Review: Dig! (documentary)

I'd heard a lot about this documentary over the past year. I've actually heard more about this doc that the bands it covered.
Synopsis: Dig! follows the paths of 2 bands: The Brian Jonestown Massacre & the Dandy Warhols. Touted as "rival bands" they're actually friends who play and crash with each other as they develop their careers. The rivalry aspect can be seen from the differing approaches each band has to "making it big." The Dandys write pure indie pop (with proper hooks) and play by the record industry rules. BJM are more eclectic in their approach to music and stardom.
Overall, the documentary provides an interesting portrait of rock-stardom and how each band dealt with the options before them. Really, what you're looking at are the egos of 2 very determined band leaders.

My biggest issue with the both bands is that I never really liked either of them. I remember their emergence, and wasn't impressed. The Dandy's released a single in which the chorus was a whiny repetition of the phrase "heroine is so passe." And didn't know anyone who cared about BJM (other than the occasional rock critic) let alone liked them.

But these factors may help when it comes to the arc of the documentary. Where it say Pearl Jam or Nirvana (BIG bands at the time) this story could not have been told.

Single Sentence Book Review of the Day

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory - Katherine of Aragon is my new hero.

Album Review: In the Reigns by Iron & Wine with Calexico

Just as good as everyone swears it is.

Retorical Question of the Day

Why does every new band suddenly sound like the Talking Heads. I know it's not just me, others have commented as well. Are they suddenly back in the public conscience?
I suppose it's better than every band trying to sound like Whitesnake.

Single Sentence Book Review of the Day

The Dublin Saga: The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherford - After reading it, I feel like I've taken Irish History 101: the entire course in one week. I enjoyed it.

Album Review: In Case We Die by Architecture in Helsinki

To be honest, I first became interested in this band solely for the name. I'm mildly obsessed with all things Nordic. Then they started appearing everywhere.
This album is the epitome of indie. Remember Tom Tom Club the band formed by the rest of the Talking Heads? There's a lot of them in there. In fact, I had to double-check that AiH's "Do the Whirlwind" wasn't in fact "Pleasure of Love" by TTC.
This album also has a lot of more obscure indie influences, including Unrest (God, I loved them).

Album Review: The Crane Wife by the Decemberists

So this one kind of confused me at first. I was always under the impression, from songs on compilations, that The Decemberists was a pop band. Songs like "16 Military Wives" and "Shiny" sounded pop-y to me. So if you're clued into to their sound you can imagine my surprise. Not that they're not pop, there's just so much more going on here. Really, it's pretty amazing in that Talking Heads slightly prog-rock kind of way. Each song is a story unto itself and compelling.
So yeah, I really liked this one.

Eddie Izzard on the Daily Show

It's shameless promotion of someone I don't even know. I wish I did - could imagine what it would be like to have a cup of coffee with this guy? I mean a cup of coffee. (<-- it's not worth explaining, but trust me it's funny).
Anyway, he appeared on last night's Daily Show.

So this is a keeper:

If you're not familiar with Mr. Izzard, rent Dress to Kill immediately. The world will be a new place.

Album Review: I Am A Bird Now by Antony & the Johnsons

Not nearly as Tiny Tim as I would have suspected. The melodies are haunting (in a good way) and I never thought I'd be so moved by a song titled "Fistful of Love"

Album Review: His'N'Hers by Pulp

Pulp can be summed up in one line from the song "Have You Seen Her":

"he's not even your lover, he's just a peice of luggage you should through away"

Nobody's better at man bashing than Jarvis Cocker. Though this album isn't as fun as Different Class, it's dark and you can just feel it seething under the surface - like centuries of pent-up British frustration. And sometimes, that hits the spot perfectly.