More Thoughts and Opinions to Clutter the Interweb

Music Video Thursday #3

2009-01-22T09:52:00.001-06:00

Blink 182 "Feeling This"
Directed by one of my favorite music video directors/photographers, David LaChapelle

Everything Must Be White....

2009-01-19T15:31:00.003-06:00

I enjoy a good periodical now and again. Something about the tangible nature of handling a magazine makes it infinitely more appealing than reading off of a computer screen.

Plus, I always enjoyed the whole process of buying magazines, be it at a bookstore or the grocery store. It kind of reminds of buying an impulse toy or PEZ dispenser as a kid.... a little treat to take the sting out of monotony.

Lately, I've noticed a trend concerning magazine covers. It seems that a lot of publications have opted to stop being clever and simply photograph the cover model with nothing more than a white background behind them.

On one hand, this is very cool as it provides a very clean aesthetic in which the subject and subsequent articles can stand out. It's not cluttered or over-stimulating and the contrast of color against white is very noticeable.

But then I find myself torn... I spent most of my high school days (and even now) idolizing photographers like David LaChapelle, Mark Seliger, and Annie Leibowitz. Something about the way they played with light and created these intricate worlds all while capturing the essence of their subjects was something that just made sense to me.

I guess I'm hoping that we'll eventually fall back to dynamic covers... covers that take chances and are more than just a preview to what's inside the magazine. Covers that you can't help but notice. But in the meantime... Kill a tree and read a magazine (because you'll just look weird and creepy if you try to take your laptop into the restroom.)

Music Video Thursday #2

2009-01-15T16:41:00.001-06:00

Badly Drawn Boy "Time of Times

Music Video Thursday #1 (2009 Edition)

2009-01-08T15:18:00.001-06:00

Kings of Leon "Use Somebody"
Directed by Sophie Muller

Kings Of Leon - New Music - More Music Videos

In with 2009.... Out with 2000-Hate

2009-01-02T14:47:00.004-06:00

So here we are... 2009. There are no flying cars or hoverboards but we do have iPhones and digital everything so things aren't too bad.

As I look back at what was a back and forth year for me, I can't help but let the positive things float to the top. So here it is, my list of my favorite(entertainment-related) things from the past year.

This is actually an older song but I discovered it in '08 and it immediately became my favorite.

Both of these albums are, beginning to end, phenomenal. I alternated between these two albums a lot and I can't for the life of me decide which one is better. If I had to choose, I would give KINGS OF LEON the edge if only because this album is better than their prior effort and "DAY & AGE" isn't quite as good as "HOT FUSS"

DARK KNIGHT was amazing but I actually got to see it at an IMAX on one of my road-trips and it made everything else pale in comparison.

A great live band and a really nice group of guys (and one lady) from Dallas, TX. They sound like John Mayer mixed with Silverchair and the live shows are really top-notch.

If you don't like this show, you need to get to a doctor immediately and have him/her remove the stick from your ass.... or you might be Republican in which case I don't really know how to help you.

Yeah, it's an old book but I re-read it in '08 so I'm using it.

It's been around a longtime for a reason. The writing is as good as it's ever been, the investigative and interest stories are really unique, and the photography is something else. Plus, it seems that ROLLING STONE is now giving some love to lesser known indies from time to time which is always good.

What better way to waste a morning than trolling through the various stories that Digg scrounges up for you. I like the fact that I can read a story about the validity of possibly trying George Bush for war crimes and then immediately look at a picture of a kitten drinking from a bottle.

Fun With Remakes....

2008-12-18T12:22:00.007-06:00

So at my place of employment, we tend to have spirited discussions (in lieu of work). Today, we ventured into the world of hollywood remakes. We figure it's only a matter of time before we get a new SIXTEEN CANDLES starring Hillary Duff and Ashton Kutcher and a new version of CASABLANCA where Rick and Ilsa get together at the end accompanied by the music of Fall Out Boy.

Eventually we moved on to the subject of remakes we may actually want to see. It may be a dream but I figured if I made the movie poster, the powers that be may be inspired...

If the TEN COMMANDMENTS needs anything, it's explosions, shallow dialogue, the hollow gaze of Nicolas Cage, and the genius touch of Michael Bay.

*Thanks to lonnie247, Liquado, and Bill for contributing to this idea.

Music Video Thursday #7

2008-12-18T12:21:00.002-06:00

Ryan Adams "Let It Ride"

Kinda Wish You Wouldn't Wear That....

2008-12-12T15:18:00.003-06:00

I'm not a fashion-icon by any stretch of the imagination. I have a look but I wouldn't necessarily call it a style. I just wear what I like and try not to stand out too much in a crowd.

With that said, I can't quite grasp some of the trends my fellow males are indulging in these days. A couple actually make me downright angry.

So here it is. My list of things men shouldn't wear anymore...

1. Crocs

Or as I like to call them, the in-bred bastard cousin of Jellies. It's one thing if a cute little kid is wearing them, but a grown man? Not so much.

I've heard people say that they just threw them on because they were in hurry but come on. If your morning is so rushed you can't spend 30 seconds tying your shoes, you need to get up a little earlier. These aren't footwear.... they are just plastic that wasn't good enough to be a trash can.

2. Skinny Jeans

What man first said, "I like jeans but I want my bits and pieces to scream for dear life every time I walk."

From a distance they look like leggings and I still can't figure out how you put them on. If the trend continues, I think the human population will be severely diminished because of the self-inflicted impotence and sterilization these cause.

3. Popped Collars

I was on the fence about including this one if only because it helps you identify douchebags from across a crowded room.

But still, I'll do the legwork if we can just retire this look.

4. Sandals

On women, they look nice. On men... eeeeeh. Woman have pretty feet with manicured and polished toes. Men have... hair and dryness.

Are you at the beach or showering after the gym? No? Then put on some shoes.... and not Crocs.

5. Pink

Are you trying to show your feminine side... be different? I still can't get this resurgence of pink.

I'm on the record as being a fan of 80's culture but the pink thing is one that needs to stay there.

Rare exceptions include being in support of breast cancer research but if your just wearing the pink because you saw it in the newest Abercrombie catalog or are trying to stand out, leave it to your baby sister.

*Extra special thanks to Liquado and Yvette for help in compiling this list.

Music Video Thursday #6

2008-12-11T20:46:00.002-06:00

"How Soon Is Now" by The Smiths (dedicated to a cool friend)

Holiday Un-Shopping Guide

2008-12-04T10:01:00.008-06:00

Everyone is making a Gift Guide so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon... but just going in the other direction. Everyone has an opinion on the perfect gift. Here is a list of stuff to avoid. So here it is:

1. Clothing

Like Jim Gaffigan said, whenever a person opens a gift and it's clothing, the response is usually, "Not even close."

Unless you were with the person and they expressed interest in the item, avoid buying clothing. Plus, if you get the size wrong, you look like an insensitive asshole.... "I'm sorry. I just assumed you were a 5XL. Wasn't aware you were just a 4XL."

And please no shirts from a place you went on vacation... No one wants a reminder that you went someplace great and they didn't.

2. iPods, MP3 Players, etc.

Unless the person your buying this for has computer experience, stay away.

I've learned that for the most part, people who receive gifts like this just assume that in addition to the gift you are also there to provide customer service and installation.

And guess who they call if it messes up? Unless you want to spend all Christmas morning downloading iTunes on your mom's 5 year old computer (which barely has enough ram to launch Microsoft Paint) go with something else.

3. Anything from Bath & Body Works

First off, the stuff is way overpriced.

Second, does anything scream "I don't know you very well but your a girl and I have to buy you a gift" more than something from Bath & Body Works? It's become the generic go to gift for women and it's kinda sad. Just look at all the poor schmucks who have no idea what to get their wives or girlfriends frantically buying overpriced lotion that smells like lilac or freesia (WTF is freesia, by the way?) on Christmas Eve.

God forbid you have to do a little detective work and find a gift the woman actually wants. Unless she's smelly, go to the jewelry store.

4. Anything from a Mall Kiosk

Ahhhhhh. The shanty towns of any mall.... the kiosk. Knock-off Sunglasses, shitty cell phone holders, and little toy cars that break as soon as the kid opens it.

You don't buy dinner from 7-11 and you don't buy a gift from a kiosk. Seriously, there are real stores right behind you.

Plus, have you ever tried to return something to a kiosk.... good fucking luck.

The only purpose kiosks serve are as a median between mall traffic.

5. Movies

Granted, a DVD is way better than some of the other stuff listed above but is anything more impersonal than a DVD?

Generally, if a person really wanted a movie that bad, they probably have already bought it the day it came out. And second, with movies releasing 8 thousand different versions, which one do you buy (Platinum Edition, Special Edition, Director's Cut, Blu-Ray, etc. etc.)??

A friend of mine still has the FULL SCREEN version of the Matrix in the packaging at his house. Poor Grandma had no concept of the idea of WIDESCREEN and also didn't know that he actually hated that movie. She just heard it was popular.

Unless the movie has some sentimental reason or is an inside joke of sorts, give a gift card.

Exceptions to this rule include Television Series on DVD.

So there you have it.... My Non-Gift Guide. Most gift-giving gaffes can be avoided if you just keep your ears open.

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday and remember: Shopping is stressful but working retail during the Holiday Season is the third circle of hell. Treat employees nicely and be patient... Unless your at Abercrombie or Hollister. Those kid's are just fucking morons who can't do math even with a cash register.

Music Video Thursday #5

2008-12-04T09:32:00.001-06:00

Damien Rice "Cannonball"

And on a side note, I'm surprised I've kept this up five weeks in a row... I was sure Music Video Thursday was going to be abandoned after about week 2.

Shows Worth Watching #2

2008-12-02T14:00:00.003-06:00

Simply Amazing. That's all I can say about this show. It's as close to the perfect cop show as your going to get.

Completely independent from network cop dramas, THE SHIELD is just a different animal. The cops are just as crooked and twisted (if not more so) than the criminals they go after. And despite the fact that the characters are essentially villains in their own right, you can't help but root for them. At times, I found myself wondering if we don't all have that type of person inside of us, we just haven't been pushed far enough or been in deep enough to justify such actions.

It's shot with a voyeuristic, almost documentary style of cinematography that almost becomes a character unto itself.

And the acting... above anything in recent memory. Even secondary characters are so engaging, you can't help but care about them. To give you insight into the quality, how else can you explain Academy Award Winner Forrest Whittaker and Glenn Close giving their talents for entire seasons. Not just a one shot guest appearance... an entire season.

The character Vic Mackey sums it up nicely in the pilot: "Good cop and bad cop have left for the day. I'm a different kind of cop."

In a year when television seems to be lacking (I'm looking at you HEROES) it's a shame that the series just ended last week. But still, to say it went out with a bang would be like calling the Grand Canyon a little hole.

I could go on and on but I like to keep these short. If anything, give the pilot episode a shot. The last five minutes are better than most shows could ever hope to be.

You can pick up Season 1 pretty cheap here.

9.5/10

Indies on the Rise

2008-12-02T09:01:00.003-06:00

Sometimes the coolest things are a complete surprise. In this case, I'm talking of a band that happened to be playing a sidestage at a concert I recently attended.

I can't really describe their sound except to say that it has the bluesy John Mayer Trio sound mixed with the angsty and rock roots of Silverchair.

The band is Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights from Dallas, Texas.

The band itself is solid, especially live. The recorded stuff is good but live is the way to go. Tyler's vocals are deep and scratching... it almost seems like the physical act of singing pains him.

The lead guitar and bass are completely sound and the backing harmony (sung by the talented Mo) adds a little something extra. Overall, the chemistry of the band is top-notch which is what I think separates a good band from a great band.

To get a taste, check out the band's myspace page

I'd suggest starting with the song "She's from the Other Side." They'll be in Oklahoma and Texas all through December so if they are near you, check them out. Once again, the schedule can be found at their myspace.

On the Easel....

2008-12-01T10:59:00.001-06:00

Music Video Thursday #4

2008-11-27T19:10:00.001-06:00

The Killers "Read My Mind"

Music Video Thursday #3

2008-11-20T09:35:00.003-06:00

Since it's very chilly here today, I figured it would be best to show a video with a little beach action going on.

"Diamonds on the Inside" by Ben Harper

Directed by the Malloys

Movies You Gotta See.... #2

2008-11-18T11:32:00.002-06:00

Sometimes you stumble upon these movies and wonder how you managed to go so long without seeing them. Such is the case with this film:

Essentially a 30 minute short film, it no less carries with it the magnitude and weight of a feature length film. All the more amazing is the fact that this movie was created by one man on a single Mac computer.

That man is Makoto Shinkai.

This is a movie about two young people essentially fated to be torn apart by time and space.

The girl, Mikako, is sent off to space to fight in a war while her love, Noboru, has to stay behind. Their only form of communication is through cell phone text messaging but as Mikako goes deeper and deeper into space, the messages take longer and longer to get to their destination. Eventually, it takes years for a single message to be sent.

As Mikako fights in space, Noboru is back on earth getting older waiting for messages that may or may not come.

The voice-acting is really top-notch and the score is very fitting to the on-screen drama. If your a fan of animated movies then you will really enjoy this one. Or if your a person on the fence about the merit of animated film, give it a look and see just how adult animation can be.

I couldn't find the trailer for the movie so I posted someones AMV from YouTube. Hopefully you guys can find a spare 30 minutes to give this movie a look. You won't regret it.

You can pick it up here for really cheap.

9.5/10

Music Video Thursday #2

2008-11-13T12:52:00.002-06:00

White Stripes "Fell In Love With a Girl"

Directed by Michel Gondry (Director of ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND)

New Holiday For All To Enjoy....

2008-11-12T14:52:00.003-06:00

Yes, my friends. The time to rejoice is here. I present to you "Bon Jovi Friday"

For those not familiar, a "Bon Jovi Friday" occurs when you have a Friday off from work and all you do is fuck around on Thursday.

Of course, there are exceptions. Essentially, any day preceding a day off can be considered a "Bon Jovi Friday" but historically speaking, a true "Bon Jovi Friday" is a Thursday.

So all of you go forth and enjoy your new holiday.

Music Video Thursday #1

2008-11-06T16:26:00.002-06:00

Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees

Directed By Jake Scott

5 Singer Songwriters (Who Aren't John Mayer) That You Should Give A Listen To....

2008-11-03T13:55:00.005-06:00

1. Ryan Adams

I'm constantly surprised more people don't listen to Ryan Adams. His lyrics, his music, his tone.... all amazing. Despite what people think of him personally, his music transcends all of that. Just give a listen to his cover of "Wonderwall." and try not to seek out more of his stuff.

Suggested Playlist: 1. La Cienega Just Smiled 2. So Alive 3. Burning Photographs.

2. John Frusciante

Not just the guitar player for the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS... In fact, I like his solo stuff more than his work with the Peppers. Listening to him, you can tell that this is a guy who has been to hell and back.

Suggested Playlist: 1. Time Tonight 2. Time Goes Back 3. Wednesday's Song

3. Ben Harper

This guy has jammed with nearly everyone. His sound is indescribable but completely his own. Soulful, edgy, unique.

Suggested Playlist: 1. Walk Away 2. I Shall Not Walk Alone 3. Morning Yearning

4. Tyler Hilton

Yeah, the guys gets a lot of crap cause he was on one of those CW teen dramas but the music speaks for itself. Not flashy... not over-produced. Just good stuff.

Suggested Playlist: 1. You'll Ask For Me 2. Rolling Home 3. Glad

5. Pete Yorn

Pete kinda got lost in the shuffle but his library still grows.

Suggested Playlist: 1. Strange Condition 2. Life on a Chain 3. Just Another

If you guys dig any of those tunes, leave me a comment. I'd be happy to burn a mix for anyone that wants one.

And don't be a dick if you've already heard of these guys. Maybe I'm educating someone who wouldn't have heard of them otherwise.

I (Heart) Double Standards

2008-11-03T11:40:00.005-06:00

I haven't seen it yet but I plan to... Zack and Miri Make A Porno.

Kevin Smith is great and Seth Rogen is watchable in nearly anything. What's funny is the entire uproar over the movie, in particular, the title.

Some father in Arkansas or somewhere was in an outrage because the trailer came on during the LA Dodgers/Philadelphia Phillies NLCS Game. His kid asked him what a porno was and god forbid, he had to answer him. Chances were good the dad probably had some weird German porn under his bed.

Anyway... the MPAA decided that the original one sheet for "Zack and Miri Make A Porno" was too risuqe and scandalous. They denied it and Kevin Smith was forced to release a newer more tame version. Here is the original:

What's funny is that just a year earlier, the MPAA approved a similar poster for the shitty Dane Cook "Comedy," GOOD LUCK CHUCK:

Which one seems more provocative. I guess the MPAA realized that any movie starring Dane Cook was already at a disadvantage so they would let the poster pass. Kinda like when a mentally challenged kid is playing baseball and he runs the bases backwards. You just let him do it because he's having fun and not really hurting anybody.

If You Remake a Remake, Does It Go Back To Normal?

2008-10-24T11:56:00.004-05:00

Ladies and Gentleman... I present you with the first teaser trailer for the remake of "Friday the 13th" (You have to sit through an ad but it's short)

Granted, it looks pretty slick and I'll probably go see it. I always liked the Friday the 13th films and the character of Jason Voorhees has been with me my whole life... Much like Homer Simpson.

But is this film necessary when the original is still watchable? Why not just re-release the original?

It's directed by Marcus Nispel, who helmed the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Remake a few years back. It didn't have that gritty, snuff-film vibe the original did but it was scary and beautifully shot (Thanks to direction from the original's cinematographer and an art director who's name escapes me).

On the same note, who is going to be the next iconic horror villain? The 80's seemed chock full but the most recent ones seem to be lacking.

Thoughts? Opinions? Limericks?

Sleepy Horses

2008-10-23T15:50:00.006-05:00

There is something incredibly intimate about sharing music. I haven't been able to put my finger on it but maybe it's the notion that someone is sharing something that means something to them that has no tangible existence. Or quite possibly, its the very notion of introducing you to something you may never have experienced if you didn't know them.

Whatever the case, I feel incredibly obligated to share a band with the few who read this... The Sleepy Horses from Athens, Georgia.

Now, I have a personal stake in these guys because my best friend in the whole world plays bass. But even still, the few people who have heard them based on my suggestion have all become fans.

Check out their site or visit their myspace page to hear some of their work. I'm definitely partial to "When I Go."

Sleepy Horses MySpace Page
www.sleepyhorses.com

In the meantime, here is a video I shot for them. Enjoy.

Sleepy Horses "Say It Out Loud" Music Video from Jon Garcia on Vimeo.

Guitar Zero

2008-10-23T10:28:00.003-05:00

Guitar Hero and Rock Band are very cool. A blast to play with friends at a party. A fun distraction when your flying solo.

But come on now. Do we really need this:

From LOGITECH, we give you the Premium Edition Wireless Controller. Real Wood Neck... Metal "Tuning" Pegs and Frets.... Solid Body.... All of this for the low price of $249.99

Seriously?!? For a hundred bucks more you could get a real guitar.

Seeing this can only make me wonder a couple of things:
1. What type of person buys this?
2. Will we one day see people on the street corners playing Guitar Hero for money?
3. How many real musicians are being stunted in their youth because they spent their days playing Guitar Hero instead of learning a real instrument?

Shows Worth Watching

2008-10-23T09:14:00.008-05:00

Network television plays it safe. Sitcoms... Dramas.... Crime Shows.

Not that playing it safe is a bad thing. Some of my favorite shows are on network television: "CSI" "Heroes" "The Office" to name a few.

But the really great shows are usually off to the side, seen by few but loved by most. FX, HBO, Showtime. Since original programming is a bigger gamble for these stations, they really have to make them pop.

And one show, airing on Showtime, is something else. Funny, violent, engaging. It has constant forward momentum with the story and the characters are so well written and deep, you can't help but care what happens to them.

The show I'm speaking of is "Dexter"

The truly great thing about this show is that the main character, Dexter Morgan, would be considered the villain on any other show.

Dexter is a serial killer who preys on those that the justice system misses out on. He enjoys hunting down other murderers and taking them out of society, essentially fighting violence with violence. Did I mention he also works for the cops as a forensic blood-spatter analyst?

Whats funny is that you truly care about Dexter and his life despite the fact that he does horrific things to people. He lives by a code that restricts him from hurting innocent people but at the same time he is still taking lives.

It really makes you think about the person you are if your rooting for a murderer.

The first season is only 13 episodes long so the time commitment is not much.

You can pick up the first season here or if you know me, I'll loan you my copy:

Dexter Season 1 on Amazon

As far as first seasons go, "Dexter" really knocks it out of the park. You can't help but think that they have nowhere to go but down but Season 2 is even better. But that's for another time.

9.0/10

Elliott Smith....

2008-10-22T09:36:00.008-05:00

Yesterday (October 21st) was the five year anniversary of the mysterious death of singer-songwriter, Elliott Smith.

The sad thing about all of this is that Elliott Smith was relatively obscure in the face of mainstream music and not many people got to hear his work. Now, I'm not going to get into a whole thing about mainstream music versus indie music because it's a stupid thing to get into. Music exists unto itself. It doesn't have labels. You either like it or you don't.

And I liked Elliott Smith.

He was soulful and simple. His lyrics were smooth and subtly poetic. His guitar and piano playing weren't flashy. They were simply vessels to deliver his lyrics.

I hope those who are fans of acoustic music or singer-songwriters will give Elliot Smith a listen. I'll leave you with one of my favorite tunes of his.... "Say Yes"

Movies You Gotta See.....

2008-10-22T08:42:00.002-05:00

This is a pretty good one for fans of documentary film.

Kirby Dick explores the entity known as the MPAA.... the organization that essentially plays gatekeeper with motion pictures. Through a series of interviews with filmmakers, former MPAA employees, and others, Kirby Dick exposes the true (and very secretive nature) of the Motion Picture Association of America.

Definitely a must see for those who are fans of films and really want to get an insight into some of the hoops filmmakers must jump through to get their films distributed.

This doc is incredibly funny, more so in depicting the hypocrisy of the association. If you get a chance and have an hour and a half to kill, check this out.

8.5 out of 10

First Post .... Not a good time to be a Black Man on Televison

2008-10-21T14:49:00.005-05:00

They don't call it a bandwagon for nothing.... I am now one with the world of blogging.

Yes... my humble opinions and thoughts are now flowing through the already endless sea of other blogs and more than likely, it will never be read. But since I'm doing this at work, the only time I'm wasting is that of my employers. But seeing how they are slowly killing my soul, I figure it's a fair trade-off.

So, here we go. My first post....

As the new fall television season is upon, one can't help but think of the things to come. Will "Heroes" finally get back to decent? Who are "Family Guy" and "South Park" going to offend this year? What poorly animated show will Adult Swim throw at us?

The season premieres are all but said and done and I've noticed a rather disturbing trend... Black men don't have good odds of surviving the opening of a new season.

From the shows I've watched, two had premieres in which a black main cast member was killed off.

And sadly, this is not a new trend. The 2007 season premiere of "Heroes" saw the only black main cast member killed off in the season premiere. Sadly, it took about 8 episodes to explain how and why he died.

Season Finales are also a very dangerous time to be a black main character. Just ask Harold Perrineau from "LOST" or Erik King from "Dexter."

The long and short of it is that if one of your favorite characters happens to be black, don't get too attached.