I was in the bookstore (Barnes and Nobles) today and it slowly dawned upon me that the background music they were playing was really quite cool. I inquired as to the name of the band and found out that they are called The Silversun Pickups. This sounded familiar to me, but I was positive I had never heard these guys before.
After listening to another two songs in the store, I made up my mind that I had to have this album (which is great, because I'd been looking for some new music.)When I arrived home I immediately went to the i-tunes store and downloaded their most recent album. Wow!! Talk about good stuff! I've listened to it three times so far, and it keeps getting better.
The sound reminds me of early nineties shoe-gazing bands like My Bloody Valentine Swervedriver, with some Gish-era Smashing Pumpkins thrown in their. Its very ethereal and haunting, yet driving as well. There's a great percussive force at work in most of the songs (the bass often drives the tunes, with the drums really crashing and manic), but there's also a soft feel that runs deep through all the tracks. Layers of guitars compliment the compelling vocals. I'm really struck by this band. Its great music by very original and refreshing songwriters.
I guess it brings up a feeling that I haven't felt in awhile when listening to music. I become nostalgic of my early twenties when this type of music was more in vogue and things at least SEEMED more innocent.
Please give these guys a listen if you like that type of thing, and let me know what YOU are listening to. =)
About Me
- Sebastian
- photographer, artist, writer, reviewer, student, musician, thinker, reader
Monday, June 1, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Re-boots
“Star Trek” and “Terminator: Salvation” have proven that older franchises are still viable in today’s market and it looks like we have more new versions of classic sci-fi in store. “Predator” and “Alien” both are having re-boots made. I have read that Robert Rodriguez will be helming the “Predator” project and feel like he’s the right kind of talent to have on board. With Tony Scott rumored as producer of the “Alien” project, and another no-name director attached, I grow worried for its success.
I think it’s a good move to give these projects fresh starts as long as the filmmakers don’t start messing with the iconic characters like Ripley and Dutch from the original movies. We need some really fresh new ideas for these franchises.
I personally think they should take a page from the nineties’ Dark Horse comics spin-off series. There were some really cool and original ideas in those books that I think would translate well onto the big screen. Check those graphic novels out if you can find them. They are well worth reading.
In today’s cinema you have to have something new and exciting to bring to the table, and I think both of these projects still have a lot of potential for success. The problem comes in trying to balance the elements involved in re-creating what these films did so well. You need to stay true to the source material, but rev up the action and effects ( Both “Terminator: Salvation” and “Star Trek” accomplished this). You want to retain the original tone but add something spicy in the way of plot or theme.
I’m hoping both movies end up getting made. But for Pete’s sake, let’s really sit down and think it through first.
I think it’s a good move to give these projects fresh starts as long as the filmmakers don’t start messing with the iconic characters like Ripley and Dutch from the original movies. We need some really fresh new ideas for these franchises.
I personally think they should take a page from the nineties’ Dark Horse comics spin-off series. There were some really cool and original ideas in those books that I think would translate well onto the big screen. Check those graphic novels out if you can find them. They are well worth reading.
In today’s cinema you have to have something new and exciting to bring to the table, and I think both of these projects still have a lot of potential for success. The problem comes in trying to balance the elements involved in re-creating what these films did so well. You need to stay true to the source material, but rev up the action and effects ( Both “Terminator: Salvation” and “Star Trek” accomplished this). You want to retain the original tone but add something spicy in the way of plot or theme.
I’m hoping both movies end up getting made. But for Pete’s sake, let’s really sit down and think it through first.
Jennifer-Soccer Game - Dynamic Pose
Some shots I took recently of my friend Jennifer kicking butt at a socker game. That's her on the left. I like action shots like these.
It was unfortunate that their coach didn't allow them to play with a full team.
It was unfortunate that their coach didn't allow them to play with a full team.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Drag Me To Hell Review
So. Sam Raimi is back, and better than ever with his newest film, “Drag Me To Hell”. I love that title by the way. After the mess that was “Spiderman 3” it seems Sam has decided to revisit his horror roots with this inspired, campy, and deliciously diabolical flick.
This is Raimi the way he’s meant to be experienced : bold, in-your-face style, with strong characters and tongue in cheek camp. Oh, the camp! This one is a howler of a film. No one can do the horror genre quite the way Sam can. He gives us memorable characters and outlandish situations sure to stick with even the most jaded movie watcher. I had just about concluded that Sam wasn’t going to come back to the genre, but not only does he come back to it, he gives us (arguably) one of the best horror movies of the last few decades.
Powering Sam and brother Ivan’s terrific script is a powerhouse performance by the always impressive Allison Lohman. I remember being particularly impressed with her performance in Ridley Scott’s “Matchstick Men”. Her tough yet tender heroine carries the movie in places. She’s very ably supported by the very likable and talented Justin Long.
The story concerns Lohman being struck with a curse by a deranged elderly gypsy and subsequently enduring a barrage of demonic torture for the course of three days before being consumed by a particularly nasty demon who will “drag her to hell”. That’s really all you need to know about the plot. Get on the rollercoaster and enjoy the ride.
Raimi doesn’t so much depend on gore here (it is rated PG-13 afterall) rather than he does on that gross-out ick factor. There is a good deal of nastiness that assails the viewer, but Sam knows how to walk the fine line required in horror and not totally offend his audience. He balances his scares with some really fine humor, and attitude to spare. He has focused on his story and kept the structure tight and the scope fairly small. This is the definite way to handle this type of material. It allows him to concentrate more on each scare sequence and gag.
Being a veteran of this genre, Sam knows how to pace his movie, and no scene ever feels to long. He can manipulate the scares here so well. He knows his stuff.
If you are a Raimi fan don’t dare miss it, and if you like a scary movie that harkens back to days gone by in a hip manner, then you’re in for a treat. This is a prototype for horror movies that will appeal to the masses and horror fans alike. I wouldn’t be surprised if it became a sleeper hit, or a cult classic at the least.
Five of five stars
So. Sam Raimi is back, and better than ever with his newest film, “Drag Me To Hell”. I love that title by the way. After the mess that was “Spiderman 3” it seems Sam has decided to revisit his horror roots with this inspired, campy, and deliciously diabolical flick.
This is Raimi the way he’s meant to be experienced : bold, in-your-face style, with strong characters and tongue in cheek camp. Oh, the camp! This one is a howler of a film. No one can do the horror genre quite the way Sam can. He gives us memorable characters and outlandish situations sure to stick with even the most jaded movie watcher. I had just about concluded that Sam wasn’t going to come back to the genre, but not only does he come back to it, he gives us (arguably) one of the best horror movies of the last few decades.
Powering Sam and brother Ivan’s terrific script is a powerhouse performance by the always impressive Allison Lohman. I remember being particularly impressed with her performance in Ridley Scott’s “Matchstick Men”. Her tough yet tender heroine carries the movie in places. She’s very ably supported by the very likable and talented Justin Long.
The story concerns Lohman being struck with a curse by a deranged elderly gypsy and subsequently enduring a barrage of demonic torture for the course of three days before being consumed by a particularly nasty demon who will “drag her to hell”. That’s really all you need to know about the plot. Get on the rollercoaster and enjoy the ride.
Raimi doesn’t so much depend on gore here (it is rated PG-13 afterall) rather than he does on that gross-out ick factor. There is a good deal of nastiness that assails the viewer, but Sam knows how to walk the fine line required in horror and not totally offend his audience. He balances his scares with some really fine humor, and attitude to spare. He has focused on his story and kept the structure tight and the scope fairly small. This is the definite way to handle this type of material. It allows him to concentrate more on each scare sequence and gag.
Being a veteran of this genre, Sam knows how to pace his movie, and no scene ever feels to long. He can manipulate the scares here so well. He knows his stuff.
If you are a Raimi fan don’t dare miss it, and if you like a scary movie that harkens back to days gone by in a hip manner, then you’re in for a treat. This is a prototype for horror movies that will appeal to the masses and horror fans alike. I wouldn’t be surprised if it became a sleeper hit, or a cult classic at the least.
Five of five stars
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Survey... Happy New Year!!
Here are some random questions posted by a fellow blogger Argon One. Take from these what you will. And feel free to post them on your own blog with your answers.
01. Start your own blog -- Yes
02. Sleep under the stars -- Yes
03. Play in a band -- Yes (teenage years)
04. Visit Hawaii -- No (want to very badly)
05. Watch a meteor shower -- Yes indeed!
06. Give more than you can afford to charity -- Yes
07. Go to Disneyworld -- Yes
08. Climb a mountain -- No
09. Hold a praying mantis -- Yes (well really really close)
10. Sing a solo -- No
11. Bungee jump -- No
12. Visit Paris -- No
13. Watch a lightning storm at sea -- No , but this sounds awesome!!
14. Teach yourself an art technique -- Yes! Quite a few actually.
15. Adopt a child -- No, but I think its a great thing and I have thought of doing it.
16. Eat sushi -- Yes
17. Walk to the top of the Statue of Liberty -- No
18. Grow your own vegetables -- Yes
19. See the Mona Lisa in France -- No
20. Sleep on an overnight train -- Yes
21. Have a pillow fight -- Yes
22. Hitch hike -- Yes (out of necessity a long time ago.)
23. Look at the rings of Saturn through a telescope -- No, but the rings of Saturn fascinate me! Where can I get a telescope!
24. Build a snow fort -- hmmm kind of. There wasn't quite enough snow though.
25. Hold a lamb -- Nope.
26. Climb to the top of a lighthouse -- No, but this is on my list.
27. Run a Marathon -- No
28. Ride in a gondola in Venice -- No. Ah, Venice! Would love to visit!
29. See a total eclipse -- Yes.
30. Watch a sunrise or sunset -- umm Yup
31. Hit a home run -- Yeah...in my dreams
32. Go on a cruise -- No
33. See Niagara Falls in person -- No
34. Visit the birthplace of your ancestors -- No. It depends. Does Ponotoc count? jk
35. Visit an Amish community -- No
36. Teach yourself a new language -- Have attempted to. French and Latin. Had Latin in school, makes language learning easier.
37. Have enough money to be truly satisfied -- No
38. See the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person -- No
39. Go rock climbing -- Yes
40. See Michelangelo's David -- No
41. Sing karaoke in public -- Yes. Not solo though.
42. See Old Faithful geyser erupt in person -- No
43. Buy a stranger a meal at a restaurant -- Yes
44. Visit Africa -- No
45. Walk on a beach by moonlight -- Yes, that is always enjoyable.
46. Ride in a helicopter -- Yes
47. Have your portrait painted -- Yes. As a child in New Orleans. It was very memorable. The portrait didn't capture me though.
48. Go deep sea fishing -- No
49. See the Sistine Chapel in person -- No
50. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris -- No
51. Go scuba diving or snorkeling -- No. Would love to try it though.
52. Kiss in the rain -- Yes
53. Play in the mud -- Yes
54. Watch a movie at a drive-in theater -- No
55. Be in a movie -- No but this is way up on my list.
56. Visit the Great Wall of China -- No
57. Start a business -- Yes, but its made like 70 dollars.
58. Take a martial arts class -- Yes
59. Visit Russia -- No
60. Serve meals at a soup kitchen -- No
61. Sell Girl Scout cookies -- No, but I've bought them.
62. Go whale watching -- I'm jealous
63. Get or send flowers for no reason -- Yes
64. Donate blood, platelets or plasma -- No
65. Go sky diving -- No
66. Visit a Nazi Concentration Camp -- No
67. Adopt a pet from a rescue shelter -- Yes
68. Pilot an airplane -- No but this one is way up there too.
69. Save a favorite childhood toy -- Yes
70. Visit the Lincoln Memorial -- No
71. Eat Caviar -- No
72. Make a quilt -- Yes in a way
73. Stand in Times Square -- No
74. Tour the Everglades -- No...again jealous
75. Visit the Viet Nam Memorial -- No
76. See the Changing of the Guard in London -- No
77. Drive a race car -- That depends. My old black sable might have qulified. jk
78. Ride on a speeding motorcycle -- No
79. See the Grand Canyon in person -- No
80. Publish a book -- No but I have had my words in print numerous times.
81. Visit the Vatican -- No
82. Buy a brand new car -- No
83. Walk in Jerusalem -- No
84. Have your picture in the newspaper -- Yes
85. Read the entire Bible -- No
86. Visit the White House -- No
87. Kill and prepare an animal for eating -- Yes
88. Hike the Appalachian Trail -- No
89. Save someone's life -- Too vague a question. Doesn't everyone's existence end up saving someone else's life?
90. Sit on a jury -- No
91. Meet someone famous -- Yes. Many.
92. Join a book club -- No
93. Own an iPod -- Yes
94. Have a Facebook page -- Yes
95. See the Alamo in person -- No
96. Swim in the Great Salt Lake -- No
97. Cross country snow ski -- No
98. Hold a snake -- Yes
99. See DaVinci’s Starry Night in person -- No
100. Read an entire book in one day -- Yes
01. Start your own blog -- Yes
02. Sleep under the stars -- Yes
03. Play in a band -- Yes (teenage years)
04. Visit Hawaii -- No (want to very badly)
05. Watch a meteor shower -- Yes indeed!
06. Give more than you can afford to charity -- Yes
07. Go to Disneyworld -- Yes
08. Climb a mountain -- No
09. Hold a praying mantis -- Yes (well really really close)
10. Sing a solo -- No
11. Bungee jump -- No
12. Visit Paris -- No
13. Watch a lightning storm at sea -- No , but this sounds awesome!!
14. Teach yourself an art technique -- Yes! Quite a few actually.
15. Adopt a child -- No, but I think its a great thing and I have thought of doing it.
16. Eat sushi -- Yes
17. Walk to the top of the Statue of Liberty -- No
18. Grow your own vegetables -- Yes
19. See the Mona Lisa in France -- No
20. Sleep on an overnight train -- Yes
21. Have a pillow fight -- Yes
22. Hitch hike -- Yes (out of necessity a long time ago.)
23. Look at the rings of Saturn through a telescope -- No, but the rings of Saturn fascinate me! Where can I get a telescope!
24. Build a snow fort -- hmmm kind of. There wasn't quite enough snow though.
25. Hold a lamb -- Nope.
26. Climb to the top of a lighthouse -- No, but this is on my list.
27. Run a Marathon -- No
28. Ride in a gondola in Venice -- No. Ah, Venice! Would love to visit!
29. See a total eclipse -- Yes.
30. Watch a sunrise or sunset -- umm Yup
31. Hit a home run -- Yeah...in my dreams
32. Go on a cruise -- No
33. See Niagara Falls in person -- No
34. Visit the birthplace of your ancestors -- No. It depends. Does Ponotoc count? jk
35. Visit an Amish community -- No
36. Teach yourself a new language -- Have attempted to. French and Latin. Had Latin in school, makes language learning easier.
37. Have enough money to be truly satisfied -- No
38. See the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person -- No
39. Go rock climbing -- Yes
40. See Michelangelo's David -- No
41. Sing karaoke in public -- Yes. Not solo though.
42. See Old Faithful geyser erupt in person -- No
43. Buy a stranger a meal at a restaurant -- Yes
44. Visit Africa -- No
45. Walk on a beach by moonlight -- Yes, that is always enjoyable.
46. Ride in a helicopter -- Yes
47. Have your portrait painted -- Yes. As a child in New Orleans. It was very memorable. The portrait didn't capture me though.
48. Go deep sea fishing -- No
49. See the Sistine Chapel in person -- No
50. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris -- No
51. Go scuba diving or snorkeling -- No. Would love to try it though.
52. Kiss in the rain -- Yes
53. Play in the mud -- Yes
54. Watch a movie at a drive-in theater -- No
55. Be in a movie -- No but this is way up on my list.
56. Visit the Great Wall of China -- No
57. Start a business -- Yes, but its made like 70 dollars.
58. Take a martial arts class -- Yes
59. Visit Russia -- No
60. Serve meals at a soup kitchen -- No
61. Sell Girl Scout cookies -- No, but I've bought them.
62. Go whale watching -- I'm jealous
63. Get or send flowers for no reason -- Yes
64. Donate blood, platelets or plasma -- No
65. Go sky diving -- No
66. Visit a Nazi Concentration Camp -- No
67. Adopt a pet from a rescue shelter -- Yes
68. Pilot an airplane -- No but this one is way up there too.
69. Save a favorite childhood toy -- Yes
70. Visit the Lincoln Memorial -- No
71. Eat Caviar -- No
72. Make a quilt -- Yes in a way
73. Stand in Times Square -- No
74. Tour the Everglades -- No...again jealous
75. Visit the Viet Nam Memorial -- No
76. See the Changing of the Guard in London -- No
77. Drive a race car -- That depends. My old black sable might have qulified. jk
78. Ride on a speeding motorcycle -- No
79. See the Grand Canyon in person -- No
80. Publish a book -- No but I have had my words in print numerous times.
81. Visit the Vatican -- No
82. Buy a brand new car -- No
83. Walk in Jerusalem -- No
84. Have your picture in the newspaper -- Yes
85. Read the entire Bible -- No
86. Visit the White House -- No
87. Kill and prepare an animal for eating -- Yes
88. Hike the Appalachian Trail -- No
89. Save someone's life -- Too vague a question. Doesn't everyone's existence end up saving someone else's life?
90. Sit on a jury -- No
91. Meet someone famous -- Yes. Many.
92. Join a book club -- No
93. Own an iPod -- Yes
94. Have a Facebook page -- Yes
95. See the Alamo in person -- No
96. Swim in the Great Salt Lake -- No
97. Cross country snow ski -- No
98. Hold a snake -- Yes
99. See DaVinci’s Starry Night in person -- No
100. Read an entire book in one day -- Yes
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Derailing
December 7th 2008
Here in Tutwiler, Ms things happen substantially slower than in other more progressive communities. Only today I learned of a train derailing less than two miles from my home. The incident occurred Friday I am told! In the center of Tutwiler. The only evidence that authorities have investigated the scene is a single police tape stretching between two telephone poles. Also I suspect that the train cars have been moved out of the road. Still, seeing as how there were many curious onlookers stopping by,I thought I should make sure that the company listed on the side of the tanker knew about this incident. I felt sure they did, but you can never be too safe. I called the 800 # for emergencies and reported the incident,inquiring as to whether or not there were hazardous materials being transported(One of the tankers is in the bayou here (which no one can remember the name of). I just received a callback that the company does indeed know about the accident, and that there are no hazmats running in this area. Nice to know that they are on the ball. Still I wonder why it took so long for this news to reach us. I am not able to find any local news coverage on the net.
So here are a few photos with footnotes:
Where the tankers derailed and plunged toward our bayou.
The other side of the track where (as you can see) some of the railing has been snapped into and the crossties unearthed. It would appear that the train encountered something in its path that it drug for a ways until it came to a stop.
Here in Tutwiler, Ms things happen substantially slower than in other more progressive communities. Only today I learned of a train derailing less than two miles from my home. The incident occurred Friday I am told! In the center of Tutwiler. The only evidence that authorities have investigated the scene is a single police tape stretching between two telephone poles. Also I suspect that the train cars have been moved out of the road. Still, seeing as how there were many curious onlookers stopping by,I thought I should make sure that the company listed on the side of the tanker knew about this incident. I felt sure they did, but you can never be too safe. I called the 800 # for emergencies and reported the incident,inquiring as to whether or not there were hazardous materials being transported(One of the tankers is in the bayou here (which no one can remember the name of). I just received a callback that the company does indeed know about the accident, and that there are no hazmats running in this area. Nice to know that they are on the ball. Still I wonder why it took so long for this news to reach us. I am not able to find any local news coverage on the net.
So here are a few photos with footnotes:
Where the tankers derailed and plunged toward our bayou.
The other side of the track where (as you can see) some of the railing has been snapped into and the crossties unearthed. It would appear that the train encountered something in its path that it drug for a ways until it came to a stop.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Post Thanksgiving Fun
So Thanksgiving this year has really been fun! On Thanksgiving day I kind of just relaxed and contemplated all the people and things I was thankful for. There are a lot!
Then on Friday Chihuahua Mama and I went to see close friends near Memphis. What a great time we all had. I really can't imagine having a better time. We all ate together (two meals!) then we went on a really awesome digital camera outing. It was a very overcast day, but there were so many great scenes to photograph. I've been editing photos from that excursion since we got back home. I'm posting a few of my favorites.
After the "digital field trip" we all went to the bookstore and Superfamily, as I like to call them, adopted a new puppy!! Such a cute dog, she seems well behaved, even though she did pee on the carpet right when she arrived at her new home (nervous I think). I even had the opportunity to play music with my friend J. We did not want to come back home! Hopefully, this is the first of many group outings to come!
A composite I made of my friends.
Some digital artwork. Basically I opened up a few different images and did some resizing and cropping and added some tweaks here and there, then merged them down.
Isn't this a pretty portrait!?
What a beautiful couple of folks, huh?
An artistic portrait, intentionally cropped.
Then on Friday Chihuahua Mama and I went to see close friends near Memphis. What a great time we all had. I really can't imagine having a better time. We all ate together (two meals!) then we went on a really awesome digital camera outing. It was a very overcast day, but there were so many great scenes to photograph. I've been editing photos from that excursion since we got back home. I'm posting a few of my favorites.
After the "digital field trip" we all went to the bookstore and Superfamily, as I like to call them, adopted a new puppy!! Such a cute dog, she seems well behaved, even though she did pee on the carpet right when she arrived at her new home (nervous I think). I even had the opportunity to play music with my friend J. We did not want to come back home! Hopefully, this is the first of many group outings to come!
A composite I made of my friends.
Some digital artwork. Basically I opened up a few different images and did some resizing and cropping and added some tweaks here and there, then merged them down.
Isn't this a pretty portrait!?
What a beautiful couple of folks, huh?
An artistic portrait, intentionally cropped.
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