So bad it's good... I found this video over at Jorge Garcia's blog "Dispatches from the Island." Great blog if you are a LOST or Hurley/Hugo fan. Anyway, this is a video of a guy and his Italian extended family reenacting the first five seasons of LOST.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
My favorite books of 2009
I was a busy reader this last year, especially during the three months I spent in India. It helped me not to feel so homesick. So here are some books I read this year that I really loved or that just stuck with me.
The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
I've been busy reading a lot of Twilight for the last year and a half, but I realized recently that there are some really great young adult books out there. I am a fan of Harry Potter, too, and when a friend recommended The Hunger Games, I gave it a try. And it sucked me in immediately. It was The Road meets teen romance meets Gladiator or something. I can't even explain it and I don't like to tell people the plot before they read it. I went into it completely blind as to what it was about and that made for more of a surprise while reading it. Catching Fire is the second in the series. The third and final book is due out in August of this year. I. Can't. Wait. Probably my favorite I read this year.
The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
In continuing the theme of young adult series, I picked up The Mortal Instruments when a friend recommended it. I didn't get into it as quickly. In fact, for the first couple of chapters I thought I was going to quit. It is a world with angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, and just about anything else you can imagine. The characters take some time before you like them much, but I was completely sucked into the story and read all three rather large books over the course of a couple of weeks. I was under the impression there were only 3 books, but apparently a fourth is in the works: City of Broken Glass. Again: can't wait!
Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer
I saw this one in all the English-language bookstores in Mumbai so I picked it up. It was heavily promoted because it was about a climber attempting to summit Mount Everest back before anyone had ever done it. It's based on the true story of George Mallory, using his family's stories and his own diaries. It was a great story, and very tragic. For some reason it stuck with me. Then, when I went to Darjeeling, I went to the Himalayan Climbing Museum and there were photos of him and some of his gear and things there. It was so random because I had just read the book. Anyway, I really thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Outcast by Sadie Jones
I reviewed it here. The story just broke my heart. It was a tad slow in parts, but a pretty easy read.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
So apparently I like very sad books. This one was written by the author of The Kite Runner, so I knew to expect something hard to read. And while I found The Kite Runner very sad, I sat and cried in multiple different places while reading A Thousand Splendid Suns. This book focuses on the lives of women in Afghanistan. It's a hard subject to broach, and one should be warned it isn't an easy story to read. But very well-written and emotive.
1984 by George Orwell
I reviewed it here. I had never read it before and was surprised at how quickly I got into it.
OK, so clearly I didn't get around to reviewing ALL the books I read last year. But I read a lot! I love to read, but I read a lot even for me this last year. Maybe 30 or so books? I'll try to keep track of them this year.
The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
I've been busy reading a lot of Twilight for the last year and a half, but I realized recently that there are some really great young adult books out there. I am a fan of Harry Potter, too, and when a friend recommended The Hunger Games, I gave it a try. And it sucked me in immediately. It was The Road meets teen romance meets Gladiator or something. I can't even explain it and I don't like to tell people the plot before they read it. I went into it completely blind as to what it was about and that made for more of a surprise while reading it. Catching Fire is the second in the series. The third and final book is due out in August of this year. I. Can't. Wait. Probably my favorite I read this year.
The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
In continuing the theme of young adult series, I picked up The Mortal Instruments when a friend recommended it. I didn't get into it as quickly. In fact, for the first couple of chapters I thought I was going to quit. It is a world with angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, and just about anything else you can imagine. The characters take some time before you like them much, but I was completely sucked into the story and read all three rather large books over the course of a couple of weeks. I was under the impression there were only 3 books, but apparently a fourth is in the works: City of Broken Glass. Again: can't wait!
Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer
I saw this one in all the English-language bookstores in Mumbai so I picked it up. It was heavily promoted because it was about a climber attempting to summit Mount Everest back before anyone had ever done it. It's based on the true story of George Mallory, using his family's stories and his own diaries. It was a great story, and very tragic. For some reason it stuck with me. Then, when I went to Darjeeling, I went to the Himalayan Climbing Museum and there were photos of him and some of his gear and things there. It was so random because I had just read the book. Anyway, I really thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Outcast by Sadie Jones
I reviewed it here. The story just broke my heart. It was a tad slow in parts, but a pretty easy read.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
So apparently I like very sad books. This one was written by the author of The Kite Runner, so I knew to expect something hard to read. And while I found The Kite Runner very sad, I sat and cried in multiple different places while reading A Thousand Splendid Suns. This book focuses on the lives of women in Afghanistan. It's a hard subject to broach, and one should be warned it isn't an easy story to read. But very well-written and emotive.
I reviewed it here. I had never read it before and was surprised at how quickly I got into it.
OK, so clearly I didn't get around to reviewing ALL the books I read last year. But I read a lot! I love to read, but I read a lot even for me this last year. Maybe 30 or so books? I'll try to keep track of them this year.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Fave Albums of 2009
I had a sudden inspiration during my 6000 mile drive over the last 8 weeks to write up some posts covering things I loved during this last year. I'm starting with my favorite albums of 2009. Well, what I loved during 2009, doesn't mean it was released in 2009... These are in no particular order, but they all got quite the playing time on iPod and iTunes.
Glee Volume I (and Volume II, and the unreleased tracks...)
I don't love EVERY song every sung on this show, but there are more that I love than those that I don't. "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Alone" probably have gotten the most play time, followed by "Taking Chances" and Lea Michele's rendition of "Defying Gravity." Can't WAIT to see what else we get this season, with guest stars such as Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff.
Swoon by Silversun Pickups
I can't stop listening to this album. I have Silversun Pickups' first album Carnavas but it never got much play time on my iTunes. However, I got Swoon this summer and still can't stop listening to it, six months later. "Panic Switch" is a good song, but it is really over-played. The rest of the album is certainly worth a listen. I had to listen through it a few times before I could truly appreciate it. Now I hear they will be touring with Muse. And they don't come to LA on the tour... Devastated.
Until the Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns
I saw Casting Crowns in concert last fall for the first time. Most people haven't heard of them, unless they listen to Christian music. Their live performance was inspirational. Then I got this album later in the fall and I still can't stop listening to it. Current favs: "At Your Feet" and "Blessed Redeemer."
The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack by Various Artists
This was a highly anticipated album, not just for me, but for the legions of Twilight fans and people who enjoyed the first installment. Chris Weitz didn't disappoint by choosing a bunch of indie bands, only a few well known, to be featured on the soundtrack for the film. My fave songs include "Possibility" by Lykke Li, "Hearing Damage" by Thom Yorke and "Slow Life" by Grizzly Bear.
The Resistance by Muse
It felt like ages since Black Holes & Revelations came out, and Muse is one of those bands where I constantly check to see when a new album will be released. So they finally released The Resistance this year and I was super excited. They never really disappoint me. I love their sound. They are becoming more mainstream in the US without changing the music they make. People are just slowly taking notice. About time.
Singles by Britney Spears
Yep, I put Britney on this list. Poor thing is a hot mess, but her Singles album has every one of my favorites from her previous albums, plus some I had never even heard before. They aren't all amazing, but Brit songs can always get me pumped up! They make me want to dance...
In Rainbows by Radiohead
This one came out in early 2008 but I didn't get it till it had been out for a while. And it is really good. My husband loves it, too, so it gets lots of play when we are both home. Radiohead continues to be odd and interesting and original. I can listen to this album over and over and not get bored with it.
Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
This one also came out in early 2008. And, again, I was late to the party. Sean bought this CD and I had heard a couple of songs on the radio. But it is quirky and catchy and all around fun. I just got their new album Contra, so when I have decided what I think, I'll have to post about it.
Glee Volume I (and Volume II, and the unreleased tracks...)
I don't love EVERY song every sung on this show, but there are more that I love than those that I don't. "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Alone" probably have gotten the most play time, followed by "Taking Chances" and Lea Michele's rendition of "Defying Gravity." Can't WAIT to see what else we get this season, with guest stars such as Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff.
Swoon by Silversun Pickups
I can't stop listening to this album. I have Silversun Pickups' first album Carnavas but it never got much play time on my iTunes. However, I got Swoon this summer and still can't stop listening to it, six months later. "Panic Switch" is a good song, but it is really over-played. The rest of the album is certainly worth a listen. I had to listen through it a few times before I could truly appreciate it. Now I hear they will be touring with Muse. And they don't come to LA on the tour... Devastated.
Until the Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns
I saw Casting Crowns in concert last fall for the first time. Most people haven't heard of them, unless they listen to Christian music. Their live performance was inspirational. Then I got this album later in the fall and I still can't stop listening to it. Current favs: "At Your Feet" and "Blessed Redeemer."
This was a highly anticipated album, not just for me, but for the legions of Twilight fans and people who enjoyed the first installment. Chris Weitz didn't disappoint by choosing a bunch of indie bands, only a few well known, to be featured on the soundtrack for the film. My fave songs include "Possibility" by Lykke Li, "Hearing Damage" by Thom Yorke and "Slow Life" by Grizzly Bear.
The Resistance by Muse
It felt like ages since Black Holes & Revelations came out, and Muse is one of those bands where I constantly check to see when a new album will be released. So they finally released The Resistance this year and I was super excited. They never really disappoint me. I love their sound. They are becoming more mainstream in the US without changing the music they make. People are just slowly taking notice. About time.
Singles by Britney Spears
Yep, I put Britney on this list. Poor thing is a hot mess, but her Singles album has every one of my favorites from her previous albums, plus some I had never even heard before. They aren't all amazing, but Brit songs can always get me pumped up! They make me want to dance...
In Rainbows by Radiohead
This one came out in early 2008 but I didn't get it till it had been out for a while. And it is really good. My husband loves it, too, so it gets lots of play when we are both home. Radiohead continues to be odd and interesting and original. I can listen to this album over and over and not get bored with it.
Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
This one also came out in early 2008. And, again, I was late to the party. Sean bought this CD and I had heard a couple of songs on the radio. But it is quirky and catchy and all around fun. I just got their new album Contra, so when I have decided what I think, I'll have to post about it.
Battlestar Galactica: The Plan
This movie recycles a lot of scenes from earlier on in the series. Certain actors didn't even film new footage for the film, but were still prominent in it (such as Katee Sackhoff as Starbuck), and then scenes were built around that footage. There was also a good deal of completely new story going on, such as interactions between a Cavil and Anders while he was running the resistance cell on Caprica. Or one of the Simons who has adapted to human life by marrying. I was also intrigued at the back-story we got with Sharon and her attempt to kill Adama, as well as the beginnings of Leoben's obsession with Thrace.
The straight-to-DVD release of The Plan allowed for some equal-opportunity nudity, but other than that, the film was quite similar to what you would get in any given episode. Not enough Apollo for my tastes, though. Also could have used a little more Tight. However, we did get the always amazing line from Gaius: "No more Mr. Nice Gaius!" again. And plenty of Anders, which was nice.
All in all, the movie was entertaining, but not a requirement to understand the story. It was more just an interesting filler than anything else. But enjoyable to watch. The few times I was lost, I had to ask Sean about what happened way back in Season 1 or 2. That's when I decided it might be time to crack the BSG DVDs again. Let you know how that goes.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Battlestar Rhapsody
Ok, so the singing is terrible. Totally does not matter because it is still hilarious. "Adama.... is in command..." Oh, how I miss this show.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Trailer for Inception
This has certainly piqued my interest, even though I still have no idea what it is really about! Christopher Nolan? Check. Leonardo DiCaprio? Check. Joseph Gordon-Levitt? Check. Mysterious and weird trailer? Check.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!!
Well, last year's Christmas post involved a photo of me with Ryan Gosling and the witnessing of my sister's new baby on Christmas eve. That WAS an exciting Christmas. Well, this year, I don't have that kind of thing to report, but I AM with family (my husband's) and enjoying the season.
I pray all my handful of readers are healthy and well and have a joyful holiday! Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
My thoughts on tonight's SYTYCD performance show
This one's for Emily...
First off, I don't like Cat's gold shorts getup, but I love her legs. I want them please. I am also disappointed that Ashley won't be performing tonight and am curious how her partner will get by without her. Choreographer substitutes?
Kathryn & Ryan - Disco by Doriana Sanchez
First off, is Ryan wearing a plastic shirt or does it just look like one? No, it is just sparkly and see-through... Now I should warn you that I am rarely a fan of Doriana's disco routines, but I had high hopes for Ryan in this dance, if his height doesn't make him an awkward partner. I don't know if their chemistry was off or their timing, but I just wasn't feeling it from them. But Adam & Mary loved it, so what do I know? I guess I agree with Nigel more on this one: something was off.
Cha-Cha by Jason Gilkison
I think Kathryn is lucky to be paired with Ryan for this one because Jason said it is really hard! Kathryn looked super sexy and the dance had a really fun, kinda raunchy feel to it. It really sucked me in. I just really enjoyed it! Judges thought it was hot, too!
Molly & Jacob - Viennese Waltz by Jason Gilkison
Last week Molly showed us that working with a more mature dancer matures her own dancing. I think Jacob is such a mature dancer so I was looking forward to seeing their stuff. Too bad they got a Viennese Waltz... But once they started dancing, I was captivated. From the beginning there was a lot of emotion in their performance, which really helps me to ignore the fact that usually I find the Viennese Waltz kinda boring. This wasn't boring. I thought Molly was great, but my heart belongs to Jacob. Vive le Jacob! The judges adored it, too.
Broadway by Joey Dowling
There is a cute scheming story behind this dance. I was excited from the video beforehand to see these two in this dance. Major plus from the very beginning for dancing to Annie! And of course Easy Street (this one includes Kristin Chenoweth singing) is perfect for their con-artist ways. Loved it once they did the wardrobe change and wer suddenly living it up on Easy Street. Fun dance. Jacob was amazing as usual (are you tired of me going on about him yet?).
Ellenore & Legacy - Contemporary by Travis Wall
This dance has a Mr. & Mrs. Smith story behind it. I am usually a fan of Travis's choreo so I was excited for this one. Did I miss the significance of the towel somewhere? It was well-danced and had some really great tricks (Legacy has skillz, yes, with a "z"), but it felt kind of cold to me. Maybe it was meant to? I think maybe it was just meant to feel cold. I don't think I have ever NOT liked a Travis routine. Sounds like the judges loved it!
Hip Hop by Tabitha & Napoleon
We were warned that it was strange. And it was strange. But I like strange! This isn't Legacy's kind of hip hop so I think they were both doing something out of their own style here. They added in a few tricks for Legacy to do. It was OK. It wasn't amazing, but it was fun. The judges didn't love it.
Russell - Hip Hop by Shane Sparks
Good to see Shane and have him back. It was a fun down-n-dirty hip hop routine and I wish we could have seen Ashleigh perform this one with Russell. But Russell performed the heck out of it nonetheless. It was pretty good, but missing something since I am not familiar with his partner (Rachel is Shane's assistant). The judges praised his hard work and technical skills.
Bollywood by Nakul Dev Mahajan
I'm not only disappointed for myself that we don't get to see Ashleigh perform this, but for Ashleigh herself. She deserves to have danced these dances! But Russell looked so so good and was lucky to be stuck with such an experienced partner. They looked great! I bet Russell never imagined himself dancing Bollywood!
Solos:
Ashleigh - She didn't get to dance it since she is hurt.
Jacob - Could not stop staring at the legs. His solos are always beautiful.
Molly - Her solos are cute but never blow me away. She just often feels REALLY young to me, I guess. This solo was good, but I don't have a whole lot more to say about it.
Legacy - I wasn't sure what was going on with the phone he was holding. His tricks are always great. But maybe I wasn't paying attention or something because it didn't impress me as much as it has in the past.
Ellenore - I love her solos. She is so quirky but so clearly talented. Tonight's was no different.
Russell - AKA santa Claus (but I don't think Santa has those moves). The solo wasn't amazing because his shoe fell off, which he worked into the routine, but he didn't do as many tricks as usual because of it. He's good on the spot, though!
Kathryn - Her solo was really good tonight. Evocative. I think she is a really talented dancer. Why isn't she more popular? Personality?
Ryan - Let's face it. Ballroom dancers are at a disadvantage in their solos. And they always look the same. The onely one that sticks out in my mind is Pasha's cape dance. So Ryan's was fine but not memorable.
Tapeworthy has all the videos up if you missed the show!
I really can NOT say who I think will go home or who SHOULD go home. Really tough call. Makes for a good show, though!
They guilted me into voting so I voted for Jakob a few times. ;)
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Quick thoughts on SYTYCD last night
Noelle & Russell - I was distracted by the props. The dancing was fine, but I was too busy staring at the racquets.
Ashley & Jakob - I think Jakob dances beautifully and this is a great pairing. But I am OK with the kissing NOT happening again. I wonder who hated the kissing more: Jakob or Ashley. lol Anyway, these two will make it far together.
Bianca & Victor - The song and concept were so high energy but the performance fell flat. Victor was much better than Bianca, in my opinion.
Molly & Nathan - Not as many of the traditional Bollywood moves as we have seen in teh past, but I thought they both looked great. Nathan IS pretty. And Molly just looks so young!
Channing & Phillip - I just didn't care about this one. And it sounds like the judges weren't loving it either.
Kevin & Karen - It was raunchtastic. I kind of like watching Kevin in his element.
Catherine & Legacy - I liked this dance. Legacy is growing on me. I wasn't crazy about him at first (for his odd personality at his audition).
Pauline & Peter - Peter really surprised me in this. I was thoroughly entertained. Wade's routines always have a similar feel to them, but I don't mind. I usually like his dances.
Ellenore & Ryan - I was distracted by her dress being caught on her heel half the time, but she managed it.I thought they did great, but the music was not quite my favorite for the choreography.
Victor looked kinda hot in his solo. Gotta say. And I was OK with who went home because I think the tappers were a little boring on the show. But I felt sad for Phillip about his dad. The end!
Ashley & Jakob - I think Jakob dances beautifully and this is a great pairing. But I am OK with the kissing NOT happening again. I wonder who hated the kissing more: Jakob or Ashley. lol Anyway, these two will make it far together.
Bianca & Victor - The song and concept were so high energy but the performance fell flat. Victor was much better than Bianca, in my opinion.
Molly & Nathan - Not as many of the traditional Bollywood moves as we have seen in teh past, but I thought they both looked great. Nathan IS pretty. And Molly just looks so young!
Channing & Phillip - I just didn't care about this one. And it sounds like the judges weren't loving it either.
Kevin & Karen - It was raunchtastic. I kind of like watching Kevin in his element.
Catherine & Legacy - I liked this dance. Legacy is growing on me. I wasn't crazy about him at first (for his odd personality at his audition).
Pauline & Peter - Peter really surprised me in this. I was thoroughly entertained. Wade's routines always have a similar feel to them, but I don't mind. I usually like his dances.
Ellenore & Ryan - I was distracted by her dress being caught on her heel half the time, but she managed it.I thought they did great, but the music was not quite my favorite for the choreography.
Victor looked kinda hot in his solo. Gotta say. And I was OK with who went home because I think the tappers were a little boring on the show. But I felt sad for Phillip about his dad. The end!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Guh-linda and Just Jack on stage.
I guess I tend to go on and on about Kristin Chenoweth, pretty much all the time. What can I say? But I saw this news today and was very excited! Kristin Chonoweth and Sean Hayes will star in the Broadway revival of Promises, Promises. Combine Cheno with Sean Hayes (aka Jack McFarland from Will & Grace). I haven't seen Hayes live (or Kristin for that matter), but this one sounds fun!
Sounds like it could be lots of laughs, kind of like Boeing Boeing.
The show features a book by Neil Simon, lyrics by Hal David, and music by Burt Bacharach. Based on the 1960 film, The Apartment, the musical centers on Chuck Baxter (Hayes), a bachelor who lends his apartment out to the executives at the company he works for, to use for their extramarital affairs. Things become slightly complicated when Fran Kubelik (Chenoweth), the object of Chuck's affection, becomes the mistress of one of his executives.
Sounds like it could be lots of laughs, kind of like Boeing Boeing.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Double yay! Joss Whedon to direct a Glee episode
Entertainment Weekly reports that Joss Whedon will direct an upcoming episode of Glee. Yippee!!
This has me so excited!
Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele's co-star in Spring Awakening is going to be appearing on Glee! He will be the head of the competition, Vocal Adrenaline, and be a potential love interest for Rachel, Lea's character! I heart Jonathan. The purity and innocence of his voice kills me.
Here is "Those You've Known" from Spring Awakening, featuring Jonathan, Lea, and John Gallagher, Jr. Groff is the one that opens the song. So pretty (and SO sad if you've seen the show...)
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Watchmen
So I finally watched Watchmen. Emily had suggested that I keep my expectations low if I wanted to enjoy it. I am glad I decided to take her advice. I was entertained but it was beyond ridiculous on so many levels. Of course, those are not my type of movies. Those campy comic-book-y film adaptations of graphic novels.The cast of this one was appealing to me. I loved Matthew Goode in Brideshead Revisited. But in Watchmen his accent was sketchy, sounding different in every scene. His voice is too soft and mild for an American accent. I prefer his British one. Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Magician will make you forget all about the sweet doomed Denny Duquette. He is a jerk and sleaze, and while he eventually learns an important "lesson" you don't find much sympathy for him. Patrick Wilson did the same thing to me in this one that he did in Little Children. He made me watch him having awkward sex. He doesn't hold back, does he?
And do we need to discuss the naked man? I guess not, but I will say this: My husband is an animator. We know what goes into animating even a short little shot. Someone sat and stared at the fake "privates" for MONTHS on end. And then do you tell people that you worked on the animated penis? Or do you just pretend you didn't? Do you put it on your demo reel when trying to get new work? We had a long convo about it. :)
All in all, I wasn't bored watching Watchmen. But I wouldn't watch it again and I probably wouldnt' recommend it to anyone...
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Book: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
Today, I finally finished Dragonfly in Amber, the second book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon (my thoughts on Outlander here). It took me ages because I checked it out from the library and then ran out of time, and had to turn it back in. Then I had to put another hold on it and wait another week for it to come back to me. Compared to Outlander, this one was a little slow going, especially the political parts in the first half. But once it got going I was really into it.
We left off at the end of Outlander (SPOILER ALERT) with Jamie & Claire headed to France. So I was surprised when Dragonfly in Amber started with Claire 20 years older, back in her original time (20th century) with a red-headed daughter. Well, that was tragic, but we got several hundred pages of flashback of what happened between their arrival in France in the 1740s and how she ended up heading back to the future.
I know it sounds confusing but it was actually quite interesting. And knowing she had left the 18th century but not knowing why, the reader is compelled through some of the slower parts of the story to get to the part where we find out! And as I finished the book, I wanted to pick up the next one.
Now I am starting The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. After that I am reading the first book in The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. Once I finish both of those, I will be digging into Voyager, the third book in Gabaldon's series.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Kelly Clarkson covers Alanis Morrissette and Kings of Leon
I saw this video the other day but forgot I wanted to post it. I adore everything about Kelly Clarkson. Saw her in concert during her Breakaway tour. So good live. Here she covers Alanis Morrissette's 'That I Would Be Good' mashed up with Kings of Leon's 'Use Somebody'. I am a big KoL fan but that is one of my all-time fave Alanis songs. Ever. So good. So cheers to Kelly for doing this (and killing it. in a good way).
Poster: Lost - The Final Season
This poster makes me both sad and excited all at once. Man, I love this show. Only about 3 1/2 months left! If you look closely, all of the original losties are there, including the ones who have died... I can't wait for January. Or is it February?
Source
Source
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Silversun Pickups - Swoon
Of late I am obsessed with Silversun Pickups' latest album Swoon. I heard "Panic Switch" on the radio and enjoyed it. So I thought I would give the album a listen. I have their previous album Carnavas, but I find that Swoon was easier for me to get into. Mainly, I really like to turn it up in the car when I am driving.
My favorite song (right now) on the album is 'The Royal We'
I'd love to see them live. From hearing them performing live on video, I can tell they would be great in person. Here is a video of them during their MTV Unplugged performances. This song is 'Lazy Eye' from Carnavas.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Glee: Something to sing about
[OK, with my title I am automatically reminiscing to "Once More, With Feeling" the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical, in which Buffy performs a number near the end called "Give Me Something to Sing About." It is actually quite sad. So now that I am done with that digression...]
Last night I watched Glee. My husband had nothing to do so he watched it with me for the first time. He makes fun of me for liking this show all the time. But while he didn't admit it, I know he liked it as I caught him laughing many times.
Anywho, the big deal about last night's show was that it had Tony-winning and, more recently, Emmy-winning actress/singer/all-around-amazing-gal Kristin Chenoweth guest starring as a washed up has been who shoulda made it big. Instead she was a flop and Will brings her back to help their glee club (now that Rachel has left to be in Cabaret).
Poor Rachel was used and abused by Finn, who had ulterior motives. It was kind of sad. You know he likes her but he obviously knew what he was doing. But what do you do when you have a knocked-up girlfriend?
The episode was great, very entertaining. If I could just keep a running tab of the great one-liners in this show... But I digress (again!). The focus of the show for me is the music. And how can I not post the duet between April (Cheno's character) and Will Shuester? This isn't the video. It is just audio but includes the whole song (it was cut short on the episode) which has Will singing a verse.
You can also listen to the full version of the foot-stomping "Somebody to Love."
Last night I watched Glee. My husband had nothing to do so he watched it with me for the first time. He makes fun of me for liking this show all the time. But while he didn't admit it, I know he liked it as I caught him laughing many times.
Anywho, the big deal about last night's show was that it had Tony-winning and, more recently, Emmy-winning actress/singer/all-around-amazing-gal Kristin Chenoweth guest starring as a washed up has been who shoulda made it big. Instead she was a flop and Will brings her back to help their glee club (now that Rachel has left to be in Cabaret).
Poor Rachel was used and abused by Finn, who had ulterior motives. It was kind of sad. You know he likes her but he obviously knew what he was doing. But what do you do when you have a knocked-up girlfriend?
The episode was great, very entertaining. If I could just keep a running tab of the great one-liners in this show... But I digress (again!). The focus of the show for me is the music. And how can I not post the duet between April (Cheno's character) and Will Shuester? This isn't the video. It is just audio but includes the whole song (it was cut short on the episode) which has Will singing a verse.
You can also listen to the full version of the foot-stomping "Somebody to Love."
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