For those on the edge of your seat…

So its been forever since I’ve blogged or needlessly expressed my opinion online, so for all of you that have been on the edge of your seat waiting for this very post… here it goes.

Life has been good lately. I’ve just completed recording an EP for Mimo and Daniel, aka Something in the Wheel. We had a CD release show the other night and it was great. I’ve been experiencing some new things, which have been awesome, as well as getting back into some old stuff which has been equally as enjoyable.

MUSIC

Ok as far as music goes, I’ve so been into the across the universe soundtrack. Its freaking amazing. If you like the Beatles you will love this soundtrack, if you don’t like the Beatles, you have no taste. I’m joking cause well I don’t think I know anyone who isn’t into the Beatles at least a little. Anyways back to the soundtrack, its like hearing some of these songs for the first time all over again, and yet they don’t take away from anything the Beatles originally did with these great songs. I recommend the extended version it has some of the key tracks missed out by the standard version.

I also recommend the EP, Sometimes Things Go Sour, by Something in the Wheel. It’s really fantastic. I don’t just say this because I had a hand in the project, but because it’s genuinely a great set of songs, if anything isn’t the highest standard on this EP its probably the things I had control over. As a songwriter I understand that when people listen to songs about such things as relationships, they don’t want to hear about mediocre situations, or the girl you kind of like, so sometimes songs get fluffed up a bit. Maybe the songwriter really is in love or they’re just using more intense language to sell a point. When this happens it’s sometimes very easy to see through. Sometimes you can’t really believe the lyrics. The thing that hit me about this EP more than anything is how real the lyrics are. These words have not been fluffed up for anyone, they are raw and true. If you get a chance to listen to this EP do it immediately. If you want you can contact me for info on how to get this marvelous EP that I can’t praise enough.

MOVIES

So I’ve watched quite a few movies lately and I must say there are a couple that stand out. Firstly there’s Juno, which besides all the hype is really a great film. (I say besides all the hype because I usually have trouble liking films that have been extremely hyped) I loved the story, the music, the humor. It’s just a well-rounded film.

Another great film that is kind of out of the box is Persepolis. While the audience for this may not be as wide an audience as those that will enjoy Juno, it was just as enjoyable and refreshing for me to see. Its in French, subtitled in English and is animated. As if those two characteristics wouldn’t make it stand out alone, the subject matter is equally as outstanding. Persepolis is a true story of a childhood coinciding with regime change and war in Iran. It hits a wide range of emotions with out trying to do too much. Its funny and informative, bringing to light things I may have never considered. Its fantastic, if you love art, expression and good story telling, watch this film. I’m not sure how long this movie will run in theaters but you can check it out at the Landmark theaters in Dallas.

Speaking of the Landmark Theaters, at the Magnolia they are showing the 2007 Academy Award nominees for Live Action and Animated Shorts. I’m not sure how long they will have these showings at the Magnolia, but they will also have showings at the Ft Worth Museum of Modern Art from Feb. 29^th – March 1^st. Each set of shorts only require one admission and have five nominees each.

Oh yeah to tie in the music section with the movie section, check out Across the Universe, out on DVD now. It’s a great film, with awesome music, and trippy visuals. If you haven’t heard about Across the Universe, it’s a musical comprised entirely of Beatles songs. Although the story may run thin at times, the other aspects of the film more than make up for it.

If you haven’t seen a good movie lately check out the ones I’ve mentioned above or some of my favorites: Garden State, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Ten Things I Hate About You, Faris Bullers Day Off, How to Loose a Guy in Ten Days, oh and if you’re in the mood for a slightly disturbing documentary check out Jesus Camp.

Well there are my pointless ramblings of things that I like. Hopefully you’ll like them too!