We Slept In Sunday

http://grooveshark.com/#!/s/Lady+Percy/4CNrq1?src=5

A lot of things are happening now; Though I don’t have a ton of time, I know that I need to talk about everything here.

Let’s Start With the Good News:

1. King Charles (pictured at the top). This guy seriously knows his music. He released his very first album, Loveblood, this past Monday. The link to one of my favorite songs on the album is posted above; It should be interesting for many of you to listen to the song “The Brightest Lights”, which features our good friends in Mumford and Sons. I’m sure that you’ll find this guy to be very talented (he sings and plays the piano), and the album offers a variety of sounds (this is a pretty important aspect to a good album, take anything by Coldplay for instance). Since that this is only the first album by King Charles (lead Charles Costa), I am both impressed with what they’re capable of and eager for more.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
2. Kudos to Ron Paul for his impressive display in Maine.

Now for the bad news:

As I’m sure you’ve all heard, gay marriage was voted against in North Carolina. I just wanted to present this graph of North Carolina’s Intelligence vs. Response to Amendment 1:

I, for one, find it ridiculous that this is even a controversy. I don’t want to sound like a philosophical know-it-all or anything, but honestly, one human being has no right to make decisions over another’s love life. Those for the amendment have no respect for the beliefs and privacy of their brothers and sisters who should be able to choose the way of life that makes them happiest. A very special shout out to Obama and Biden who spoke out for Gay Marriage today recently; hopefully, this is their actual view and not some kind of ploy for the upcoming election. To keep this short, do the following:

1. Keep yourself up to date with current events. Know who to support, who to hate, and why. Don’t be that “oblivious person”.
2. Support what you believe in. Say something, seriously.
3. Vote.

Let’s take a stand for what is right. Gay Marriage = Marriage.

Mothers day is Sunday.

Hello one and all.

The Hush Sound - You Are The Moon

I saw the hunger games last week, and I assure you that it’s definitely something worth checking out. Good soundtrack as I had hoped; check out James Newton Howard, he really makes a mean score (he didn’t earn his eight academy awards for nothing). I’ve always been a huge fan of his score from The Village, partly because of the huge violin part; However, if you give it a listen, you really understand how Howard adds a substantial bit to the mood of a movie (for example, there is The Gravel Road, which really embodies the mysterious aura of the movie) See the movie and buy the soundtrack, I guarantee it’ll be money well spent.

Coachella is streaming live right now through tomorrow, so be sure to listen to their free live stream on youtube. I’ve been listening to Andrew Bird for the past few minutes, and I’m really excited to hear the Shins live up next. With 3 separate channels on the same page, you can’t not find a band that you want to listen to (double negative? no way!). Channel 1 seems like the place that I’ll spend my most time, featuring Radiohead and Bon Iver later tonight. 

Some day I’ll talk all about the god that is Radiohead, but that’s for some other time.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/s/It+s+Only+Life/4wEMon?src=5

Good day, kind readers.

Today marks the release of “Port of Morrow”, the Shins’s new album; Pick up this work of art for a cheap $10.99 (10 tracks). This album is a great way to start the 2012 musical year, bringing back the singing of James Mercer that we have all been waiting for. 

Today, I’d like to bring up a topic that has been on all of our minds for quite a while now: the 2012 presidential election (US). I realize that this is the point that many of you will likely stop reading because you “aren’t interested in politics,” among other reasons; However, I think that the opinion that I am about to pose is not the political blabber that you are used to tuning out on the television/radio, but more of an idea that can appeal to you in an unbiased manner. I understand (as you probably do) that America is a world power, capable of creating major change in the world just through our simple everyday actions. As a country, we have the power to influence major change throughout the world; We, the people, realize many of the world’s flaws, and since we live in a country where the citizens are (usually) listened to, we actually have a way to change everything. Of course, the kingpin in a world-wide peaceful revolution is of course our president. With the right man/woman in the seat of power, our possibilities are endless. We can lead the rest of the world in a revolution of peace and change so that everyone can benefit from education, nourishment, and care. 

However, we are not basing our election off of this idea of a worldwide unity. Instead, we are too easily swayed by the candidate’s stances on (in the grand scheme of things) frivolous concepts such as abortion or religion. The media takes any candidate’s claims on unimportant ideas such as these and broadcasts them to the public instead of focusing on the candidate’s moral stance on a more global level. We all have a short time to live on this planet, so we must do our best to make it the best possible experience for everyone, everywhere.

Many of us in America take our easy lifestyles for granted. For the most part, we all can do whatever we want, whenever we want, and chances are good that you can make enough money doing that to support yourself and others; Even if you can’t, we have created programs so that you can keep this easy lifestyle. We have it good. Many others don’t, and yes, there is much more to it than your “Kony campaign”. We have the technology, we have the funds, we have the manpower; Now, we just need the willpower and a proper mindset.

Let’s do this election the right way.

By the way, thanks for reading all of my blabber. I threw in some pictures so that you wouldn’t get too bored.  I like graphs, so when I thought to throw in “interesting pictures”, those came to mind first. Sorry if you aren’t a graph fan.

Today’s song is from the album mentioned above. “It’s Only Life” - The Shins

Happy Spring.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/s/Black+River+Killer/1Qkiao?src=5

Quick post, my predictions for the winners of tonight’s academy awards. Shown below is each category that I feel I can judge well; Following the category will be each nominee. Finally, my choice for winner will be in Bold and a runner up in italics.

1. Best Picture: The Artist, The Descendants, Extremely Loud & Incredibly close, The Help, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, Moneyball, The Tree of Life, War Horse
2. Actor in a Leading Role: Demian Bichir (A Better Life), George Clooney (The Descendants), Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Brad Pitt (Moneyball), Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs), Viola Davis (The Help), Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady), Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn)
3. Cinematography: The Artist, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Hugo, The Tree of Life, War Horse
4. Music (Original Score): The Adventures of Tintin, The Artist, Hugo, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, War Horse

Yes, I was stuck between Brad Pitt and Gary Oldman. 

Black River Killer by Blitzen Trapper. Pretty good.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/s/A+Distinctive+Sound/3Bz8k6?src=5

It’s been a few interesting weeks for me, but I’ve realized that I’ve neglected this blog a little, so I think that another post is long overdue. Before I get into anything, though, I’d like to share my opinions on this year’s Grammy Awards. First and foremost, I was rather displeased with this year’s chosen live artists. No creativity or thought was put into their selection; no folk, indie, alternative, but pop and country. It seemed like another new year’s celebration to me, so I wasn’t too excited about the shot itself. I don’t think that Adele is fantastic enough for 6 Grammys, and in one night nonetheless; However, after seeing her competition in some of her successful categories, she was the only good candidate (such as in the Best Artist category). Luckily, Bon Iver was able to pull through in the end to represent the indie/alternative music community, which I was happy about

Enough of that, and on to my top 5 movie choices of 2011! Yeah!!

5.) Mission Impossible: Gost Protocol;

To be honest, I think that this was a terrible year in terms of movie quality. There were too many films that were generally unimpressive, and this is depressing to me. I’m hoping that this isn’t a trend, where the public would pay for action scenes and bullets over the art of cinematography or soundtrack writing. So, without further delay, I give you my 5th best. This is only here, to be honest, because I needed to have a fifth choice. In this movie, Tom Cruise manages to entertain us yet again with his action-packed fighting and intense scenes. However, nothing else really impressed me. Sure, there were a few nice camera shots of the Middle East, but otherwise, things were unimpressive. Many events either didn’t make sense or simply didn’t fit into the movie’s plot. Going into an action movie, I do realize that I can’t expect a huge degree of art and finesse. However, I do enjoy seeing a certain degree of unforeseen plot twists and creative workarounds, not just new gadgets and Cruise’s ultra cool moves. I’d give it a 4.5/10, if you’re one for numbers.

4.) The Adventures of Tintin

I thought that this movie was absolutely spectacular. First of all, the movie served as a prime example of the great developments of animation over time. Every scene was crisp and beautifully done; At one point, I could have sworn that a camel in one certain scene was actually living. Also, the camera angle was phenomenally creative. The camera angles that were created (for it is animation, not actual shooting) took into account that the movie was about exploration and discovery, not about a cutesy story of sorts. I found this aspect to be extremely impressive. Finally, Spielberg managed to direct the production in such a way that it actually seemed like an adventurous and friendly boy who could use his wits naturally to overcome hardships. This “natural” use of knowledge seemed to be ruined in such films as “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” (terrible movie, by the way) where Holmes wasn’t as much a master of knowledge as he was a master of getting lucky. The film was created so that Tintin’s use of his knowledge actually made sense and his successes were actually based off of his knowledge. Also, the soundtrack was pretty good. My only complaint is the emptiness in the plot; It seemed as if it were rushed through in order to tell the entire story in a condensed period of time. As a result, some scenes seemed too short and hollow. But really, that is my only complaint. All in all, this movie earns an 7.5/10 in my books. 

3.) Moneyball

Moneyball was an interesting story, especially for me in particular. I am not typically one to be a fan of sports (let alone sports movies), but I found myself captivated by this movie. Pitt, as usual, did an excellent job with his role; However, I felt as if the supporting actor, Jonah Hill. Hill really does an amazing job of filling his role in this film; He really altered his personality and social skills to fit the part. The cinematography, though easily overlooked, was also done very nicely. The outdoor shots were carefully chosen, and the indoor ones were well arranged. Also, it was nice to hear a bit of “The Show”, a song by Lenka. In my opinion, this song is ideal for a little girl to be singing, and this was implemented nicely into the movie (otherwise, the song isn’t really my cup of tea). This movie earns my stamp of approval with a 7.5/10.

2.) The Tree of Life

To sum this movie up in one word: Gorgeous. The cinematography was probably the best I have ever seen. Every single scene and clip was captured with extreme precision and thought, and the results are simply stunning. The story was slightly complicated at times, but for the most part, an imaginative perspective of life as a concept was illustrated in a way that really made you think. Music was not noteable, but again, the cinematography really makes up for it. This masterpiece deserves a good 8.5/10.

1.) The Artist

Finally, the best film to come out of 2011 made its way out at the end of the year. This film was an absolute masterpiece. The entire concept of a silent film in an era where speaking during films is essential to the movie’s quality is interesting. I saw this film in the theaters, which actually adds to the whole effect. Things started off slightly awkwardly where everyone in the theater was clearly thinking something along the lines of “My god, im sitting in a room with around forty others, and everything is silent with only the exception of music… weird”. However, as the movie progresses, it really draws you in, and makes you realize that it does. You are so engrossed with the movie that whenever you realize how much you are actually taken in by it, it comes as a slight shock. I really liked how the acting was really done the way it would have been in a silent movie back in the 20’s-30’s, where none of the modern quirks were added in. The acting was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic, both by starring actor Jean Dujardin and supporting actress Berenice Bejo. The style was old fashioned, the character fit in every circumstance, and the romance was genuine. Finally, the soundtrack, which needed to be better than average because it was the only sound from the movie, was nicely done. Nothing too showy that would take away from the “engrossing” I had mentioned before, but just enough for comfort and ease for the audience. There was just enough drama and tension to keep the romantic aspect in contrast. This work of art deserves a solid 9.5/10 in my books, and is definitely one of the most influential movies that I have seen to date.

Today’s photo is of the Appalachian Mountains, as seen in North Carolina. 

Oh, Happy Mardi Gras.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/s/Somebody+That+I+Used+To+Know/3WJE8T?src=5

At the end of every year, I like to wrap up the accomplishments/regrets of the previous year. So, for the next couple of posts, I am going to summarize the best of ______ from 2011 and why. I promise that this won’t get redundant or boring, and if it seems like its getting to be that, I’ll just get back to regular posting. However, I think that many (including myself) are a fan of a recap as a way to see what good in general has came from the previous year.

First, I’d like to get my idea of the best albums out there because I feel like that is the most expected from a blog like this; If you follow my posts regularly, some of these choices should not come as a surprise to most of you. That being said, I do have a few “shockers” in there that I haven’t really mentioned before. Anyways, here it goes. Brace yourself.

In order of decreasing greatness:

 5.) Making Mirrors - Gotye

This album, released December 6th, is new to my library. However, it didn’t take me very long to sink into this music. Not every song on this album is something to get excited about, but it does have some serious gems. Here’s your link:

http://grooveshark.com/#!/album/Making+Mirrors/6816190

 4.) Tamer Animals - Other Lives

I thought that Other Lives did a spectacular job with this album. A good amount of acoustic instruments and appropriate vocals made their songs amazing. I acquired this album shortly after its release date in May; I have yet to grow tired of listening to these songs. 

http://grooveshark.com/#!/album/Tamer+Animals/5830194

 3.) El Camino - The Black Keys

I have talked about this album in a previous post, but here is a little more of what I think about it anyways. I have loved the previous Black Keys albums, but this one really has to take the cake. Every song has a good beat with an equally enjoyable tune. There isn’t really much not to like about it.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/album/El+Camino/7150590

 2.) Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes

I have always been a fan of fleet foxes, and this album only made me love their music more. Every song on this is beautiful without having too similar a style to others. The Fleet Foxes seem to have mastered the art of making an album, in my opinion. They cover a good amount of “types” of alternative/indie/rock music; The music on the album does not follow the same sound or song structure (unlike some albums this year… mylo xyloto…). This keeps every song on the album enjoyable in its own way, instead of certain ones being better than others. I can always come back to this album for a listen.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/album/Helplessness+Blues/5672196

And last but not least…

 1.) The King is Dead - The Decemberists

This album is spectacular, plain and simple. The Decemberists have finally reached a stage where they can create a mix of indie and folk music. The outcome of such a mix is this album, in its entirety. The lyrics, as usual, are phenomenally chosen. The Decemberists have really outdone themselves with this one, and for me, this album has to be album of 2011. This music is not only beautiful, but also meaningful; This band seems to have based their compositions around this idea. In a year of turmoil, revolutions, and a bad economy, this album seems to have alleviated a lot of pressure from me. The king is dead, long live the king.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/album/The+King+Is+Dead/5735482

-Not all of the album is here, sorry. Buy it?

The photo from today’s post depicts a sunset on Mars. I thought that this was quite beautiful, and also inspires a lot of thought.