How you screamed when I saw your eyes melting
I tell you, it's like the world's gone batshit nuts. And for once, I feel as if my relatively stagnant state is more a strength than a liability. Sure, things aren't the best, but it's been a while since I begged St. Jude for intercessions. Now I'm all about St. John and his wort. Folks, that's some good wort!
I like going to the movies by myself: I can see whatever I want, whenever I want. Done it twice recently. First, I saw Miranda July's "Me and You and Everyone We Know". It's a quiet little ensemble piece about messed-up people flailing to make connections, perfect for fans of things like "Magnolia" and "Happiness." (Did you know that there are people out there who find such films depressing? For shame!) July's a performance artist by trade, so it might be natural that the movie comes off as flaky and self-conscious at times, but that becomes part of its oddball charm. Since the American public only seems capable of noticing one or two indie movies a year, I hope this one doesn't get passed over. As long as you don't mind a little arthouse atmosphere, I equally recommend it if you're a hard-nosed cynic or, even better, a hopeless romantic. ))<>(( Forever.
Also, I finally saw "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl In 3-D" at the second-run in Buffalo Grove. That was $2 well spent - the 3-D was as shoddy as it was in "Spy Kids 3-D," but when you think about the movie's origins (Robert Rodriguez based it on his 7 year-old kid's stories and dreams and made it in the studio at his house), it's a pretty fun picture. Of course, it's no "Sin City", but after a movie that good I cannot help but fully support Rodriguez's DIY path. I'd rather give him money to make crazy-ass home movies like this than to return to studio garbage like "The Faculty."
Today, Gigantour, where The Dillinger Escape Plan will scare the bejeezus out of a bunch of mullet-heads. That will be entertaining - that and the best metal band in America, Nevermore. I wrote this review of their new album - it's a three-and-a-half star record, but star ratings are pointless. And sometime I'll get around to updating those blog links...
I like going to the movies by myself: I can see whatever I want, whenever I want. Done it twice recently. First, I saw Miranda July's "Me and You and Everyone We Know". It's a quiet little ensemble piece about messed-up people flailing to make connections, perfect for fans of things like "Magnolia" and "Happiness." (Did you know that there are people out there who find such films depressing? For shame!) July's a performance artist by trade, so it might be natural that the movie comes off as flaky and self-conscious at times, but that becomes part of its oddball charm. Since the American public only seems capable of noticing one or two indie movies a year, I hope this one doesn't get passed over. As long as you don't mind a little arthouse atmosphere, I equally recommend it if you're a hard-nosed cynic or, even better, a hopeless romantic. ))<>(( Forever.
Also, I finally saw "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl In 3-D" at the second-run in Buffalo Grove. That was $2 well spent - the 3-D was as shoddy as it was in "Spy Kids 3-D," but when you think about the movie's origins (Robert Rodriguez based it on his 7 year-old kid's stories and dreams and made it in the studio at his house), it's a pretty fun picture. Of course, it's no "Sin City", but after a movie that good I cannot help but fully support Rodriguez's DIY path. I'd rather give him money to make crazy-ass home movies like this than to return to studio garbage like "The Faculty."
Today, Gigantour, where The Dillinger Escape Plan will scare the bejeezus out of a bunch of mullet-heads. That will be entertaining - that and the best metal band in America, Nevermore. I wrote this review of their new album - it's a three-and-a-half star record, but star ratings are pointless. And sometime I'll get around to updating those blog links...
posted by SoulReaper at 12:22 PM
1 Comments:
Nevermore, "This Godless Endeavor" (Century Media) ¤ ¤ ¤ ½
Although MTV2 might make you think otherwise, metalcore isn't America's only noteworthy loud music export. Seattle quintet Nevermore don't fit into an easily packaged trend and thus remain the cult favorite they've been for a decade, but the planet may finally be ready for them.
"Endeavor," the band's sixth album, contains all the elements metal kids are buying right now. Guitarists Jeff Loomis and Steve Smyth weave a dizzying quilt of stuttering, low-tuned rhythms, memorably melancholy melodies and ripping, twisting solos, while Van Williams provides a constant barrage of precise thrash percussion. Nevermore apply a modern sensibility to traditional heavy metal, at once ageless and tapped into today's burlier aesthetic.
The only sticking point for younger listeners may be vocalist Warrel Dane, who actually sings rather than growling or rapping. And it's an idiosyncratic style of singing, too. Dane's possessed, pleading tone in the single "Final Product" turns a sorrowful gray for ballad "Sell My Heart for Stones," a vein-popping red for his dramatic wail on the closing title track. Always intense (and, reportedly, newly sober), he sounds like no one else.
But Dane's wild-eyed delivery personifies the diverse, off-kilter individuality that makes Nevermore so satisfying. They understand the basics so well they'll always be a comfortable listen for those who like intelligent heavy metal, yet aren't too "mature" or prissy to turn on the mosh machine. And as solid and addictive as "Endeavor" is, you leave impressed that this band has yet to deliver its greatest work.
• Nevermore perform as part of Gigantour, beginning at 4:30 p.m. today at Tweeter Center, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. Tickets are $39.50. (312) 559-1212.
Post a Comment
<< Home