The worst part of leaving Los Angeles might have to be the amount of unique cinemas to choose from a whole slew of every new film currently out, before every other city even, as well as a great diverse choice of classics from double headers to q&a's with the filmmakers. I will forever miss that about LA.
I've gotten to the point, now in my 27 years as a student of film, where I can consciously choose the films I attend based on a group of 6-8 true auteurs in the current game of filmmaking. The talented individuals who conceptualize a very purposefully designed film prior to production and the final product is a true work of art in every sense, and hopefully they entertain along the way. Mixed in with various new potential players in the field as well as some small character study films, I feel confident every movie going experience will be a positive one, pending the annoying patrons who don't understand the courtesy of not distracting those around them.
Top 3 Films of the year:
(The films I have taking up my top 3 spots are such engaging cinema in each of their own distinct ways it seems trivial to place them in some sort of order based on how well I liked them, which is tricky to gauge).
Black Swan
After rewatching Darren Aronofsky's THE FOUNTAIN last night, I realize that based on my personal taste, this filmmaker is perhaps the greatest man directing films today. His entire career is solid and each film exists as the components of an overall larger filmography showcasing the director's talents and progression.
With BLACK SWAN, he has created easily the most disturbing and frightening film of the year. I was truly scared at times and twice in the film I checked my pulse to feel it beating quickly while simultaneously out of breath. Never felt the emotional connection I prefer to have at the end of a film, but this film pulled the best acting of both Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis' careers. I love that you can see him combining themes and tones from both REQUIEM FOR A DREAM and THE WRESTLER. Aronofsky's films are topping my best of lists the last three films he made (after just finding my best of list from 2006, I see THE FOUNTAIN, another film of his was number 1). 2nd favorite scene of the year : the "Transformation" scene.
The Social Network
David Fincher, another solid filmmaker uses a very specific tone and mood for nearly all his films. THE SOCIAL NETWORK displayed a dark, intense and at times depressing mood. A film with no likeable characters usually doesn't agree with me (a strong dissenter to THE RULES OF ATTRACTION, TRAINSPOTTING and NATURAL BORN KILLERS, which are probably all solid films), so it is quite surprising how well I liked this film. The characters were very rich and realistic and this film came out in such an importantly evolving time our society has reached, in this day of being plugged into technology 24 hours a day. A film that says a lot about our current world and society.
127 Hours
After SLUMDOG MILLIONARE came out, I said to myself that Danny Boyle was probably the most talented filmmaker alive (an award I apparently just revoked and gave to Aronofsky), and after this intense fucking film, he stays at the top of his game and of hollywood. A film that takes place almost entirely with one person and one small space is so gripping and uncomfortable, and somehow finds a way to develop such a strong emotion toward the character, brilliantly played by James Franco, that I spent several minutes at the end of the film crying my eyes out. What an incredible story told in an incredibly realistic way.
THE REST
Inception
Perhaps the most entertaining MOVIE of the year. Christopher Nolan has the rare ability to be as groundbreaking and brilliant as people like PT Anderson, Aronofsky, Tarantino, etc., and also be much more accessible and mainstream. His ideas are clever and thought provoking and are told in a way that average movie goers can be intrigued and challenged. My favorite scene of the year has to be the fight scene with Joseph Gordon Levitt in the rotating hotel hallway.
City Island
Incredible performance by Andy Garcia that I was sure would win him a nomination from the academy, yet I have not heard anyone talk about this incredibly touching character study with great acting and lots of laughs and perhaps a few tears.
The Fighter
Best performance of the year comes from Christian Bale as Dicky Ward. Bale continues to blow me away not only with his choices but his transformations, both physically and wholly really. From his interviews and what we know of him, he reminds me a bit of the Bob Dylan of acting, only much more intense. One of the greatest actors of all time. This film is a great story told simply and fluidly to move with a rhythm similar to the fighting taking place.
Get Low
Cool story. Great characters played by Bill Murray and Robert Duvall. A very slowly building emotional journey.
I'm Still Here
This actually be perhaps the greatest acting of the year. I was convinced at the end of the film it was all real, even though absurd and seemingly suspect, his transformation into this down and out, fucked up human being is remarkable. Cool project. Wish it would been better received.
Toy Story 3
Pixar. Making the best films since BACK TO THE FUTURE and GHOSTBUSTERS. Films that look better than any other and appeal to all ages of all walks of life. I would hate to be unable to enjoy one of these touching stories.
Kick-Ass/The Other Guys
Both act as parodies in as much as their own unique films. One of the best scenes of the year occurs in the middle of THE OTHER GUYS where the camera pans across still frames of intense action from action to action without any of the action moving creating quite the nice 3D comic book effect. and how can you not appreciate a film that is able to give Nicolas Cage a really great comeback!
Honorable Mention:
Exit Through the Gift Shop (The year of the documentary. Through a much more accessible world, the documentary continues to gain a lot of speed and percent of the market. It's nice to see).
Catfish
Harry Brown
MicMacs
El Secreto de Sus Ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes)
(apparently already won the oscar for foreign language film last year. I thought it was 2010. Great film and story regardless.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Best Music of 2010
My ability to listen to as many albums as I did several years ago is gone. in 2009, I no longer had my own apartment or house or car and focused my energy and efforts on being in the world and traveling as opposed to sitting on my computer and listening to music. I still enjoy very much doing the latter, however, due to those things, my musical horizons have not increased as rapidly as in the past. However, this year I reached into the past and started listening to Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. I've had fun exploring their catalogue of music and am excited to find more classic artists in 2011 as well as new music. I love music and creativity and the following are albums that I enjoyed for the past year.
1. Menomena - Mines It's great to find a band when they have one release and to see them put out quality albums with each new record. Ever since I AM THE FUN BLAME MONSTER, I had found one of the greatest, most unique albums I had ever heard and the bands following releases were good and offered something new each time. However, with the release of MINES, I feel like the band has found their best sound yet. Much of the album is reminiscent of what they've done in the past, however, on MINES, the sound is much larger and much more diverse and much more capable for aural exploration. Also, the most singsongy album of theirs to date.
2. The National - High Violet
After getting into the National with BOXER, I was certain no National album could live up to my love of that album, thus keeping me from ever looking into their back catalogue. However, with HIGH VIOLET, the National has made just as solid of an album as their last. The songs are perfect and the album is a testament to a band that puts forth all their time and energy on creating a masterpiece.
3. Damien Jurado - Saint Bartlett
I have been a DJ fan ever since I mail ordered the GATHERED IN SONG ep from an early internet site advertising the release from "Damien Jurardo." Confused about his name for some time after and catching a live performance at the cornerstone music festival in 2000, I immediately delved into his career and since have purchased every release possible from the artist. I have seen him more than I've seen any other band or artist and until getting into Bob Dylan, DJ has always been my favorite singer/songwriter/artist. After a slew of great songwriting mostly in the same vein, this year we see Jurado breaking free from a formula that has worked so well for him and pulls from new influences and has the help from producer Richard Swift for a new sound that suits Jurado well. The opening is the best album opening of the year, and of Jurado's career, reminiscent of an epic church song.
4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Another band I have been with since their first release. I will never forget the first time I heard/saw Arcade Fire on the Conan O'Brien show and immediately going out the next day to buy FUNERAL. The album produced a sound I had never heard and was excited about music. This was an important time (2004) in my musical pilgrimage and discovery and FUNERAL was a perfect album to open my horizons. After a disappointing but still solid NEON BIBLE, the band has returned with possibly the sharpest album of their career. While not holding the pureness of FUNERAL (a record that holds a more raw power like that of IN THE AEROPLANE OVER THE SEA or even the promise ring's 30 DEGREES EVERYWHERE), THE SUBURBS is a brilliantly constructed album from start to finish that holds such a strong sense of living life in the suburbs, something I can easily relate to.
5. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
His psychological shortcomings get released in the form of being an asshole and while his rhymes are kind of, what's the word, bad, the guy knows how to produce an incredible sound.
6. Aloha - Home Acres
90's emo (ie The Promise Ring, Get Up Kids) meets 2000s experimental rock (ie. Dirty Projectors, Battles)
7. LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
The best live music experience I have ever had was at Bonnaroo this past summer seeing Dr. Dog (which reminded me of what may be the closest thing to seeing the Beatles or a similar act in the heyday of psychedelic drug use mixed with experimental rock n roll), The Flaming Lips (the greatest live show of all time) perform THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, and then followed by LCD Soundsystem at 2 in the morning all in one day. What a beautiful day ended with a tent full of people having fun dancing to a full band performing such brilliantly produced unique songs.
8. Mimicking Birds - Mimicking Birds
Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful
9. The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt
I cannot get enough of his voice. A great live show I saw in the summer of 2009. Great stage presence and confidence that match his songwriting and simple songs.
10. The Black Keys - Brothers
My first experience with the band who apparently has 5 other albums prior to this excellent album.
11. Baths - Cerulean
Drugs
12. MGMT - Congratulations
Better than their last album of one hit wonders. Fun and trippy. A couple of the songs actually remind me of what Everything, Now! has been doing for a long time.
13. Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid
This album is full of so many influences and styles. Very fun.
14. Toro Y Moi - Causers of This
15. Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
Duh.
16. Arrah and the Ferns - All the Bad in One Place
Good friends with such a level of improvement and maturity over their first fun pop album. I am excited about their reunion and continual progression.
17. Tame Impala - Innerspeaker
More drugs
18. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record
19. Avi Buffalo - Avi Buffalo
20. Phosphorescent - Here's To Taking it Easy
Country!
21. Frog Eyes - Paul's Tomb: A Triumph
22. The Books - The Way Out
23. Cowboy Angels - Rent. Vol. 1
It's the year I and many others became country apparently.
24. Wolf Parade - Expo 86
25. Ok Go - Of the Blue Colour of the Sky
Honorable Mentions: , Spoon - Transference, Surfer Blood - Astrocoast, Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame, Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me , Frog Eyes - Paul's Tomb: A Triumph
Favorite Songs from Albums not listed or not given full listens:
FRIGHTENED RABBIT - Nothing Like You
DR. DOG - Jackie Wants a Black Eye
DELPHIC - Doubt
ARIEL PINK'S HAUNTED GRAFFITI - Round and Round
FOALS - Total Life Forever
GIL SCOTT-HERON - New York is Killing Me
GORILLAZ - Stylo
THE RADIO DEPT. - Never Follow Suit
KNXWLEDGE - Kollective
MUX MOOL - Hog Knuckles
1. Menomena - Mines It's great to find a band when they have one release and to see them put out quality albums with each new record. Ever since I AM THE FUN BLAME MONSTER, I had found one of the greatest, most unique albums I had ever heard and the bands following releases were good and offered something new each time. However, with the release of MINES, I feel like the band has found their best sound yet. Much of the album is reminiscent of what they've done in the past, however, on MINES, the sound is much larger and much more diverse and much more capable for aural exploration. Also, the most singsongy album of theirs to date.
2. The National - High Violet
After getting into the National with BOXER, I was certain no National album could live up to my love of that album, thus keeping me from ever looking into their back catalogue. However, with HIGH VIOLET, the National has made just as solid of an album as their last. The songs are perfect and the album is a testament to a band that puts forth all their time and energy on creating a masterpiece.
3. Damien Jurado - Saint Bartlett
I have been a DJ fan ever since I mail ordered the GATHERED IN SONG ep from an early internet site advertising the release from "Damien Jurardo." Confused about his name for some time after and catching a live performance at the cornerstone music festival in 2000, I immediately delved into his career and since have purchased every release possible from the artist. I have seen him more than I've seen any other band or artist and until getting into Bob Dylan, DJ has always been my favorite singer/songwriter/artist. After a slew of great songwriting mostly in the same vein, this year we see Jurado breaking free from a formula that has worked so well for him and pulls from new influences and has the help from producer Richard Swift for a new sound that suits Jurado well. The opening is the best album opening of the year, and of Jurado's career, reminiscent of an epic church song.
4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Another band I have been with since their first release. I will never forget the first time I heard/saw Arcade Fire on the Conan O'Brien show and immediately going out the next day to buy FUNERAL. The album produced a sound I had never heard and was excited about music. This was an important time (2004) in my musical pilgrimage and discovery and FUNERAL was a perfect album to open my horizons. After a disappointing but still solid NEON BIBLE, the band has returned with possibly the sharpest album of their career. While not holding the pureness of FUNERAL (a record that holds a more raw power like that of IN THE AEROPLANE OVER THE SEA or even the promise ring's 30 DEGREES EVERYWHERE), THE SUBURBS is a brilliantly constructed album from start to finish that holds such a strong sense of living life in the suburbs, something I can easily relate to.
5. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
His psychological shortcomings get released in the form of being an asshole and while his rhymes are kind of, what's the word, bad, the guy knows how to produce an incredible sound.
6. Aloha - Home Acres
90's emo (ie The Promise Ring, Get Up Kids) meets 2000s experimental rock (ie. Dirty Projectors, Battles)
7. LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
The best live music experience I have ever had was at Bonnaroo this past summer seeing Dr. Dog (which reminded me of what may be the closest thing to seeing the Beatles or a similar act in the heyday of psychedelic drug use mixed with experimental rock n roll), The Flaming Lips (the greatest live show of all time) perform THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, and then followed by LCD Soundsystem at 2 in the morning all in one day. What a beautiful day ended with a tent full of people having fun dancing to a full band performing such brilliantly produced unique songs.
8. Mimicking Birds - Mimicking Birds
Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful
9. The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt
I cannot get enough of his voice. A great live show I saw in the summer of 2009. Great stage presence and confidence that match his songwriting and simple songs.
10. The Black Keys - Brothers
My first experience with the band who apparently has 5 other albums prior to this excellent album.
11. Baths - Cerulean
Drugs
12. MGMT - Congratulations
Better than their last album of one hit wonders. Fun and trippy. A couple of the songs actually remind me of what Everything, Now! has been doing for a long time.
13. Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid
This album is full of so many influences and styles. Very fun.
14. Toro Y Moi - Causers of This
15. Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
Duh.
16. Arrah and the Ferns - All the Bad in One Place
Good friends with such a level of improvement and maturity over their first fun pop album. I am excited about their reunion and continual progression.
17. Tame Impala - Innerspeaker
More drugs
18. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record
19. Avi Buffalo - Avi Buffalo
20. Phosphorescent - Here's To Taking it Easy
Country!
21. Frog Eyes - Paul's Tomb: A Triumph
22. The Books - The Way Out
23. Cowboy Angels - Rent. Vol. 1
It's the year I and many others became country apparently.
24. Wolf Parade - Expo 86
25. Ok Go - Of the Blue Colour of the Sky
Honorable Mentions: , Spoon - Transference, Surfer Blood - Astrocoast, Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame, Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me , Frog Eyes - Paul's Tomb: A Triumph
Favorite Songs from Albums not listed or not given full listens:
FRIGHTENED RABBIT - Nothing Like You
DR. DOG - Jackie Wants a Black Eye
DELPHIC - Doubt
ARIEL PINK'S HAUNTED GRAFFITI - Round and Round
FOALS - Total Life Forever
GIL SCOTT-HERON - New York is Killing Me
GORILLAZ - Stylo
THE RADIO DEPT. - Never Follow Suit
KNXWLEDGE - Kollective
MUX MOOL - Hog Knuckles
Monday, November 8, 2010
Bonjourno from Tuscany Italy. I am on a sheep and olive farm near a small village of 200 people called Montorgaili. My hosts are a great 50 year old couple named Maurizio and Barbara. Maurizio looks like John candy doing a Robert Deniro impression. They speak in the musical sounds of this 21 character language. My days , when it isnt raining, are spent climbling trees to pluck olives for about 6 hours. We eat pasta almost every day and have been making picarino cheese from their sheep and each time we make cheese a ricotta is made for same day consumption. The food is great. There is nothing to do here, but a nice Spanish girl my age named Mar has arrived to keep me company. Some games of chess with Maurizio and lots of reading and writing have been nice. Its relaxing and therapeutic being here. The couple are extremely knowledgable about life and the world and we have constantly been sharing ideas about culture, government, politics, people, customs, food and everything else we all have the capacity of teaching and learning in this world. Two more weeks here, then I head back to the states for my first turkeyless thanksgiving and PUMPKIN, PECAN PIE and CHOCOLATE FUDGE and maybe a recipe or two to share from europa with my american family.
I have been dreaming an insane amoutn since switzerland and even more in italy. For several nights now, I have written about 2-4 long, detailed vivid dreams per night.
10/26 ( on a train leaving switzerland)
The sun is shining. My cold and rainy days are behind me. I seek the sun, but I will as I always do, react appropriately to whatever the earth sends my way. I am an open book with empty pages.
Cordoroy pants, bald head, white beard, reading a book in between glances outside, this man's mind wanders to a memory of a former life unlived.
A trip to Switzerland in perfect timing to miss much adventure and an unfortunate omission of the famous alps. It feels good however to leave such desired activities as the top of europe, canyoning interlaken, hiking in the alps and snowboarding a glacier to a future return trip.
10/29
An amazing goodbye hug at the train station and Sietske's sincere face and smile and admission of having a really really really fun time together left me with the same 30 pounds strapped to my body and an even bigger smile and thoughts of the importance of human relationships and struggling to know what I truly desire or need and other possible outcomes of spending more time with this girl. We agreed we would see more of each other in the future and I will greet that future when it becomes present with excitement.
I also enjoyed our share belief in the universe's power and mythical world full of an understanding of something bigger and beyond our control. A sweater given as a gift. The article of clothing fit for an elderly Dutch woman with ducks, hearts and apples looking and feeling so well on this young 26 year old male frame. The heart and kindness, of the 25 year old dutch girl's, of gold. I wonder if Neil Young was singing about a girl like Sietske.
10/31
The night has fallen, the wind continues to do what it does best, as the Italian wildlife roams the wet, cold grass looking for a warmth outside of my comfortable four walls with the ticking sound of moments going by, each as long or short as the last. The pages of a 6 week old notebook are filled and closed and placed on the wooden table in front of me. A new one is opened. The notebook with the fancy brand name requiring 10 euro more than its off brand brother tht filled a person's thoughts and flow of the pen just the same....
11/1
In a small sheep and olive farm in the middle of Italy, my taste buds are growing along with my soul and I am excited to share of my gained knowledge, wisdom and belly with those I love.
11/3
A lamp illuminates the room from the corner of a table. The light is bright and hot at one specific center and falls off bouncing on the white walls of the basic guest room. Bugs dance around the bulb, attracted to its heated core. The shade is yellow, enhance by the 32 degree Kelvin temperature of the light, protecting my eyes by the intensity of the Edison invention of modern virtue.
Thats all the gems for now. My notebooks are filled with my thoughts. Ones the universe gave me and I forget until reading again. They are for the world and to be shared.
I have been dreaming an insane amoutn since switzerland and even more in italy. For several nights now, I have written about 2-4 long, detailed vivid dreams per night.
10/26 ( on a train leaving switzerland)
The sun is shining. My cold and rainy days are behind me. I seek the sun, but I will as I always do, react appropriately to whatever the earth sends my way. I am an open book with empty pages.
Cordoroy pants, bald head, white beard, reading a book in between glances outside, this man's mind wanders to a memory of a former life unlived.
A trip to Switzerland in perfect timing to miss much adventure and an unfortunate omission of the famous alps. It feels good however to leave such desired activities as the top of europe, canyoning interlaken, hiking in the alps and snowboarding a glacier to a future return trip.
10/29
An amazing goodbye hug at the train station and Sietske's sincere face and smile and admission of having a really really really fun time together left me with the same 30 pounds strapped to my body and an even bigger smile and thoughts of the importance of human relationships and struggling to know what I truly desire or need and other possible outcomes of spending more time with this girl. We agreed we would see more of each other in the future and I will greet that future when it becomes present with excitement.
I also enjoyed our share belief in the universe's power and mythical world full of an understanding of something bigger and beyond our control. A sweater given as a gift. The article of clothing fit for an elderly Dutch woman with ducks, hearts and apples looking and feeling so well on this young 26 year old male frame. The heart and kindness, of the 25 year old dutch girl's, of gold. I wonder if Neil Young was singing about a girl like Sietske.
10/31
The night has fallen, the wind continues to do what it does best, as the Italian wildlife roams the wet, cold grass looking for a warmth outside of my comfortable four walls with the ticking sound of moments going by, each as long or short as the last. The pages of a 6 week old notebook are filled and closed and placed on the wooden table in front of me. A new one is opened. The notebook with the fancy brand name requiring 10 euro more than its off brand brother tht filled a person's thoughts and flow of the pen just the same....
11/1
In a small sheep and olive farm in the middle of Italy, my taste buds are growing along with my soul and I am excited to share of my gained knowledge, wisdom and belly with those I love.
11/3
A lamp illuminates the room from the corner of a table. The light is bright and hot at one specific center and falls off bouncing on the white walls of the basic guest room. Bugs dance around the bulb, attracted to its heated core. The shade is yellow, enhance by the 32 degree Kelvin temperature of the light, protecting my eyes by the intensity of the Edison invention of modern virtue.
Thats all the gems for now. My notebooks are filled with my thoughts. Ones the universe gave me and I forget until reading again. They are for the world and to be shared.
Monday, October 25, 2010
back back back
tomorrow I go back to amsterdam for a few days. Completely out of the way from my next work stop. I will visit and hang out with my ball state friends Kelly Hake and Malina in Amsterdam and revisit a Dutch couchsurfing girl before making the 20 hour train ride all the way down to italy to work on an olive farm for my last 3 weeks. Amsterdam is completely out of the way, but only geographically and only on paper. The adventures, fun and experiences will be in way with what I need.
10/20
Today, I was reminded of the incredibly crazy nature of human beings, the most insane creatures on this planet. People in a large factory making 10 different kinds of chocolate from a fruit picked and sliced with a large machete, wielded by the black skinned men in another country, yielding a bean inside. The workers, human and incredibly complex, powerful machines in an assembly line of packaging large amounts of delicious treats. The french spoken tour was confusing to comprehend, however my eyes and especially nose were able to understand the vast production of savored desserts. At the end we could sample all the vaiours chocolates to our hearts, or rather taste buds content. Luckily, I kept my stomach in mind before devouring it all.
10/23
Gypsy family playing acoustically straight to my soul in the little theatre packed full of 60 plus.
Painted all day with Miros and her french lessons.
Andi's jokes increase by the day.
A new bread, a new cheese, new dessert, new job.
Had the best lasagna I have ever had last night. More best of's from Priska.
The cold is getting to me, I am ready for Italy and her warmth in a week or so's time. Not ready for winter in the states. (note: after being in a bit of snow on the mountain yesterda, I am definitely ready for snow filled indiana with my nephews!!!)
(watching a free form jazz band)
The moon is full. The air is cold. On top of this mountain, a man stands saxophone in hand grinding his teeth, as the snare snaps, bass hits and piano races faster and faster. Waiting to be inspired for his next breath of air to flow through the instrument clutched to his chest like a new born.
The instruments are dancing. No! Now they are fighting. Just as fast as human relationships, these fickle producers of sound.
Goodbye switzerland. You have a special place in my heart, even if I didnt see your coveted alps.
10/20
Today, I was reminded of the incredibly crazy nature of human beings, the most insane creatures on this planet. People in a large factory making 10 different kinds of chocolate from a fruit picked and sliced with a large machete, wielded by the black skinned men in another country, yielding a bean inside. The workers, human and incredibly complex, powerful machines in an assembly line of packaging large amounts of delicious treats. The french spoken tour was confusing to comprehend, however my eyes and especially nose were able to understand the vast production of savored desserts. At the end we could sample all the vaiours chocolates to our hearts, or rather taste buds content. Luckily, I kept my stomach in mind before devouring it all.
10/23
Gypsy family playing acoustically straight to my soul in the little theatre packed full of 60 plus.
Painted all day with Miros and her french lessons.
Andi's jokes increase by the day.
A new bread, a new cheese, new dessert, new job.
Had the best lasagna I have ever had last night. More best of's from Priska.
The cold is getting to me, I am ready for Italy and her warmth in a week or so's time. Not ready for winter in the states. (note: after being in a bit of snow on the mountain yesterda, I am definitely ready for snow filled indiana with my nephews!!!)
(watching a free form jazz band)
The moon is full. The air is cold. On top of this mountain, a man stands saxophone in hand grinding his teeth, as the snare snaps, bass hits and piano races faster and faster. Waiting to be inspired for his next breath of air to flow through the instrument clutched to his chest like a new born.
The instruments are dancing. No! Now they are fighting. Just as fast as human relationships, these fickle producers of sound.
Goodbye switzerland. You have a special place in my heart, even if I didnt see your coveted alps.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
dream a little dream of me
Ive been having really vivid and numerous dreams every night since arriving in courtelary and sleeping in the circus van. A lot of dreams involving high school as well. Not sure what that is all about.
Finished TROPIC OF CANCER today. Started it 4 or 5 days ago and its the first I have done any reading on the trip. Felt good to be reading again. Henry Miller`s writing flows for a great poetic pace at high speed creating wonderfully worded passages. An inspiring tale of people living freely, cheaply and happily wherever they can in Paris. It feels good to finish a novel, even when the novel captivates you through and through. A bittersweet feeling of accomplishment, like climbing a mountain and overlooking the vista created by standing at the peak.
I have eaten so well since being in switzerland. It has been 10 days since I have arrived and I have consumed more and better food than I did in the first three weeks of the trip. Priska`s home cooking has been incredible. I have been on a pretty normal schedule, going to bed fairly early and always waking by 830 am to enjoy a good breakfast, usually consisting of oat flakes (which are pressed and turned, by me, from the grain through a grinder creating the flakes) for a nice bowl of hot oatmeal with raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds, spelt or whatever else I can find in the huge assortment of add ons in the large and healthy, organic kitchen. I have been eating 3 meals a day which always consist of homemade, delicious bread, a variety of amazing cheese from the area...real swiss cheese!, peanut butter (100 percent peanuts, no added sugar like american peanut butter), and other assortment of toppings for the bread. ALl the food prepared is all veggie and all delicious. I have not had so much cheese in all my life.
From TROPIC OF CANCER:
"Do anything, but let it produce joy. Do anything, but let it yield ecstasy."
"Today I am proud to say that I am inhuman, that I belong not to men and governments, that I have nothing to do with creeds and principles. I have nothing to do with the creaking machinery of humanity -- I belong to the Earth!"
"...There is no other path to pursue. A man who belongs to this race must stand up on the high place with gibberish in his mouth and rip out his entrails."
"...to be human seems like a poor, sorry, miserable affair, limited by the senses, restricted by moralities and codes, defined by platitudes and isms.+
10/19
An incredible evening starting out playing swiss monopoly with Miros and Jerimo buying cities in Switzerland at every opportunity spending every cent I have as the prime example of the American capitalist I am. Whatever I can get my hands on. No land is off limits to America! A break took place to participate in a touching, meditative sing along at the biweekly session taking the place of usual regional visitors missing out, joining Andi playing guitar and bongo, Priska`s beautiful lead voice, and elderly yet youthful and vibrant happy go lucky woman, Royo as cheerful as always, the timid voice of Miros, the pleasantly surprising sultry voice of the Slovakian goddess, the regular cough from the down and out sick Miramo and me, the added male voice adding confidence to the world songs from gypsies, jews, swiss, english, french and elsewhere singing blessings for peace, love and pleasant days on pillows on the floor in the televisionless common room of the large home if there ever was such a place to welcome outsiders and friends as one interconnected unit through love, warmth, music, laughter and acceptance as participants of this beautiful world.
Switzerland has been good to my body, mind and soul. I will never forget this land. But for now, I have another handful of days to soak up.
Finished TROPIC OF CANCER today. Started it 4 or 5 days ago and its the first I have done any reading on the trip. Felt good to be reading again. Henry Miller`s writing flows for a great poetic pace at high speed creating wonderfully worded passages. An inspiring tale of people living freely, cheaply and happily wherever they can in Paris. It feels good to finish a novel, even when the novel captivates you through and through. A bittersweet feeling of accomplishment, like climbing a mountain and overlooking the vista created by standing at the peak.
I have eaten so well since being in switzerland. It has been 10 days since I have arrived and I have consumed more and better food than I did in the first three weeks of the trip. Priska`s home cooking has been incredible. I have been on a pretty normal schedule, going to bed fairly early and always waking by 830 am to enjoy a good breakfast, usually consisting of oat flakes (which are pressed and turned, by me, from the grain through a grinder creating the flakes) for a nice bowl of hot oatmeal with raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds, spelt or whatever else I can find in the huge assortment of add ons in the large and healthy, organic kitchen. I have been eating 3 meals a day which always consist of homemade, delicious bread, a variety of amazing cheese from the area...real swiss cheese!, peanut butter (100 percent peanuts, no added sugar like american peanut butter), and other assortment of toppings for the bread. ALl the food prepared is all veggie and all delicious. I have not had so much cheese in all my life.
From TROPIC OF CANCER:
"Do anything, but let it produce joy. Do anything, but let it yield ecstasy."
"Today I am proud to say that I am inhuman, that I belong not to men and governments, that I have nothing to do with creeds and principles. I have nothing to do with the creaking machinery of humanity -- I belong to the Earth!"
"...There is no other path to pursue. A man who belongs to this race must stand up on the high place with gibberish in his mouth and rip out his entrails."
"...to be human seems like a poor, sorry, miserable affair, limited by the senses, restricted by moralities and codes, defined by platitudes and isms.+
10/19
An incredible evening starting out playing swiss monopoly with Miros and Jerimo buying cities in Switzerland at every opportunity spending every cent I have as the prime example of the American capitalist I am. Whatever I can get my hands on. No land is off limits to America! A break took place to participate in a touching, meditative sing along at the biweekly session taking the place of usual regional visitors missing out, joining Andi playing guitar and bongo, Priska`s beautiful lead voice, and elderly yet youthful and vibrant happy go lucky woman, Royo as cheerful as always, the timid voice of Miros, the pleasantly surprising sultry voice of the Slovakian goddess, the regular cough from the down and out sick Miramo and me, the added male voice adding confidence to the world songs from gypsies, jews, swiss, english, french and elsewhere singing blessings for peace, love and pleasant days on pillows on the floor in the televisionless common room of the large home if there ever was such a place to welcome outsiders and friends as one interconnected unit through love, warmth, music, laughter and acceptance as participants of this beautiful world.
Switzerland has been good to my body, mind and soul. I will never forget this land. But for now, I have another handful of days to soak up.
Monday, October 18, 2010
BOOYAH!
Just changed my flight to a later date. I will not be back stateside til Nov. 22 now. Seeya at thanksgiving.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Keeping warm by the fire in a circus van!
For the past few days, my home has been in a traveling (but currently stationary) circus van in the backyard of a 200 year old huge home shared by 3 families and 1 single musician with a few common areas and their own living spaces. I have been eating like a fucking king here. I work 4 hours a day mostly just mixing joint filler and applying the mixture to previously put together calk walls (?), which apparently is made from heated stone...wonder if its the same as the calk we squeeze from a tube...anyway, 4 hours of work at my own schedule for 3 meals, a bed and the beautiful jura mountains.
Today, I explored those mountains. After a delicious lunch of homemade olive cake (green olives, green peppers, tomato paste, spelt and sunflower seeds), I went on an epic 4 or 5 hour hike, barely making it back for dinner before the sky went dark. I climbed and climbed until I made it to the top, passing through a dense forest of fallen leaves providing my path amongst the array of autumn colors with towering trees all around. No other animal or person in sight until every so ofter, I would hear the bells of cows waiting in a field up ahead. I eventually made it to my destination, which priska had provided clues and a map to find. Creaux de Glace (hole of ice). I had forgotten that I was in search of a cave and only rememberd the ice part. This place was a beautiful sight that upon arriving at, I just stood in awe of. A huge hole below me that you could climb down into, so I climbed. Regretting not bringing my hiking shoes on the trip, I took hold of the chain and went down the steep rocky and muddy entrance to the dark dark cave. With my headlamp on, I made it to the bottom to find 2 large masses of ice within. A place where ice exists every day of every year. I took some time to take it in in the cool air and knew I had to head back before the darkness set in. Climbing up was a bit tricky but felt great to be climbing! Something not many humans will see, but worth every effort to get to.
10/3
New City. Berlin. New Country. Germany. New people, interactions and friendships.
10/5
3 days of nonstop drinking. Popping in and out of bars, cafes and mostly kiosks, or what I know as convenience stores, open 24 hours selling large bottles of beer for cheap, in a city where you can walk and drink wherever you please. Beer, absinthe, and wine makes for a late start to any day in Berlin, where the life doesnt wake til the sun goes down over the grey, dreary buildings and streets of alternative people, hippies, yuppies, gutter punks, hipsters, poets and arists of all types.
Weighed myself today, 60 kg. equals 132 pounds. I have lost close to 10 pounds in the past month. From the bags, the ridiculous amount of walking, little consumption of food and lots of beer. Im not being completely kind or healthy to my body, however it has not failed me. The pain in my middle finger hasnt exactly left and my foot has the occassional remnant of pain.
...I dont need much to live. Friends, little food, beer and a couple changes of clothes. The occassional shower or washing.
To Travel and experience places and people far from your home is the greatest and most unique thing separating humans from other species. The ability to go anywhere at any time is such a gift of this life. The friendships made and immeasurable experiences gained teaching the secrets in the depths of ones soul and mind in overcoming fears and obstacles of the psyche. There is no reason to fear humans. Awareness and attentiveness provide a sense unlike the others. To pick up the negativity and attract positive energy is one of the keys to a fully lived life.
Upon arrival into berlin, it was evident I would fit into this thriving young counter culture, after dropping off my bags at my home for the next 5 days, I set off to meet my host. A walk through a completely dark Mauer park would normally warn me of potentially dangerous possibilities in the crime filled big cities of America, but in Berlin is full of children riding bikes, young people laughing and playing over beers and joints, a group playing boche ball in the pocket of moonlight as I continued on the 15 minute walk to the tunnel providing music and drunken dancing as people gathered all night in the closed off street to celebrate the anniversary of east and west berlin becoming one.
JCN
Today, I explored those mountains. After a delicious lunch of homemade olive cake (green olives, green peppers, tomato paste, spelt and sunflower seeds), I went on an epic 4 or 5 hour hike, barely making it back for dinner before the sky went dark. I climbed and climbed until I made it to the top, passing through a dense forest of fallen leaves providing my path amongst the array of autumn colors with towering trees all around. No other animal or person in sight until every so ofter, I would hear the bells of cows waiting in a field up ahead. I eventually made it to my destination, which priska had provided clues and a map to find. Creaux de Glace (hole of ice). I had forgotten that I was in search of a cave and only rememberd the ice part. This place was a beautiful sight that upon arriving at, I just stood in awe of. A huge hole below me that you could climb down into, so I climbed. Regretting not bringing my hiking shoes on the trip, I took hold of the chain and went down the steep rocky and muddy entrance to the dark dark cave. With my headlamp on, I made it to the bottom to find 2 large masses of ice within. A place where ice exists every day of every year. I took some time to take it in in the cool air and knew I had to head back before the darkness set in. Climbing up was a bit tricky but felt great to be climbing! Something not many humans will see, but worth every effort to get to.
10/3
New City. Berlin. New Country. Germany. New people, interactions and friendships.
10/5
3 days of nonstop drinking. Popping in and out of bars, cafes and mostly kiosks, or what I know as convenience stores, open 24 hours selling large bottles of beer for cheap, in a city where you can walk and drink wherever you please. Beer, absinthe, and wine makes for a late start to any day in Berlin, where the life doesnt wake til the sun goes down over the grey, dreary buildings and streets of alternative people, hippies, yuppies, gutter punks, hipsters, poets and arists of all types.
Weighed myself today, 60 kg. equals 132 pounds. I have lost close to 10 pounds in the past month. From the bags, the ridiculous amount of walking, little consumption of food and lots of beer. Im not being completely kind or healthy to my body, however it has not failed me. The pain in my middle finger hasnt exactly left and my foot has the occassional remnant of pain.
...I dont need much to live. Friends, little food, beer and a couple changes of clothes. The occassional shower or washing.
To Travel and experience places and people far from your home is the greatest and most unique thing separating humans from other species. The ability to go anywhere at any time is such a gift of this life. The friendships made and immeasurable experiences gained teaching the secrets in the depths of ones soul and mind in overcoming fears and obstacles of the psyche. There is no reason to fear humans. Awareness and attentiveness provide a sense unlike the others. To pick up the negativity and attract positive energy is one of the keys to a fully lived life.
Upon arrival into berlin, it was evident I would fit into this thriving young counter culture, after dropping off my bags at my home for the next 5 days, I set off to meet my host. A walk through a completely dark Mauer park would normally warn me of potentially dangerous possibilities in the crime filled big cities of America, but in Berlin is full of children riding bikes, young people laughing and playing over beers and joints, a group playing boche ball in the pocket of moonlight as I continued on the 15 minute walk to the tunnel providing music and drunken dancing as people gathered all night in the closed off street to celebrate the anniversary of east and west berlin becoming one.
JCN
Thursday, October 7, 2010
cold, grey berlin
Woke up feeling sick this morning. I guess that is what happens when you stay in a city full of a cold greyness, beer readily available for public consumption at any moment, riding all over the place on public transportation, and scavenging food after anyone and everyone you meet. My throat is sore and I have a headache. Ive had these symptoms many times before and Im sure I will conquer them once again.
I leave today for Mainz. Not a normal tourist destination, but having a friend from college who is a lot of fun, tempts and attracts me to this town. I will most likely stay until Monday and then head to Switzerland to a town of 1000 people to live and work for 10 days helping to build a backstage area for a theatre troupe in exchange for food and board. I am very excited to be in the peaceful mountain village. An escape from the big cities I have encountered thus far.
After the switzerland excursion, I will only have 6 days of my trip left. I will only have used 4 of my 8 possible days of travel with my expensively purchased eurorail pass and I will have not reached near my proposed destinations. I am very much looking into the possibility of extending my trip, however, the reality of an expensive return flight to the states looms. If I could somehow find a cheap flight back at a later date, then I would stay, considering I can already get around europe with the eurorail pass 4 more times for no cost. I am not ready to return, I have no home or job to go back to and have much more to discover in Europe.
9/30 (?) (In vondel park Amsterdam)
The trees sway in the breeze brought by the wind making music with the sun at the core, the back bone, like the drummer of a band, providing the beat for the earth to come alive, breath in the freshness of a new day. On a bicycle. over a book or smoke. while a guitar gets plucked by the happy, rasta man hoping to bring a smile to everyone coming into contact with everyone else that day.
A tree full of age and memories and stories many before me have climbed and all since. A beautiful world indeed, to do whatever you want.
You can never be lost. You end up wherever you belong. No place better than any other.
10/2 (on a train somewhere...heading to berlin perhaps)
In the empty, broken down, yet still standing vending machine full of graffiti at the train station to a new place. In the tiles of the walls in the washroomm on Platform 2. Waking up in the bed of a girl you just met on the internet the previous day. Everywhere you go, everything you do is brand new. Everything you see, touch, feel, hear is forever changing and forever new.
JN
I leave today for Mainz. Not a normal tourist destination, but having a friend from college who is a lot of fun, tempts and attracts me to this town. I will most likely stay until Monday and then head to Switzerland to a town of 1000 people to live and work for 10 days helping to build a backstage area for a theatre troupe in exchange for food and board. I am very excited to be in the peaceful mountain village. An escape from the big cities I have encountered thus far.
After the switzerland excursion, I will only have 6 days of my trip left. I will only have used 4 of my 8 possible days of travel with my expensively purchased eurorail pass and I will have not reached near my proposed destinations. I am very much looking into the possibility of extending my trip, however, the reality of an expensive return flight to the states looms. If I could somehow find a cheap flight back at a later date, then I would stay, considering I can already get around europe with the eurorail pass 4 more times for no cost. I am not ready to return, I have no home or job to go back to and have much more to discover in Europe.
9/30 (?) (In vondel park Amsterdam)
The trees sway in the breeze brought by the wind making music with the sun at the core, the back bone, like the drummer of a band, providing the beat for the earth to come alive, breath in the freshness of a new day. On a bicycle. over a book or smoke. while a guitar gets plucked by the happy, rasta man hoping to bring a smile to everyone coming into contact with everyone else that day.
A tree full of age and memories and stories many before me have climbed and all since. A beautiful world indeed, to do whatever you want.
You can never be lost. You end up wherever you belong. No place better than any other.
10/2 (on a train somewhere...heading to berlin perhaps)
In the empty, broken down, yet still standing vending machine full of graffiti at the train station to a new place. In the tiles of the walls in the washroomm on Platform 2. Waking up in the bed of a girl you just met on the internet the previous day. Everywhere you go, everything you do is brand new. Everything you see, touch, feel, hear is forever changing and forever new.
JN
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
No time for spellcheck. (I write long sentences)
In Amsterdam and LOVING it. This is such an incredibly beautiful city. Yesterday at the Anne Frank house (which is probably the best museum experience I know. Such an emotional time wondering how human beings did what they did and do what they do. Such a talent and honesty in the words of the once little girl.), I ran into two friends from university I hadn't seen in 4 or 5 years. What are the odds, they began their trip the same day and are heading back to the states 3 days after me. this world is awesome and life is a true pleasure to have.
Today I rented a bike and rode. and rode. and rode. and strolled through the pretty peaceful parks of this city. It was the first day of nothing but sunshine since I've been here. Lots of rain all week and I soaked up the sun just like my plant life counterparts. Played a game of basketball with 3 (non-dunking) dutchmen today as well. It was fun. I was the smallest and most american, and I showed them why Basketball in the states is the best (but we all had fun, so I guess we all are the best).
Probably heading to Berlin saturday. It's in germany. my name neuman is german. coming home party...
9/21
On a two floor train with a group of appearingly religious women, people with suitcases and humans interacting in what looks like a search for their holy destination, point and using their mouths to create sounds that somehow human beings, at some point in history, established into a system of words and sentneces, which had to be done first in order to defines such thoughts, which can be learned by multiple poeople to share ideas and thoughts within an individual's mind to be understood by another individual.
The lack of a shared language makes for dificult interaction between animals of the same species. Luckily with a basic comprehension of shared human behavior and the same preexisting instincts, along with most people's general understanding of english, the bald man with the thick beard, working the subway market handing out (selling!) croissants full of mystery to the hungover tourists, who previously scoffed at and rejected a homeless man struggling to survive his shitty life afraid of the inevitable alternative, was able to convey a message of success and aid in reaching the sought after destination, while the homeless man dragged his feet in another direction looking for some spare change.
The originators of the french language were early artists, creating beauty using human language and communication as their canvas.
Waiting for a train is a phrase that can ultimately lack meaning when productivity and growth exist within each moment. I will get on a train when that moment arrives, but for now, I am sitting and being in my mind with my thoughts spilling onto paper as an unkown culture and lifestyle is absorbed into the folds of my conscious and unconscious for growth at unscientic rate.
9/26 (i think)
Fear attracts fear. I'm not visiting. I'm living and becoming a part of another lifestyle.
A black and white dalmatian reminding of a separate and former life apart from this one and very much the same. A plastic disc offering up an equal opportunity of fun. I create all that I see and experience and interact within the rest of the shared realities present.
Coexisting in nature as the hundred year old trees offer moments of separation from the sun far off in the universe as big as our imaginations.
Today I rented a bike and rode. and rode. and rode. and strolled through the pretty peaceful parks of this city. It was the first day of nothing but sunshine since I've been here. Lots of rain all week and I soaked up the sun just like my plant life counterparts. Played a game of basketball with 3 (non-dunking) dutchmen today as well. It was fun. I was the smallest and most american, and I showed them why Basketball in the states is the best (but we all had fun, so I guess we all are the best).
Probably heading to Berlin saturday. It's in germany. my name neuman is german. coming home party...
9/21
On a two floor train with a group of appearingly religious women, people with suitcases and humans interacting in what looks like a search for their holy destination, point and using their mouths to create sounds that somehow human beings, at some point in history, established into a system of words and sentneces, which had to be done first in order to defines such thoughts, which can be learned by multiple poeople to share ideas and thoughts within an individual's mind to be understood by another individual.
The lack of a shared language makes for dificult interaction between animals of the same species. Luckily with a basic comprehension of shared human behavior and the same preexisting instincts, along with most people's general understanding of english, the bald man with the thick beard, working the subway market handing out (selling!) croissants full of mystery to the hungover tourists, who previously scoffed at and rejected a homeless man struggling to survive his shitty life afraid of the inevitable alternative, was able to convey a message of success and aid in reaching the sought after destination, while the homeless man dragged his feet in another direction looking for some spare change.
The originators of the french language were early artists, creating beauty using human language and communication as their canvas.
Waiting for a train is a phrase that can ultimately lack meaning when productivity and growth exist within each moment. I will get on a train when that moment arrives, but for now, I am sitting and being in my mind with my thoughts spilling onto paper as an unkown culture and lifestyle is absorbed into the folds of my conscious and unconscious for growth at unscientic rate.
9/26 (i think)
Fear attracts fear. I'm not visiting. I'm living and becoming a part of another lifestyle.
A black and white dalmatian reminding of a separate and former life apart from this one and very much the same. A plastic disc offering up an equal opportunity of fun. I create all that I see and experience and interact within the rest of the shared realities present.
Coexisting in nature as the hundred year old trees offer moments of separation from the sun far off in the universe as big as our imaginations.
Friday, September 24, 2010
From a cubicle with a funky keyboard(although not musically) in Paris
I'm in Paris on day 9 of my adventures overseas (however, life is just one big adventure, so its really a much larger day than previously mentioned). The trip has been incredible beyond any expectations and at the same time really what one could expect, which is to always encounter the unexpected. And even within a different culture and not understanding the language of my surroundings, I still understand people and most people withing western civilization act within the same perameters. I think I just misspelled that last word, but typing on a slightly different keyboard arrangement is frustrating and Ill simply let it go.
I'm not sure how often I will update this with the progress and updates of my experiences as I would rather be creating new experiences instead of sitting inside staring at a computer screen. However, I'm sure it will be fun for some to hear a little bit of what I have been encountering. Therefore, because I have been journaling like crazy, I will post some entries from my book of thoughts. From me to you (and whatever thought pirates in cyberspace see this), here is some of my brain from the first part of my journey...
9/17
...After a couple pints, we followed Kerri (our host for the next fez nights)'s extremely specific directions until near the end, in which we mucked it up and spent 30 minutes wandering the neighborhood and inquiring to a lot of friendly folks until we finally followed enough clues to the smiling attitudes and beautiful smell of our lovely hosts and their homecooked meal of fresh veggies, rice and bread; along with some tasty english tea to welcome us to their charming city! Great conversation of California; England, Europe; travel and a whole slew of topics knocked about for a while until eventually enough yawning persuaded us to bed. I sit in their spare bedroom to myself and couldn't be happier about life and the path Ive created for myself. With the help and inspiration of so many others in my world and my understanding of the earth and how human beings can exist, I will rest easy tonight and wake with a hunger for the unknown, knowing this is exactly where I belong.
9/18 walking enormous London and the first castle my eyes have ever seen
900 years of human history personified in concrete evidence of their life's existence in a castle like nothing Ive experienced sends vibrations through my soul like that of a virgin feeling his first touch of a young woman or a junkie on his first day with a needle. This feeling on the river Thames that I've never felt before.
9/22 Visiting the catacombs knowing Ill see dead mens bones but not to what extent
Catacombs. Deep underground down the narrow winding stairs for minutes into the former area mined for limestone, gypsum and clay where worker used candles to illuminate the darkness. Long walking down into the earth among stone, dirt, and water droplets as the temperature continues dropping underground emerges eventually upon a room full of real chill. The kind that cant be measured scientifically, but the kind that provides a sense of other worldly energy pouring out of the bones of thousands of human beings once containing life hundreds of years prior in rows after rows stacked 6-7 feet, floor to ceiling in neat rows of skulls of various size and shape decaying at different increments in the middle of arms and legs. Just as it seems to end, the rooms of skeletons continue opening into new areas with thousands of more skeletal remains as living humans gaze at from a mere feet away taking photos of these now innate objects in the earth.
9/23 sitting in the grass beneath the enormous Eiffel Tower
Eating homemade granola to stifle an appetite starved of consistent consumption of any real value, only consistently indulging in water and alcohol. Granola with extra nutritional value existing in the love and positivity from the mothers hands and heart providing the helpful bonus in each brave new world of the sons journey and postponing the spending of a depleting source of currency.
Thats all for now. We take a train tomorrow to the new country and city of Amsterdam, Netherlands!
jn
I'm not sure how often I will update this with the progress and updates of my experiences as I would rather be creating new experiences instead of sitting inside staring at a computer screen. However, I'm sure it will be fun for some to hear a little bit of what I have been encountering. Therefore, because I have been journaling like crazy, I will post some entries from my book of thoughts. From me to you (and whatever thought pirates in cyberspace see this), here is some of my brain from the first part of my journey...
9/17
...After a couple pints, we followed Kerri (our host for the next fez nights)'s extremely specific directions until near the end, in which we mucked it up and spent 30 minutes wandering the neighborhood and inquiring to a lot of friendly folks until we finally followed enough clues to the smiling attitudes and beautiful smell of our lovely hosts and their homecooked meal of fresh veggies, rice and bread; along with some tasty english tea to welcome us to their charming city! Great conversation of California; England, Europe; travel and a whole slew of topics knocked about for a while until eventually enough yawning persuaded us to bed. I sit in their spare bedroom to myself and couldn't be happier about life and the path Ive created for myself. With the help and inspiration of so many others in my world and my understanding of the earth and how human beings can exist, I will rest easy tonight and wake with a hunger for the unknown, knowing this is exactly where I belong.
9/18 walking enormous London and the first castle my eyes have ever seen
900 years of human history personified in concrete evidence of their life's existence in a castle like nothing Ive experienced sends vibrations through my soul like that of a virgin feeling his first touch of a young woman or a junkie on his first day with a needle. This feeling on the river Thames that I've never felt before.
9/22 Visiting the catacombs knowing Ill see dead mens bones but not to what extent
Catacombs. Deep underground down the narrow winding stairs for minutes into the former area mined for limestone, gypsum and clay where worker used candles to illuminate the darkness. Long walking down into the earth among stone, dirt, and water droplets as the temperature continues dropping underground emerges eventually upon a room full of real chill. The kind that cant be measured scientifically, but the kind that provides a sense of other worldly energy pouring out of the bones of thousands of human beings once containing life hundreds of years prior in rows after rows stacked 6-7 feet, floor to ceiling in neat rows of skulls of various size and shape decaying at different increments in the middle of arms and legs. Just as it seems to end, the rooms of skeletons continue opening into new areas with thousands of more skeletal remains as living humans gaze at from a mere feet away taking photos of these now innate objects in the earth.
9/23 sitting in the grass beneath the enormous Eiffel Tower
Eating homemade granola to stifle an appetite starved of consistent consumption of any real value, only consistently indulging in water and alcohol. Granola with extra nutritional value existing in the love and positivity from the mothers hands and heart providing the helpful bonus in each brave new world of the sons journey and postponing the spending of a depleting source of currency.
Thats all for now. We take a train tomorrow to the new country and city of Amsterdam, Netherlands!
jn
Monday, March 23, 2009
Damn Dirty Hippies!
For a good year, several years ago, I was really into the music of Devendra Banhart. I think it changed after the good, but disappointing performance (at least to the expectations I had built up) at Pitchfork Music Festival. However, I really dig the whole "freak folk" movement and totally adore Joanna Newsom's unusual voice! The trailer is a bit unusual. It is great to hear and see an entire Newsom song live, however, I would have loved to get some soundbites from Devendra as well. Anyway, check it out. Hopefully it plays somewhere in LA!
The Family Jams - Trailer from kevin barker on Vimeo.
The Family Jams - Trailer from kevin barker on Vimeo.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Favorite Song of the Moment.
alela diane - white as diamonds
I cannot get over this song! Her voice is so captivating. Her high register reminds me a bit of Joanna Newsom and some other familiar female artists that I cannot quite put my finger on. The music video plays out like the great character study films I have come to love such as Old Joy, Wendy and Lucy or even to a lesser degree All the Real Girls. I love the way the song slowly adds more and more layers of vocals and instrumentation. The violin coming in toward the end is fantastic and oddly enough makes me recall an old folk punk band I used to listen to called Ballydowse. I am excited to see what this unknown singer brings us on a full album.
I cannot get over this song! Her voice is so captivating. Her high register reminds me a bit of Joanna Newsom and some other familiar female artists that I cannot quite put my finger on. The music video plays out like the great character study films I have come to love such as Old Joy, Wendy and Lucy or even to a lesser degree All the Real Girls. I love the way the song slowly adds more and more layers of vocals and instrumentation. The violin coming in toward the end is fantastic and oddly enough makes me recall an old folk punk band I used to listen to called Ballydowse. I am excited to see what this unknown singer brings us on a full album.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Top 50 Albums of 2008
Here it is. I worked long and hard on this...mostly for myself. I like to look back over the years and remember what I was listening to, and since I am constantly listening to whatever is new, I forget about a lot of albums from even only a couple years ago. Check it out and look up some of these bands. Support independent artists!
http://rateyourmusic.com/list/DirkDiggler/top_50_albums_of_2008
Check out my other lists below, including top TV shows, Films and Songs.
http://rateyourmusic.com/list/DirkDiggler/top_50_albums_of_2008
Check out my other lists below, including top TV shows, Films and Songs.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Top 50 Songs of 2008
Link to the list:
http://rateyourmusic.com/list/DirkDiggler/best_songs_of_2008
Links to Download all 50 songs:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NAIATI5Y
or
http://rapidshare.com/files/180193238/BestSongsof2008.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/180187782/BestSongsof2008.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/180179845/BestSongsof2008.part1.rar
You may have to sort by: Track Number in iTunes in order to get the tracks in the right order.
If you like the artist, support them by buying their work!
Top 50 albums list almost complete! Still re listening to a few key albums.
http://rateyourmusic.com/list/DirkDiggler/best_songs_of_2008
Links to Download all 50 songs:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NAIATI5Y
or
http://rapidshare.com/files/180193238/BestSongsof2008.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/180187782/BestSongsof2008.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/180179845/BestSongsof2008.part1.rar
You may have to sort by: Track Number in iTunes in order to get the tracks in the right order.
If you like the artist, support them by buying their work!
Top 50 albums list almost complete! Still re listening to a few key albums.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Best Films of 2008
2008 was a pretty cool year for movies. There never really was one film I really looked forward to seeing and yet was pretty amazed by a lot of under the radar films. Of course, there was Heath Ledger's death and the hype of Titanic proportions surrounding Christopher Nolan's latest sequel. I was waiting to try to get a few more movie viewings in before posting my list. I was very disappointed by Benjamin Button but admit it was pretty cool. I still need to see several very big movies including: Doubt, Revolutionary Road, Frost/Nixon, JCVD, Burn After Reading, and Man on Wire. But here are my 10 favorite films of 2008:
1. The Wrestler - Darren Aronofsky has quickly matured into one of the best directors making films today. His first two films were very powerful, but he stuck out as a gimmicky director with some tricks up his sleeve. With the Fountain, he showed he could make a very artsy, abstract film that relied heavily on beautiful in-camera effects, yet had a very compelling love story. Now, with the Wrestler, Aronofsky has stepped up his game and finally made his first generally accessible film that focuses on the essentials in a compelling story with amazing characters. Mickey Rourke gives an incredibly heart wrenching performance as a washed up professional wrestler who has kept a large fanbase within the confines of the underground wrestling circuit. His body is breaking down and he knows nothing else other than wrestling. The film shows that while professional wrestling is staged, it is far from fake. Every body slam, flip over the ropes and chair to the back all take their toll on the bodies of those involved in the ring. Aronofsky took the script and realized that Mickey Rourke could carry the entirety of the film on his own. Rourke rarely, if ever leaves frame and there is not a scene he is not in. I do not normally like long movies, and this is far from long as it clocks in under two hours, however, at the end of the film I was left wanting to see more from Rourke, as his character Randy the Ram was so likeable.
2. Slumdog Millionaire - The storytelling technique used in SM was extremely creative and captivated my attention from the start. I loved the characters, was entertained by the soundtrack and amused by the end credits. Danny Boyle might possibly be the best director alive today. I love his boldness to try a different genre every time he makes a film.
3. Son of Rambow - A great coming of age story about two unlikely friends and the importance of friendship and family. Funny and sweet.
4. Pineapple Express - It's a film about friendship. It just happens to be hidden underneath a bunch of weed dealers and involve parody like action. It's exciting, hilarous and fun as hell.
5. Dark Knight - It's been said a million times already.
6. Wall-E - PIxar made leaps and bounds with this film and their animation never ceases to amaze me.
7. Wendy and Lucy - An amazing character study about a girl in search of who she is and where she belongs in this world. A lot of people say our generation has their midlife crisis in their 20's and as a single guy at 25, I find the character of Wendy completely relatable as she attempts to travel the country with her best friend and dog Lucy.
8. Cloverfield - Revives the monster movie genre with a new twist. If you can stomach the shaky cam style, then you are in for a treat. Abrams does a good job of hiding the monster almost entirely with only a few quick glances at its complete frame (much like Alien). And one of the scariest scenes of the year takes place in the underground of NYC.
9. Be Kind Rewind - Michel Gondry takes his creative visual style of directing and creates his first film I completely enjoyed. He does not rely only on his unique visual skills and instead matures into telling a great story. The film is great at showing the closeness of a small knit community and you cannot help but feel inspired by the childlike love that average joes have for movies. Most people do not work in the entertainment industry or even have an inkling of how movie making works. People do not go to the movies to critique films or write reviews. Most people go to the movies to get lost in the story and escape into a different world and come out feeling something, if only for a moment. This film captures that emotion and while it might not be the most realistic movie, it could definitely be the most inspiring film of the year.
10. Milk - Sean Penn is amazing in the historical biopic about the first big gay rights activist, Harvey Milk. This is a film that does a great job of showing a piece of history that most people probably have no idea happened. The film is an amazing display of what one man did for homosexuals and their rights in a similar way to how other people did for the black community. It's a very personal and human showing of a true hero to a lot of people.
Almost making the list and the award for the one great documentary I decided to watch this year:
American Teen - It makes me wonder how much of the film was produced and set up. It is an amazing documentary that really hits home to anyone who has gone to high school, especially since I am from Indiana.
Award for Most Bad Ass film character from 2008:
Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino. The film took a long time for me to get into it. But I loved the character and the ending was very good. The film relied too heavily on stereotypes and cliches and a lot of the acting was horrendous but eastwood was able to carry the film on his own.
1. The Wrestler - Darren Aronofsky has quickly matured into one of the best directors making films today. His first two films were very powerful, but he stuck out as a gimmicky director with some tricks up his sleeve. With the Fountain, he showed he could make a very artsy, abstract film that relied heavily on beautiful in-camera effects, yet had a very compelling love story. Now, with the Wrestler, Aronofsky has stepped up his game and finally made his first generally accessible film that focuses on the essentials in a compelling story with amazing characters. Mickey Rourke gives an incredibly heart wrenching performance as a washed up professional wrestler who has kept a large fanbase within the confines of the underground wrestling circuit. His body is breaking down and he knows nothing else other than wrestling. The film shows that while professional wrestling is staged, it is far from fake. Every body slam, flip over the ropes and chair to the back all take their toll on the bodies of those involved in the ring. Aronofsky took the script and realized that Mickey Rourke could carry the entirety of the film on his own. Rourke rarely, if ever leaves frame and there is not a scene he is not in. I do not normally like long movies, and this is far from long as it clocks in under two hours, however, at the end of the film I was left wanting to see more from Rourke, as his character Randy the Ram was so likeable.
2. Slumdog Millionaire - The storytelling technique used in SM was extremely creative and captivated my attention from the start. I loved the characters, was entertained by the soundtrack and amused by the end credits. Danny Boyle might possibly be the best director alive today. I love his boldness to try a different genre every time he makes a film.
3. Son of Rambow - A great coming of age story about two unlikely friends and the importance of friendship and family. Funny and sweet.
4. Pineapple Express - It's a film about friendship. It just happens to be hidden underneath a bunch of weed dealers and involve parody like action. It's exciting, hilarous and fun as hell.
5. Dark Knight - It's been said a million times already.
6. Wall-E - PIxar made leaps and bounds with this film and their animation never ceases to amaze me.
7. Wendy and Lucy - An amazing character study about a girl in search of who she is and where she belongs in this world. A lot of people say our generation has their midlife crisis in their 20's and as a single guy at 25, I find the character of Wendy completely relatable as she attempts to travel the country with her best friend and dog Lucy.
8. Cloverfield - Revives the monster movie genre with a new twist. If you can stomach the shaky cam style, then you are in for a treat. Abrams does a good job of hiding the monster almost entirely with only a few quick glances at its complete frame (much like Alien). And one of the scariest scenes of the year takes place in the underground of NYC.
9. Be Kind Rewind - Michel Gondry takes his creative visual style of directing and creates his first film I completely enjoyed. He does not rely only on his unique visual skills and instead matures into telling a great story. The film is great at showing the closeness of a small knit community and you cannot help but feel inspired by the childlike love that average joes have for movies. Most people do not work in the entertainment industry or even have an inkling of how movie making works. People do not go to the movies to critique films or write reviews. Most people go to the movies to get lost in the story and escape into a different world and come out feeling something, if only for a moment. This film captures that emotion and while it might not be the most realistic movie, it could definitely be the most inspiring film of the year.
10. Milk - Sean Penn is amazing in the historical biopic about the first big gay rights activist, Harvey Milk. This is a film that does a great job of showing a piece of history that most people probably have no idea happened. The film is an amazing display of what one man did for homosexuals and their rights in a similar way to how other people did for the black community. It's a very personal and human showing of a true hero to a lot of people.
Almost making the list and the award for the one great documentary I decided to watch this year:
American Teen - It makes me wonder how much of the film was produced and set up. It is an amazing documentary that really hits home to anyone who has gone to high school, especially since I am from Indiana.
Award for Most Bad Ass film character from 2008:
Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino. The film took a long time for me to get into it. But I loved the character and the ending was very good. The film relied too heavily on stereotypes and cliches and a lot of the acting was horrendous but eastwood was able to carry the film on his own.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Best of TV in 2008
2008 was an interesting year in television. We saw even more stupid reality, trash TV shows. We witnessed history in political news. SNL and Mad TV were at the best they've been in a long time. And the biggest news in TV had to have been the writer's strike which screwed up the end of almost every season early in the year. Because of the strike, a lot of shows ended with shaky, if any conclusions. Scrubs ended terribly, but then got picked up by ABC in a surprising renewal. Two of my favorite shows did not return in 2008, which was unfortunate. Big Love being one, which picks back up in January and Curb Your Enthusiasm took a break and only recently began filming for a new season. The new Golden Age of television came to an end with some disappointing shows. However, there were some true bright spots in the clouds. AMC established itself among the critics as a superior network of quality shows with the amazing Mad Men and the brave Breaking Bad, which if it weren't for the writer's strike probably would have made my list of top shows. This is my first year doing a year end best of list for TV. But it makes sense because I am a TV junkie. I try to give every new show a chance. I love to be entertained and Television might be my favorite medium to do so. I also must admit that I have not yet delved into The Wire, The Shield or Battlestar Galactica, which is kind of embarrassing considering those three shows are usually flooded among year end lists...
10. The Soup - The hilarious Joel McHale is the only reason, other than the fact they they pay my bills, I can stand reality television.
9. The Office - Still nowhere on the level of Ricky Gervais' original British comedy, The Office has given life and new likeable qualities to formerly hateable characters such as Andy and Michael Scott (played by one trick pony Steve Carell...although I can't quite figure out what his trick actually is).
8. Heroes - While season 2 of Heroes was riddled with horrible new characters, cheesy romances and cut short by the writer's strike, it bounced back with Volume 3 entitled "Villians". Heroes has done what no other show has ever done before. They have created an entire empire of entertainment. Heroes by no means stops at the end of the 44 minute monday night showing. Heroes has created a slew of comic books and online media. The show has taken on the form of a live action comic book. The characters and plots are so close to the world of comics that it could easily be used in a Comic Writing 101 course. The show does an amazing job of juggling dozens of characters who are all just as important to the overall story as the next. Everyone has equal significance and without warning, any characters mission or purpose will combine or be disrupted with another character. Whether it be greed, pride or just longing to do what a hero is supposed to do, save the world, Heroes has done an amazing job of creating its own world in which everyone can get lost in. Maybe this is my way of masking what is really going on with the show. Perhaps the show has lost sight of its original plot points and storylines. Maybe the shows writers are lazy and just decide to do whatever they want every week, but I would like to think they have just decided to treat it as though they were writing a comic book about super heroes, in which you are allowed certain liberties. If you like Heroes and don't read comics, you have probably been disillusioned by society into thinking it's not a true form of art, or not as intelligent as "real novels."
7. Friday Night Lights - FNL had a bounce back year in season 3. Unfortunately, FNL has never really found a solid audience. Bad slot times and the constant shuffling to find its right place in NBC's lineup nearly got the show cancelled 2 years in a row. Luckily Direct TV was ready to take a chance with their new exclusive channel and rolled the dice with its first project Friday Night Lights. They put up the money for a third season in order to have exclusive first run several months before NBC. In season 2, the writers tried too hard to make FNL something it wasn't. I think they took cue from shows like the OC and 90210 (is there a difference?) in adding subplots involving hiding a murder, fleeing to Mexico to get illegal surgery, and stealing money from a violent meth head. Luckily, the writers saw the errors of their ways and got back to basics in season 3. With emphasis placed back on the relationships of its main characters, Friday Night Lights is back on track. A great new conflict was created when a new star Freshman quarterback moved into Dillon just to be coached by the great Coach Taylor. What great timing it was that Coach's daughter became interested in Saracen again right when it seemed as though his quarterbacking future might be coming to a halt. Not only does Coach Taylor have to deal with Buddy Garrety's hilarious harassment, but now Taylor's wife Tami, as the new Principal, has Buddy breathing down her neck, which creates some hilarious moments involving absurd requests for the football program. Buddy is such a great character, because he is a loving father that was cursed with two daughters and no son to live vicariously through in the way of sports. Tyra still rides on the fence between trailer trash and a promising future in school and Riggins is still an apathetic badass with no future in sight. What really set this season apart for me, was the added likability factor to Smash Williams character. This show is great in creating relatable qualities in each and every one of its characters and who can't love the warm hearts and good intentions of the Taylor family? FNL is back to being a good high school drama. Will it be good enough though, to pick up viewers and be renewed for another season? Perhaps if they would just write off the terrible Jason Street and all of the stupid subplots he becomes involved in, the show will stand a chance.
6. Dexter - In its 3rd season, the writers of Dexter had the opportunity to take the show in just about any direction. Instead of doing much of anything new, they basically let the show slip into the same formula they've used for the past 2 seasons. I was hoping for some new risks, but instead got the same great television and same great character from seasons 1 and 2. However, now the supporting cast and subplots come off as hokey. One of the reasons Dexter was such a gripping show in season 1 was the element of surprise and the newness of it. Dexter Morgan immediately became one of the greatest characters ever written for Television. It still remains a good show. However, the novelty has worn off and the failure to keep us guessing made for an average season full of little suspense and much predictability. And all of the loose ends were tied up so fast, it almost seemed as though the writers forgot the show was on a 12 episode season until episode 11. The only reason this show takes spots over FNL and Heroes is the love and excitement the creators put in me when the show first aired 2 years ago. I still hold onto that feeling like a child who desparately wants to believe there is a santa claus but knows in the back of his mind the true culprits behind the fat suit and rosy cheeks. I look forward to keep watching this show with each new season, but now I will wait with reluctance of the feeling it gave me in season 1.
5. Superjail - On first viewing, most people would be disgusted and find little to no value in the ridiculous humor of the new Adult Swim show. Most cartoons with such shock value or over the top humor leave me bored after only a few episodes (ie. Frisky DIngo or even Aqua Teen Hunger Force). However, every time I watch or rewatch an episode of Superjail, I find new and creative things. The deaths alone are very inventive. But what is really fun to watch, are the transitions and "camera movements" from shot to shot. Not to mention the hilarious characters (such as the twins and of course the effeminate, greedy Warden), the witty dialogue and the ingenious plots (such as the Time Police). I found Superjail to be very refreshing, even if it was probably created by a bunch of dudes tripping on acid one day.
4. The Life and Times of Tim - HBO found a great new cartoon in Tim. The animation is simple and add to the charm of the show, making it different from any "cartoon" on television. The humor is dry and the situations that Tim finds himself in are predictable. However, the dialogue is some of the funniest stuff I've heard in a while. The short length make it easy to watch and keep things new and fresh every week, even if Tim ultimately gets into the same type of situation every episode. This show is a very laugh out loud affair and it became one of my most anticipated shows every weekend.
3. Mad Men - I might venture to say that this is the best writing on television today. I can understand how a lot of people would not be that into Mad Men, with its slow pace and focus on character development and the culture of the times. Where Lost juggles hundreds of intersecting things at once, Mad Men simply lets life play out. Every week I tune in just to see what Don Draper is going to say next. Who he's going to sleep with, who he is going to demean, who he is going to backhandedly insult with such ease and smoothness. Draper has a loving family and a successful job, but is so full of problems, he never seems to be happy. And yet, every girl seems to be attracted to him and many men seem to want to be in his position or gain his praise, which he rarely gives. The production design and casting are perfect in giving us a look into what life in New York in the 1960's must have been like, a drunken macho world. Mad Men might not be the most exciting show on television, but it seems to be the most sincere and realistic period piece ever made into episodic form.
2. Lost - Season 4 of Lost was crippled a bit by the Writer's Strike, but luckily the strike came late in the game. The show still left hundreds of questions unanswered, while introducing a whole slew of new uncertainties and mind fucks. However, Lost has continued to be a ground breaking show every season. No other show has ever continued such elaborate story lines and multiple characters of such eclectic differences over such a long run. Season 4 brought to the show several heart wrenching scenes and episodes that no doubt brought tears to millions of viewers eyes (read: Penny/Desmond Storyline). Not an easy feat to do in the world of Television drama. The time that millions of people have invested in Lost and its great characters is insurmountable. While the show now has only 2 seasons left, I find it comforting to know that we will all soon know answers to such huge questions that have been racking my brain for the past several years. We will also find out answers to questions that I have completely forgot I once had about the show. It is amazing that there is never a moment of predictability and each episode seems to surprise viewers every week while advancing the story further and further every hour. Some people have complained about the so called lack of focus the show has and that they are just stringing everyone along with no end in sight. I like to believe the creators and writers have had everything planned out from the beginning and I implore you to find a show as entertaining and thought provoking as this one. When the show finally comes to a close, I can only imagine the bittersweet feeling of knowing the answers to so many questions that have been eating away at my brain, only to realize that there will never be a new episode of what might possibly be considered the most groundbreaking series in television storytelling history. And I cannot imagine a show that creates so many emotions and feelings and thought to present itself to America through our televisions again. Thank God we have 2 more years of this show.
1. True Blood - While True Blood is chock full of cliches, cheese and full blown caricatures, it is by far the most entertaining show of the year. The characters and dialogue send the viewers on a wild ride full of blood, shocks and plenty of laughs. The situations that arise in such a greatly created small town range anywhere from sexy to funny to dark and scary. None of the romances or relationships ever really seem to connect or work with the same chemistry that seasoned veteran filmmakers are able to create. However, the writers are not afraid to take risks and make major changes to the people and the plot every week. I become really frustrated with shows such as Entourage, where nothing big ever changes. They tease you with conflict for an episode or two, but every time, it gets resolved nice and neatly and no one gets their hands dirty. True Blood is not that kind of show. They are not afraid to kill anyone at any moment. No one in True Blood is safe from drugs, imprisonment, vampires or ultimately death. This is by far the most creative and unique take on Vampires and their blood I have ever watched. The mystery and intrigue they create whenever Vampire Bill Compton is on screen is marvelous. The music and suspense is laid on thick, creating a romanticism and mysterious nature I have not seen applied to past vampiric entertainment. This was the most fun I had watching TV this year.
In the coming weeks I will be posting my year end best of lists in both Film and Music.
10. The Soup - The hilarious Joel McHale is the only reason, other than the fact they they pay my bills, I can stand reality television.
9. The Office - Still nowhere on the level of Ricky Gervais' original British comedy, The Office has given life and new likeable qualities to formerly hateable characters such as Andy and Michael Scott (played by one trick pony Steve Carell...although I can't quite figure out what his trick actually is).
8. Heroes - While season 2 of Heroes was riddled with horrible new characters, cheesy romances and cut short by the writer's strike, it bounced back with Volume 3 entitled "Villians". Heroes has done what no other show has ever done before. They have created an entire empire of entertainment. Heroes by no means stops at the end of the 44 minute monday night showing. Heroes has created a slew of comic books and online media. The show has taken on the form of a live action comic book. The characters and plots are so close to the world of comics that it could easily be used in a Comic Writing 101 course. The show does an amazing job of juggling dozens of characters who are all just as important to the overall story as the next. Everyone has equal significance and without warning, any characters mission or purpose will combine or be disrupted with another character. Whether it be greed, pride or just longing to do what a hero is supposed to do, save the world, Heroes has done an amazing job of creating its own world in which everyone can get lost in. Maybe this is my way of masking what is really going on with the show. Perhaps the show has lost sight of its original plot points and storylines. Maybe the shows writers are lazy and just decide to do whatever they want every week, but I would like to think they have just decided to treat it as though they were writing a comic book about super heroes, in which you are allowed certain liberties. If you like Heroes and don't read comics, you have probably been disillusioned by society into thinking it's not a true form of art, or not as intelligent as "real novels."
7. Friday Night Lights - FNL had a bounce back year in season 3. Unfortunately, FNL has never really found a solid audience. Bad slot times and the constant shuffling to find its right place in NBC's lineup nearly got the show cancelled 2 years in a row. Luckily Direct TV was ready to take a chance with their new exclusive channel and rolled the dice with its first project Friday Night Lights. They put up the money for a third season in order to have exclusive first run several months before NBC. In season 2, the writers tried too hard to make FNL something it wasn't. I think they took cue from shows like the OC and 90210 (is there a difference?) in adding subplots involving hiding a murder, fleeing to Mexico to get illegal surgery, and stealing money from a violent meth head. Luckily, the writers saw the errors of their ways and got back to basics in season 3. With emphasis placed back on the relationships of its main characters, Friday Night Lights is back on track. A great new conflict was created when a new star Freshman quarterback moved into Dillon just to be coached by the great Coach Taylor. What great timing it was that Coach's daughter became interested in Saracen again right when it seemed as though his quarterbacking future might be coming to a halt. Not only does Coach Taylor have to deal with Buddy Garrety's hilarious harassment, but now Taylor's wife Tami, as the new Principal, has Buddy breathing down her neck, which creates some hilarious moments involving absurd requests for the football program. Buddy is such a great character, because he is a loving father that was cursed with two daughters and no son to live vicariously through in the way of sports. Tyra still rides on the fence between trailer trash and a promising future in school and Riggins is still an apathetic badass with no future in sight. What really set this season apart for me, was the added likability factor to Smash Williams character. This show is great in creating relatable qualities in each and every one of its characters and who can't love the warm hearts and good intentions of the Taylor family? FNL is back to being a good high school drama. Will it be good enough though, to pick up viewers and be renewed for another season? Perhaps if they would just write off the terrible Jason Street and all of the stupid subplots he becomes involved in, the show will stand a chance.
6. Dexter - In its 3rd season, the writers of Dexter had the opportunity to take the show in just about any direction. Instead of doing much of anything new, they basically let the show slip into the same formula they've used for the past 2 seasons. I was hoping for some new risks, but instead got the same great television and same great character from seasons 1 and 2. However, now the supporting cast and subplots come off as hokey. One of the reasons Dexter was such a gripping show in season 1 was the element of surprise and the newness of it. Dexter Morgan immediately became one of the greatest characters ever written for Television. It still remains a good show. However, the novelty has worn off and the failure to keep us guessing made for an average season full of little suspense and much predictability. And all of the loose ends were tied up so fast, it almost seemed as though the writers forgot the show was on a 12 episode season until episode 11. The only reason this show takes spots over FNL and Heroes is the love and excitement the creators put in me when the show first aired 2 years ago. I still hold onto that feeling like a child who desparately wants to believe there is a santa claus but knows in the back of his mind the true culprits behind the fat suit and rosy cheeks. I look forward to keep watching this show with each new season, but now I will wait with reluctance of the feeling it gave me in season 1.
5. Superjail - On first viewing, most people would be disgusted and find little to no value in the ridiculous humor of the new Adult Swim show. Most cartoons with such shock value or over the top humor leave me bored after only a few episodes (ie. Frisky DIngo or even Aqua Teen Hunger Force). However, every time I watch or rewatch an episode of Superjail, I find new and creative things. The deaths alone are very inventive. But what is really fun to watch, are the transitions and "camera movements" from shot to shot. Not to mention the hilarious characters (such as the twins and of course the effeminate, greedy Warden), the witty dialogue and the ingenious plots (such as the Time Police). I found Superjail to be very refreshing, even if it was probably created by a bunch of dudes tripping on acid one day.
4. The Life and Times of Tim - HBO found a great new cartoon in Tim. The animation is simple and add to the charm of the show, making it different from any "cartoon" on television. The humor is dry and the situations that Tim finds himself in are predictable. However, the dialogue is some of the funniest stuff I've heard in a while. The short length make it easy to watch and keep things new and fresh every week, even if Tim ultimately gets into the same type of situation every episode. This show is a very laugh out loud affair and it became one of my most anticipated shows every weekend.
3. Mad Men - I might venture to say that this is the best writing on television today. I can understand how a lot of people would not be that into Mad Men, with its slow pace and focus on character development and the culture of the times. Where Lost juggles hundreds of intersecting things at once, Mad Men simply lets life play out. Every week I tune in just to see what Don Draper is going to say next. Who he's going to sleep with, who he is going to demean, who he is going to backhandedly insult with such ease and smoothness. Draper has a loving family and a successful job, but is so full of problems, he never seems to be happy. And yet, every girl seems to be attracted to him and many men seem to want to be in his position or gain his praise, which he rarely gives. The production design and casting are perfect in giving us a look into what life in New York in the 1960's must have been like, a drunken macho world. Mad Men might not be the most exciting show on television, but it seems to be the most sincere and realistic period piece ever made into episodic form.
2. Lost - Season 4 of Lost was crippled a bit by the Writer's Strike, but luckily the strike came late in the game. The show still left hundreds of questions unanswered, while introducing a whole slew of new uncertainties and mind fucks. However, Lost has continued to be a ground breaking show every season. No other show has ever continued such elaborate story lines and multiple characters of such eclectic differences over such a long run. Season 4 brought to the show several heart wrenching scenes and episodes that no doubt brought tears to millions of viewers eyes (read: Penny/Desmond Storyline). Not an easy feat to do in the world of Television drama. The time that millions of people have invested in Lost and its great characters is insurmountable. While the show now has only 2 seasons left, I find it comforting to know that we will all soon know answers to such huge questions that have been racking my brain for the past several years. We will also find out answers to questions that I have completely forgot I once had about the show. It is amazing that there is never a moment of predictability and each episode seems to surprise viewers every week while advancing the story further and further every hour. Some people have complained about the so called lack of focus the show has and that they are just stringing everyone along with no end in sight. I like to believe the creators and writers have had everything planned out from the beginning and I implore you to find a show as entertaining and thought provoking as this one. When the show finally comes to a close, I can only imagine the bittersweet feeling of knowing the answers to so many questions that have been eating away at my brain, only to realize that there will never be a new episode of what might possibly be considered the most groundbreaking series in television storytelling history. And I cannot imagine a show that creates so many emotions and feelings and thought to present itself to America through our televisions again. Thank God we have 2 more years of this show.
1. True Blood - While True Blood is chock full of cliches, cheese and full blown caricatures, it is by far the most entertaining show of the year. The characters and dialogue send the viewers on a wild ride full of blood, shocks and plenty of laughs. The situations that arise in such a greatly created small town range anywhere from sexy to funny to dark and scary. None of the romances or relationships ever really seem to connect or work with the same chemistry that seasoned veteran filmmakers are able to create. However, the writers are not afraid to take risks and make major changes to the people and the plot every week. I become really frustrated with shows such as Entourage, where nothing big ever changes. They tease you with conflict for an episode or two, but every time, it gets resolved nice and neatly and no one gets their hands dirty. True Blood is not that kind of show. They are not afraid to kill anyone at any moment. No one in True Blood is safe from drugs, imprisonment, vampires or ultimately death. This is by far the most creative and unique take on Vampires and their blood I have ever watched. The mystery and intrigue they create whenever Vampire Bill Compton is on screen is marvelous. The music and suspense is laid on thick, creating a romanticism and mysterious nature I have not seen applied to past vampiric entertainment. This was the most fun I had watching TV this year.
In the coming weeks I will be posting my year end best of lists in both Film and Music.
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