08 2 / 2012
Toys Are Not For Children
Cinema Overdrive feature at the Colony. Yikes. If the incest-themed trailer before the film didn’t give it away, the opening scene certainly told you that this movie was going uncomfortable places. If you were going to walk out of this movie, that was your best chance. From then on it became the proverbial train wreck from which you could not look away. It seemed like some real effort and talent went into making a film that no one should really watch. Good job to our fearless selection crew. You excel at finding films that I’m glad I saw, but will never recommend to anyone. Unless you’ve got daddy issues. This will put things into perspective.
03 2 / 2012
WKNC Double Barrel Benefit night 1
MAKE started out the night. I would say they’re not my favourite style of music, but they played well. I probably wouldn’t seek them out again, but I would recommend them to people who like their hard rock/heavy metal style.
Organos had some interesting stuff going on. I really wish their music had grabbed me because I was digging the vibe and the eclectic mix of instruments I was seeing. As it was, after a few songs I decided now was the time to grab a bite before the next band started. I would give them another chance because I feel like there was some talent, and I just wasn’t in the mood to listen at that point.
Got back at what I hope was the beginning of the Birds and Arrows set. They were fantastic. I’m a sucker for the cello, so I was already inclined to like them. The soulful, strong lyrics sealed the deal. I will add them to the “See whenever possible” list.
The Future Kings of Nowhere goes on that list as well. Indie rock is, I suppose, the genre. Mostly up tempo, somewhat poppy. The lead singer didn’t show off a huge vocal range as far as I could tell, but he had a strong, clear, and interesting voice that I enjoyed a lot. With a lot of rock bands, the vocals are so overpowered by the instruments that I’m lucky to catch half the lyrics, but these guys showcased their lyrics, and it was worth it. I need to see them again.
11 1 / 2012
Angel
Saw this as a kid on HBO, mainly because it seemed likely to have a lot of stuff I wasn’t supposed to be seeing as a young teenager. In that respect, it did not disappoint. Seeing it this time with slightly more mature eyes, it did not have as much to offer. As an exploitation film, it seemed rather anemic, and the story failed to captivate as well. Basically it felt like it wanted to walk a line between over-the-top, exploitation cinema and a legitimate drama. Not committing fully to either path left this movie flat. Best part was the supporting cast of characters walking the streets of Hollywood. They didn’t redeem the movie, but they did make it better.
07 1 / 2012
Elvisfest, night 2
I could gush about the Cogburns and the Malamondos. I could describe the Gojira X set. But what really sticks in my mind is walking in and seeing Curtis Eller climbing around on the furnishings while playing his banjo and singing about days long gone. There was a lot to love on night 2, but I was expecting it. Except Curtis. I was not expecting him. He made the night.
06 1 / 2012
Elvisfest, Night 1
Went by in a blur. Highlights were probably Phatlynx, Bo-Stevens, and Mad Tea Party. Couldn’t seem to keep up with the second stage because in front of the stage was too crowded by the time I could tear myself away from the other stage. April Mae & the June Bugs may be my favourite band name ever, even though it took me an embarrassingly long time to get it.