indie
Listened to some Pavement today. Man. Why wasn’t I around in the 90’s?! Read the rest of this entry »
I purchased two albums today, which is a major rarity for me (ever since I because frugal). In fact, the last album I purchased might have been an Avett Bros. cd a couple years ago.
Anyway, went to Best Buy and bought City and Colour’s new album, Little Hell, andBon Iver’s newest, Bon Iver, Bon Iver. Both were only $7.99. Jump on that, folks.
Both artists have incredibly haunting voices. Dallas Green (of City and Colour) had my heart from the first time I heard him three years ago. Bon Iver’s cryptic lyrics and City/Colour’s buttery words (fused with the pacifying, almost eerie accompaniments) linger long after the track’s conclusion.
Today, the first day off summer, I was fortunate enough to have the day off to carefully, slowly digest these new albums. (I always take very delicate measures when familiarizing myself with new music). Also working in my favor is the subtle rumble of thunder beyond the darkening sky.
Pick up both or either of these albums if you get a chance.
Thanks for reading.
Last weekend I was lounging on the couch while sifting through film titles on Netflix. Under the “Independent” category, I came across a motion-picture film entitled Mary and Max. I head never heard of it, but it had over 3 stars (which is good for Netflix). And it was available instantly. I get a bit distracted when movies don’t fully capture my attention, so I decided to give it a few minutes, knowing I could always resort to reruns of The Office or a riveting documentary. (I’m so cultured…)
For the first time in a while, I have discovered a beautiful gem- one that most people would typically overlook due to it’s claymation format. This movie is not only brilliantly funny (I caught myself lol-ing several times, which I very rarely do), it’s also actually directed toward an older audience.
People who know me as more than an acquaintance, know that I like “dark” movies and books. Maybe it started in 7th grade, when I found an immediate interest in Edgar Allen Poe and Ray Bradbury. Regardless, I’m more likely to watch Donnie Darko, Dead Poets Society, or American Beauty over anything that Reese Witherspoon is in. It’s as simple as enjoying a production that depicts reality. Sometimes the endings are good. Sometimes not.
Mary and Max is a beautiful film, one that I will keep recommending. I was going to post a video of the trailer, but I don’t want to spoil anything for you. When I watched it, I had no idea what to expect, and the aftermath was lovely.
Perhaps the point of this post is to enjoy a book or a movie for what it is. Doesn’t it get tiring to think “oh, there are about 20 minutes left for the conflict to be resolved. Let’s see how they wrap it up.”? They finally communicate the misunderstanding. They kiss and make up. They all live happily ever after…
Recently I noticed a few friends’ status updates on Facebook regarding their discontent with another movie, Blue Valentine. It didn’t end the way they wanted it to, or it was a sad story, a waste of time. It’s unfortunate that they can dismiss the quality of acting, videography, and directing simply because there wasn’t a cheesy “you complete me” line.
I’m not a movie snob, I promise. In fact, there are lots of people out there who like raw, emotional films. I just hope that our number continues to grow.
What was my point? Oh yeah, check out Mary and Max.
Thanks for reading.