Quickie movie reviews no. 1

Trespass - (2011)




A bizarre movie....

This movie is a thriller that had potential. The problem was that it was just too unfocused and confusing to make any sense. The motives of the bad guys seems to change at whim and the audience is left guessing as to what is really going on.

Nic Cage is becoming more of a caricature of himself with every movie. To be truthful, I enjoy it. His movies are so bizarre that one cannot help but admire him. He's also resembles a wax figure in this movie... he just doesn't look right.

4 out of 10

Auto Focus - (2002)

These guys know how to party!

A look at Bob Crane, a television actor who got caught up in the 60's sex and swinger scene.

He was kind of introduced into these things by his friend played by Willem Dafoe and also the whole atmosphere of being famous in hollywood.

Overall it's a fascinating movie about sex addiction.

7 out of 10

The Mack - (1973)

A fascinating look at the pimping game and culture and an absolute classic of a movie. This movie is not blaxploitation, but instead focuses on real situations and social issues that affect the poor inner city communities. Also the two contrasts between the two brothers that are pulled towards crime and the militancy of the black panthers.

The performance from Richard Pryor is reason enough to watch this and his scene with the cops holding him and Goldie at gunpoint will leave you in awe.

A truly great movie.

10 out of 10

Rubblebucket

If I had to explain the epitome of indie rock/ hipster weirdoism, I'd have to show people this video.  It features, Rubblebucket as the typical cast of oddball characters.

I really do like this band though, even though their lead singer reminds me of Jodie Foster in "Nell" and sounds like a deaf person trying to sing.  All kidding aside she has a lot of talent and is a wonderful singer.

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2012/12/live-from-paste-rubblebucket-1.html

2012 Masters

Here are some of the bets I'll be going with for the

Winner

Rory McIlroy - I'm putting my money on Rory as the winner

Louis Oosthuisen- as a random potential winner

To make the cut

Sergio Garcia

Top Asian

K.J Choi- Choi is always consistent

Top South African

Louis Oosthuisen

Top Scandinavian

Henrik Stenson

Top 10 finish

Luke Donald

Top 20 finish

Henrik Stenson

It's going to be an exciting event, and Norm McDonald will hopefully live tweet the whole thing.

Top 15 Albums of 2011: 5-1

5. Rural Alberta Advantage- Departing

Looking at the cover and listening to the songs inside, it basically describes life in northern Alberta.  Since I believe the lead singer, Nils Edenloff, grew up in Fort Macmurray the songs here are heartfelt and intensely packed with the feelings of someone living in a boring, isolated town.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/departing-r2119668









4. Feist- Metals

This album is full of lovely soft spoken vocals and catchy guitar playing.  I just love all the melodies and "A commotion" is quickly becoming one of my favorite songs.  While this album is not as instantly accessible as her previous, I found this one to be more rewarding with each listen.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/metals-r2286941/review










3. ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead- The Tao of the Dead

Concept album based on a graphic novel by Conrad Keely. Not too many bands are making music like this anymore.  Just consider that the 52 min album is split into two tracks.  Crazy stuff.  If you enjoy kind of proggy hard rock then definitely check this out.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-tao-of-the-dead-r2120576/review










2. Raekwon- Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang

Modern classic Wu material here.  The Chef brings in all the best guest mc's, such as Inspectah Deck, Meth, Ghost and even a cameo from Rick Ross that made me a fan.  And it all closes with a truly epic sample from Ennio Morricone on "Masters of our Fate".  Wu-Tang is alive and well here.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/shaolin-vs-wu-tang-r2128097










1. Destroyer- Kaputt

This was the album of the summer for me.  It features dreamy ethereal music, full of horns, saxophone and poetic lyrics.  This is original and somewhat retro as well.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/kaputt-r2102478/review

Top 15 Albums of 2011: 10-6

10. Ohbijou- Metal Meets

Lush instrumentation and soothing singing makes for great indie pop.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/metal-meets-r2260477











9. The Dears- Degeneration Street

Anthemic power pop at it's best!  The Dears have been one of my favorite bands since 2003 and although their lineup changes from record to record, I've enjoyed the different sounds of each album.  And I'm sure we'll be hearing these songs on commercials or tv shows for years to come.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/degeneration-street-r2068546/review







8. Drive-By-Truckers- Go-Go Boots

Country rock that tells a story.  The truckers continue the story from their last album about a small town and it's inhabitants.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/go-go-boots-r2120179/review









7. Sondre Lerche- Sondre Lerche

This one took me a while to get into, but once I listened to it a few times I was hooked.  Sondre Lerche is really the best right now at making pop music and I find it funny that he still looks like he's 15.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/sondre-lerche-r2171497










6. Mastodon- The Hunter

Just a really good aggressive sounding album.  I really loved "Cracked the Skye" and with this one they have strayed away from producing a concept album and just came out with a good collection of different sounding songs.
The song I most enjoyed is "Dry Bone Valley"

http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-hunter-r2279509

Top 15 Albums of 2011: 15 to 11

15. Shelby Lynne - Revelation Road


Great songwriting and Shelby Lynne always has an amazing voice.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/revelation-road-r2295848/review











14. My Morning Jacket - Circuital


My Morning Jacket continue to produce amazing and catchy music.  Their musicianship is top notch and Jim James has one of the best voices in rock.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/circuital-r2181009/review









13. J.Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story

A long awaited debut from this lyrically gifted singer.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/cole-world-the-sideline-story-r2257837/review

12. Memphis - Here Comes a City

Just for the song "I am the Photographer" this album should be ranked.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/here-comes-a-city-r2132943/review

11. Sam Roberts- Collider

The Sam Roberts band added some saxophone into their sound on this album and I really dug it.  Overall they're just a really talented band, and Sam is one of the best live singers I've ever seen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collider_(Sam_Roberts_album)

My Apologies to the Man Waiting outside the Washroom

My apologies to the man waiting to use the washroom at the Onoway gas station/ grocery store.

....I'm really sorry you had to experience that

....It wasn't me though, I didn't do it

I was driving on a long trip and had to pee really badly.  It felt like my bladder was about to explode.  I made my way to the Onoway gas station/ grocery store and quickly ran inside.  I made my way to the washroom and quickly shut the door behind.  It was a single toilet washroom with no urinal in sight.

I looked down at the toilet and it was plugged up!  Someone had done a really nasty deed in there.  It was inhuman, like a cow had been in there or something.  I had no choice though, I had to use it and there was no way I could flush it.  Then after draining my bladder and feeling much better, I heard a knock on the door.  I was horrified, but what could I do.  I washed up and walked out of the washroom in a hurried fashion.  I didn't say anything to the guy waiting to use it, I just kept my head down and walked out.  I then got in the car and sped away as fast as I could.

Sorry dude, it wasn't me.  I was a victim in this situation just like you.