Why Kyle is excited for this summer!

Hello friends. As the voice of my generation, I feel it is important to inform the public what I am excited about this summer.

Television:

The Tonight Show with Coco Christopher - I'm hoping Conan's new nickname catches on. Either way, I love this man and gladly welcome him back to television.

Music:

New Idlewild CD!!!- I don't know what it's called or whether or not a date has been announced, but I already paid for it so I better get it soon!! Their albums had been getting more and more folky from "100 Broken Windows" to "Warnings/Promises" before returning to their more sonic roots on their most recent album "Make Another World." It appeared that frontman Roddy Woomble channeled his folk energy into his solo disc "My Secret is My Silence." "Make Another World" was such a disappointment compared to past Idlewild CD's and Roddy's solo work so I can only hope that their new album marks the return of their folk meets sonic sound.

New Pornographers, Tegan and Sara, and Death Cab for Cutie with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl

This will be the third concert I've gone to where I've been more interested in the opening acts than the headliner. And the first two, I walked out on the headliners. I've seen Death Cab once before, though, and I really like their less recent work. My one wish is that they play "Summer Skin." It's my favorite song of theirs and think it would be gorgeous with the orchestra backing. I also just flat out can't wait for Tegan and Sara. They're so hot right now.

Movies (oh so many, I'll keep it brief)

The Hangover - If they keep a balanced witty dialogue-to-slapstick joke ratio (I'm worried about too much slapstick) it could be the funniest movie of the summer.

Year One - "She's alright, but I wouldn't lay with her." I'm going out on a limb because this could be really bad, but I think it will be funny.

Twistee Treat- I'm a little upset that gay jokes have now infiltrated PG movies and I don't think the "funny" older brothers look that funny. But the star Robert Newton looks like he makes a very likable awkward teenage protagonist. I think he could create some really enjoyable interactions with his female costar in this 15-minute short.

Brüno - I didn't think Brüno was as strong of a character as Borat, but the trailer has restored my complete faith in Sacha Baron Cohen. It looks hilarious.

Paper Man - What you need to know: 1) Jeff Daniels plays an author who has an imaginary super hero friend. 2) The super hero is played by Ryan Reynolds. 3) It's got Jeff Daniels!!

Ponyo - I have been looking forward to this movie since last year. Miyazaki has made a more cutsie, kid movie than his last two and I am so pumped for it. His childish "My Neighbor Totoro" is one of my favorite stories of all time. If I had to bet on one filmmaker to make movie magic. Powerful, beautiful magic. I would put every last penny on Miyazaki.

Funny People - Apatow's movies all just seem to be right up my alley. This one looks even more sentimental than his others, and I think I'll like that. It also looks like it's finally putting Adam Sandler back in a good movie.

Extract - Underrated funny man Mike Judge returns to cinema. What Judge lacks in gut-busting laughs (of say, Apatow) he makes up for by putting unique characters in interesting situations and getting you to care about them (as opposed to Apatow's winning "insert generic Seth Rogen character here" formula). It's also got a great cast. I will watch Kristen Wiig in anything and Ben Affleck looks like he'll actually be funny.

Kris Allen on "Ellen"

So I saw Kris Allen perform a couple songs on "Ellen" yesterday.  That guy won American Idol??  They must have really been hurting for talent this year.  I didn't watch any of this season so I may have missed some dazzling performances of his, but he just didn't seem like anything special to me.  I admit that he is more talented than myself, but if he was the winner of the entire competition, then Sanjaya probably would have had a fighting chance this year.  Kris Allen makes Ace Young looks like Marvin Gaye.  Remember Ace Young?  The cute guy who survived elimination after elimination even though he was out of his league talent-wise until he finally delivered a great performance only to be voted off the next day.  To be fair, he was probably in the most talented season of Idol- season 5- which produced the talented Elliott Yamin, Chris Daughtry, and Katherine McPhee as well as the charismatic Kellie Pickler (supporting Taylor Swift on her current tour), Bucky Covington, and the winner Taylor Hicks. If Yamin or Daughty were in the contest this year they would have cleaned Kris Allen's biological clock.  And they finished third and fourth respectively.  Now I can't say for sure because I didn't watch the season, but American Idol looks to be going down the tubes.  I only wish Danny Noriega could have had a crack at this year's talent.  That guy could sing and perform and he was super interesting.  And I may never see him perform again...

Magic 107 Cavs 106

I never intended myself to be a sportswriter on this blog, but I have too much to say about the epic Game 1 between the Cavs and Magic.  During the first three quarters I was fuming and preparing my rant on how David Stern must have told the refs to make sure that both the Cavs and Lakers advance to the finals, but I don't think that's true.  Stern may have more on his mind than a Kobe-Lebron showdown.  But both the Lakers and Celtics did seem to get a lot of help from the officials on the way to the finals last year, though.  So we'll have to see how this series goes.

If I had the chance to say one thing to the officials, I would tell them that Lebron James is already the best player in the world and doesn't need every call to go his way.  He's the last player that needs it.  Dwight Howard's 6th foul was a joke.  I think it's wrong for refs to overlook fouls to keep stars in the game, but I can't believe they would call that on Dwight. Lebron's spin move didn't draw a foul either.  Charles Barkley pointed both of those out in the post game.  And you Cav sympathetics- don't you dare try to use Dwight Howard's screen on Mo Williams as an example of a call that went Dwight's way; that was just being consistent. Every shot Ray Allen took in the playoffs was opened up by a moving screen.  Refs aren't calling moving screens and shouldn't start now.

If I had the chance to say one thing to David Stern, I would advise him to be more liberal in enforcing the "flop fine."  The NBA announced that it would review all games and fine players for flopping.  There have been so many flops gone unpunished (*cough* Rondo *cough*).  A good place to start might be with Lebron with about 28 seconds left in the 3rd.  Pietrus drives on Lebron (who DID have good position) and gives him a little bump which send Lebron FLYING.  Not that any fine would make much of a dent in Lebron's pocketbook, but making the fine public would set an example and hopefully cut down on flopping in these playoffs.

Two final thoughts.  Lebron had some great, clean blocks on Dwight Howard.  But he was able to do so be playing away from Rafer Alston.  How dangerous would the Magic be with Jameer Nelson?  Lebron could maybe match up on Courtney Lee and leave him open, but Lee can score and if he doesn't, Van Gundy can sub Pietrus (who is playing GREAT).  It's too bad that Nelson can't play now.  He could be a great part of a CHAMPION Magic team if he were healthy.  But even without their All-Star PG, they've got a great chance.  I love how this team is playing now.

Final thought.  Play of the game: Courtney Lee stealing the ball and DUNKING on Lebron on the open court.  If that was in Orlando, the building would have gone ballistic.

Return to the Blog

I'm BACKK!!!  I offer my sincerest apologies to all of my followers (assuming I DO have followers outside of my wildest dreams).  I have neglected this blog for far too long and I offer no excuses!  I hope to update this regularly (even if I don't have anything to say) just to let you know that I'm okay.

In my absence, I have been pondering my role as a critic.  I have grown increasingly skeptical of the use of violence, drugs, and sex in entertainment as of late.  I personally think they should be excluded from entertainment, but censorship is not the way of this country so I will probably not get my wish.  I can only hope that musicians, filmmakers, and other artists will see the potential harm they cause to the youth of this world by saturating it with harmful content.

What I can do is 1) control what I consume and 2) speak my mind on this blog.  I have made a personal vow to give up movies that use violence or combat as entertainment (this includes Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars).  I am especially worried because so many children view these movies.  I don't think glorifying the use of the sword is a good idea, especially when there are so many (equally gratifying) ways to be entertained.

I am conflicted, though.  In reviewing "Adventureland," should I comment on the deft comic subtleties of Jesse Eisenberg and the entrancing story-telling?  If the answer is yes, then I am recommending a movie that I believe portrays alcohol and drugs as a gateway to romance (something desirable).  I don't think the reinforcement of that message is healthy for our youth.  Kids get drunk and high enough as it is!

I have come to a conclusion.  When I review something, I will do it just as I did in the last paragraph.  I will give credit where it is due, but I will be just as quick to tell you what's wrong with the movie (because I do, in fact, have all the answers).  Feel free to skim or skip my sermons, I realize that I am just submitting opinion.  I just feel like I should submit it.  That's what blogs are for!

If you are in need of prayer for anything let me know.

1st Annual Irwies

Many of you probably considered the Oscars the climax of the award season. Those of you who know better have been anxiously anticipating this moment. The birth of the Irwies! The Irwies are cyber awards given out to figures in the world (entertainment or otherwise) that I consider worthy of recognition in honor of the late Steve Irwin: entertainer, educator, funny accent- talker, and friend to us all.





So without further ado, let the Irwies begin!








The first award is for Redemptive Moment. And the Irwie goes to...





R. Kelly for his surprisingly uplifting Obama Anthem "I Believe." After it appeared that the falling apart of his career would culminate in his part of Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" remix. On the remix, Kelly sings the shockingly disrespectful lyrics "So I go to clubs with the guys and sometimes flirt with the girls/ I should be able to roll out as long as I'm coming home to you and give you the world." Does he honestly believe that? Either way, "I Believe" should draw comparisons to "I Believe I Can Fly" for reasons beyond it's title. It's really good, and if it had that soundtrack that "Fly" did it would get its recognition.





Continuing in the world of music the Irwie for Best Hook goes to...





That part in "I Luv Your Girl" by The-Dream where he goes "I'm sorry I got it in for your girl, your girlfriend." The beat remains as cool as ever, but the layered vocals drive the chorus to a gorgeous R & B moment.


- Honorable Mention: The part where Dragonforce sings "Glorious! Forever more in us..." on the track "Heroes of Our Time." Unfortunately, the British rockers lose points for only including the hook once in the entire seven minute song.

Most Improved Band:
Kings of Leon: Their sound got a lot bigger, deeper, and more engaging. "Only By the Night" is a pretty tight album.

Honorable Mention: Augustana for trading in piano for guitars. Some of their "Can't Love Can't Hurt" album still features the keys, but it's strong points ("Sweet and Low" and "Still Ain't Over You") have some pretty sweet guitar melodies.





Onto the world of film. the Irwie for the greatest movie moment of 2008 goes to...





Simon Brand dir. "Paraiso Travel" - The bus scene.


I have to admit that I watched this movie and Spanish and understood very little of it. But the scene in which Marlon, riding on a bus through New York City, sees Reina, his lost lover for whom he has been searching the entire movie, and begs the bus driver in Spanish to stop the bus. He gets out of the Bus, running and shouting her name, the city swirling about him. The tension is thick, the Sigur Ros music in the background is perfect, and the result in any language is goosebumps.



Disappointment of the Year:

The Office. I'm just going to say it... "The Office" got a whole let less interesting now that Jim and Pam are together. I know I couldn't help but root for them and was excited to see them together, but once it happened Jim became kind of- well- a douche. At this point nothing would make me happier than to see Jim catch Pam and Michael together. If it happens remember you heard it here first!




Which brings us to our the final Irwie: Stone Cold Fox of the Year.


And the Irwie goes to...





Nastia Liukin. I mean honestly, does anything get your water boiling more than the All- Around Gymnastic Olympic Gold? And when she sat there pouting because her tie for first somehow landed her in second place, who among you could deny the desire to comfort her, but also recognized that you would lack the courage to face those icy eyes? Ice Woman, yes please! A fierce, strong competitor with a reluctant smile that could warm up the world. Permission to gush? As if I can help it.





Honorable mention:
Anna Poppelwell. Queen Susan of Narnia herself. When did she become such a fox? How she wielded that bow and slyly tells Prince Caspian to keep the horn because he might need to call her again. Well done Ms. Poppelwell.



Thanks for joining the First Annual Irwies in recognizing things that I liked and didn't like in 2008. See you next year and then some.

"Where You Belong"

I made a terrible mistake.  On my Best of 08 List I forgot to include "Where You Belong" by Kael Alden on my singles list.  I have been anticipating the release of the full length song after I first heard the song on a commercial.  Allow me to explain.

A Pebble Beach Lexus RX commercial that ran last year was backed by the most beautiful electronica track.  After some research I found out that the song was written for the commercial by Kael Alden (one of three members who Faded Paper Figures- whose debut album was number 5 on my 08 list).  I really got into the Faded Paper Figures and then noticed on their website that Alden petitioned Lexus for the rights to make a full length version of the song (probably because so many others were fans of the commercial).  Due to legal issues the release was very delayed- until now- or a month and a half ago anyway.  "Where You Belong" was released on www.fadedpaperfigures.com on December 5 2008 making it 100% eligible for my Best of 08 List, but I didn't discover it until today!

Luckily, the full length did not disappoint in any way.  It actually surprised me and rocked a little more than I expected it to.  The restrained yet intense drums drive the song once they kick in.  The juxtaposition of choppy vocal samples with flowing synth riffs creates a delicate atmosphere perfect for musical immersion.

Between this song and Faded Paper Figures' album "Dynamo" there is so much worth praising.  I can't wait to see what these guys do next.  they show so much musical promise, Faded Paper Figures and Kael Alden are names worth remembering.  But in the meantime LISTEN TO "Where You Belong"!!  

Best of 2008!

Here it is, my best of 08 list! There are some movies and albums that may have made it on to my list if I saw/ heard them, but I didn't. So after my lists I included a "Wish I would have..." list.


Top Albums

1. "For Emma, Forever Ago" Bon Iver - A break up album for the ages. Not a minute on this record doesn't deserve to be on it. The songwriting is so intimate, the heartbreak is so palpable, and the instrumentation achieves such rich musical textures with a very acoustic sound. As far as I'm concerned, there is no better place to be than wintry Wisconsin.
2. "Robyn" Robyn - Everything pop music should be. Before this album I always considered pop music with violins to be a recipe for sappy disaster, but the strings in "Be Mine!" and "Handle Me" cut to the heart like a razor. This album is catchy, funny, danceable, sometimes delicate, and always impeccably performed. The vocals on "Eclipse" are especially top-notch.
3. "Departure" Jesse McCartney - My guilty pleasure pick. This guy got good in a hurry. He has a bright future ahead of him as an R&B artist. He puts the vets (Usher) to shame. I love the peppy songs, I love the serious songs, I can't wait to see what he does next.
4. "Saturdays = Youth" M83 - The French electronic shoegazer outfit has done it again with its most complete album to date. You will be hard-pressed to find more tender music these days, especially amongst such distortion. The gorgeous "Graveyard Girl" mixes dark lyrics like "she worships Satan like a father" with music that brightens up the like the sun ringing in a brand-new day.
5. "Dynamo" Faded Paper Figures - Imagine The Boy Least Likely To and Stars birthed a musical lovechild. The result: Faded Paper Figures who put together a light, fun debut album. Standouts "Logos," "I Fell Off My Name," and "North by North" really rock in a laid-back sort of way.


Wish I would have...
"Dear Science" TV on the Radio
"Elephant Shell" Tokyo Police Club


Top Singles


1. "Whatever You Like" Weird Al Yankovic- #1 if only for its timing. With T.I.'s song of the same title at the top of the charts and the U.S. economy in the toilet "Weird Al" delivers a hilarious parody about thrifty living. This song and "White and Nerdy" are the only two songs of his to make me laugh out loud since 1999. Maybe he should look into the rap thing. I also think Weird Al achieved a level of musicality superior to T.I.'s original.
2. "Crush" David Archuleta - I didn't regard either David as champion material on this past season of American Idol, but Archuleta's first single is terrific. From the heavy opening piano riff to the chorus that you can't help but sing along with (or at least attempt to) this song is a winner. I can confidently say that my crush on this song 'aint goin' away.
3. "Sirens in the Deep Sea" Longwave - Maybe it's because I've only recently discovered it, but maybe it's because the chorus is just rousing enough to give me a reason to believe in the indie rock scene when I am finding so little to listen to.
4. "I'm Not going to Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You" Black Kids - One! Two! Three! Four! It sounds like the chant of high school cheerleaders, but don't be fooled, this song can bring the inner-child out of any listener.
5. "Disturbia" Rihanna - What can I say about this song other than for however many times I've heard it I still refuse to turn it off. It makes me want to move like no other.


Top Films


1. Slumdog Millionaire - Danny Boyle takes the audience on a journey through the slums of India to tell a story of life's beauty triumphing over the most dreadful of circumstances. Laced with a delicious score, Slumdog made me a believer and it will make you one too.
2. Let the Right One In - Director and Editor Tomas Alfredson meticulously crafts one of the most pleasurable "dark movies" in recent memory. The joy of Oskar, a twelve year-old boy, and Eli, a twelve year-old vampire, discovering much-needed friendships with each other resonates vividly over the bleak Nordic backdrop. The movie pays more attention to human interaction than special effects, but when they are used, the effects are very effective. Also, the score is gorgeous, and the use of sound is as good as any movie I've seen.
3. The Dark Knight - Reminding us that there is more to superhero movies than action. Using deeply interesting characters and effective observation of the modern American Zeitgeist, Nolan and co. created a film that I simply did not want to end.
4. Gran Torino - Though most of the films on my list tug at the heart, Gran Torino gave mine the heftiest wrench. Clint Eastwood carries the movie both as director and star. His young costars seem unnatural in their roles (the one who plays Thao kind of sucks). Maybe Eastwood just seems brilliant in comparison, but he succeeds in getting both laughs and tears (the latter not from me, though- promise!).
5. The Visitor - Perhaps the most compelling piece of propaganda I've experienced. I would love to see Richard Jenkins win the Oscar for his role as Walter (thank God he was nominated!). The humanity that Jenkins pours into the protagonist only adds to the heartache evoked by a story of relationships being damaged by the cruel hand of Uncle Sam.