Sunday, November 9, 2008

Bang Bang!

Long overdue post!

REDUCE and REUSE:
Ed Bangers /Music


Justice - Planisphère (Final)
Busy P - To Protect and Entertain (So Me Get Naked Remix)
Scenario Rock - Both Gotta Move On (SebastiAn Remix)

So this french douchebag called Pedro Winter decides it would be a good idea to start a record label for French Electro Acts. He signs on obscure DJs like Daft Punk that samples a lot of 80's funk and Justice that builds an album inspired by Michael Jackson. And by then, everyone's like, wtf, who are these french guys capitalizing on American Pop culture? Why are they s00000 good? Le Bangers graced Webster Hall with their presence on Thursday last week (or pretty much Friday on Halloween since the doors opened so late). And here's how it was...


So Me
Though better known as "the guy who makes all the Banger's album art and videos," So Me's DJ set was definitely enjoyable as the first opening act. People started dancing rowdy from the beginning to the albeit typical Ed Banger sound.

He's the mastermind behind Justice's sweet morphing graphic tee music video for D.A.N.C.E




SebastiAn
One of the edgier bangers, his remixes are little more than what I can usually handle. Surprisingly, his DJ set was more approachable as he played many tributes to iconic American music. I think he had some Biggie and MGMT in the mix.

Justice
Although I didn't get to talk to Juicetees personally this time, I was able to appreciate the show under better circumstances. First of all, I wasn't trashed to the point I couldn't keep my eyes open. But more important, I wasn't crushed under the ridiculous sea of bodies (I'm pretty sure it hit more than max capacity in that club in Korea). Overall, it was an enjoyable show with a pretty solid mix.


They've recently released a new EP, Planisphere. It's not too great, but its very "Justice," if you know what I mean.

Busy P
It's surprisingly a good idea to have another act after the headlining DJ set. This way, you don't feel this void once the show is done, and you can enjoy the dance floor without having to worry about soaking your shirt in a stranger's bolidy fluids.

There are some more Ed Banger artists worth mentioning, but one of my favorites are Mr. Oizo. Also, Daft Punk used to be signed to this label but not anymore.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Party at the Hospital!

REDUCE and REUSE:
Health and Health // Disco /Music

Lost Time (Picture Plane Rmx) - Health
Crimewave (Crystal Castles Vs Health) - Health
Triceratops (Cfcf Rmx) - Health

Noise rock? Not interested. Oh wait, a remix album? That's what I'm talking about!

I only found out about Health through their collaboration with Crystal Castles for Crimewave. Apart from annoying the hell out of me as noise rock band, they've created a remix entity called Health//Disco on myspace, just featuring material from their remix record.

If you think A Place To Bury Strangers is remotely listenable, maybe you wouldn't mind Health's original material. But I'll just stick to the Disco... an electro remix can cure almost any song!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Soda 2.0

REUSE:
Pepsi /Food
I read on HRO about the new Pepsi logo designs. Seems to be following the Web 2.0 aesthetic. Pepsi Cola is a poseur of all kinds - first it was the red-blue-thingy of the Korean flag and now it's this totally overdone web design language.



I LIKE!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Must Trash Part II

REUSE:
Good Dick /Movie
Cast: Jason Ritter, Marianna Palka
Release: 10/17/08

Hehe!

Just Buried /Movie
Cast: Rose Byrne, Jay Baruchel
Release: 10/3/08 (Limited) - No longer in theaters :(

I don't get it. Are they killing people? Seems like it got a horrible rating but I love the cast.

The Pleasure of Being Robbed /Movie
Cast: Bunch of random people...
Release: 10/3/08 - No longer in theaters :(

I'm intrigued...

Doubt /Movie
Cast: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams
Release: 12/12/08 (Limited)

s0000 intense!

Must Trash Part I

REUSE:
Zack and Miri Make a Porno /Movie

Cast: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks
Release: 10/31/08

Awwwkwaaard!


Christmas on Mars /Movie
Cast: The Flaming Lips
Release: 9/12/08 (New York)

The flaming lips of aliens...

The Lucky Ones /Movie
Cast: Rachel McAdams,
Michael Peña, Tim Robbins
Release: 9/26/08 - No longer in theaters :(

Need to catch this on DVD I guess.

Sunshine Cleaning /Movie
Cast: Amy Adams, Emily Blunt
Release: 3/13/09 (Limited)

Big Miss Sunshine?

CMJ: Friday at Glasslands Gallery [10/24/08]

So I get off the L train on Bedford Ave, and as I enter the twilight zone of Billyburg, I remember that forget to bring a fake ID. "Shit, shit! How the hell am I getting into this 21+ show?" After freaking out for a bit, I just decided to go and make up some excuse about having lost my ID, but I was still nervous as I walked to the venue. But once I saw the obscure entrance to Glasslands Gallery (we spent about 3 minutes trying to figure out if it really was the entrance), I was 300% sure they wouldn't give a shit even if I looked like I were prepubescent. And I was right, they just stamped my hand with no questions at all. What is with this 21+ nonsense? America is wack.

RECYCLE:

Netherfriends /Music


Netherfriends - Tac Tac
Netherfriends - Stop Smoking Asshole Cigarettes

This Chicago based band lists their music under Psychedelic, Pop, and K-POP in their myspace page. But the only Korean thing about the band is their former Korean member and a track that alludes to the Korean War. Well I'm not too good at describing music (more of a visual arts person really...) and explaining Netherfriend's combination of psychedelic, experimental, noise rock is pretty much beyond my mental capacity. But I can tell you that it's all weird, good, and fun at the same time.

Yet another band to keep a look out on. Buy them on iTunes!

RECYCLE:

Miracles of Modern Science
/Music


Miracles of Modern Science - MR2
Miracles of Modern Science - Eating Me Alive

I've posted about MOMS before. Great show! It's very entertaining live. Here's a more detailed summary of the show by the-more-serious-music-lover-M. They released their EP this week at amazingwow, go go download!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Hazard

REUSE:
Danger /Music


Frenchman Franck Rivoire deejays under the moniker Danger. His material is heavily influenced by 80's electronic music, as you can hear in his homage to 8-bit video game music in the remix of "Into the Galaxy."
This 80's influence makes his sound more approachable as it is vaguely familiar off the bat... for me at least. He's only released one EP and less than a dozen remixes. I'm definitely keeping a watch on him (he also has an interesting anime aesthetic - embarassingly so, I think it's a plus!).


His Myspace indicates that EP II and his first album is in preparation. I want to catch him at the Webster Hall Halloween Party. M, who hasn't developed refined electro ears like I have, doesn't think it's going to be great. Pish posh! Unless she finds a better alternative, I will see you there.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Alter Ego

REUSE:
Walter Meego /Music

Named after a band member's alter ego, the Electro-Pop duo, Walter Meego, was formed in UIUC between Justin Sconza and Colin Yarck. Sconza's vocals has a very peculiar tang and nasal attribute to it that make it undeniably Midwestern. Illinois electro anyone?

From their newest album, Voyager, my favorite tracks are "Girls" and "Forever" (the Van She Tech Remix is great), both which have a very catchy hook. Their other material was rather dark compared to what I would expect.

They opened for Ra Ra Riot on 10/17 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Jarrett Spiegel (left), a tour member, was the most interesting to watch as he really worked the synthesizers to a sweat. And of course I am here blogging about the electro act of the night, while my more serious music lover friend M writes about Ra Ra Riot.

New Direction

REUSE:
Keane /Music


I didn't care much for Keane when 'Under the Iron Sea' was released, but surprise surprise! They have added some electro flavor to their music. Now who's listening?

Here's the pretty trippy music video for their first single from their recently released album Perfect Symmetry.

Synth makes anything better. But the Sugagbabe's cover of "Spiralling" is noteworthy. So is Keane's cover of "With Or Without You" by U2.

ENJOY.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Secondary

REUSE:
thenewno2 /Music

Do you ever wonder what kind of life the kids of famous musicians lead? Would having a rockstar dad be cool or shameful? Well here we have the son of a Beatle trying to make music like his father did once.
Dhani Harrison (left), son of George Harrison, formed thenewno2 with Oliver Hecks (right) back in 2006. They had released their EP, and recently their debut album, You Are Here. I wouldn't call it typical British Indie Rock, but that's the simplest way to describe their musical style.

When I first heard them, they sounded like a more approachable version of The Kills, especially in the tracks where Amanda Butterworth contributes the female vocals. They also claim to be heavily influenced by Blues. It's an impressive collection of work, considering Harrison hadn't plan on making music until his father's death. (In undergrad he studied Physics and Industrial Design at Brown University!)

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Not Only Viagra


"I found a band from Princeton that's gonna make it big."
"Are they as good as Vampire Weekend?"
"No. Even better."

That's is how I heard out about Miracles of Modern Science, or MoMS as M and I call them. Already garnering a good amount of attention, MoMS is not just another crappy Ivy League band. First of all, they wear space suits on stage (a gimmick that I hope they would entirely drop in the near future). Second, the only standard instrument in their arrangement is a drum set. The others include a mandolin, violin, cello and a standup bass. I don't think I can really describe what it sounds like. You'll just have to listen to understand the fresh ingenuity of their material.

Here's a recording of their performance:

Who would've thought anything good could come out of Jersey?

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Homicide

Why am I suddenly posting so much? Because I have midterms to procrastinate for!

REUSE:
The Kills /Music



Possibly more famous for one of its members dating the super-coke-hea-I mean model- Kate Moss, this garage rock duo still deserves the same attention just with their music. I never knew I could ever appreciate garage rock. I had assumed it should duly stay in the... garage. But like I've mentioned before, I'm a sucker for guy-girl vocals, and the British-American duo lend both of their voices in a lot of the tracks.


The Kills is comprised of an American Girl, Alison "VV" Mosshart, and a British Lad, Jamie "Hotel" Hince (a level up from Pete Dohoerty, I must say Kate). It explains the true cross-Atlantic sensibility of their material. It's dirty, grimey English post-punk yet American rock 'n' roll at the same time. Maybe this is gross imagery, but if you amplified the sound of putting out a cigarette in a puddle of semen, it might sound like The Kills. Sadly, I missed their show last week at Music Hall of Williamsburg. They're currently touring for their new album, Midnight Boom.

I wish I could like studying as much as I liked listening to music.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Frankophile

RECYCLE:
I realized that the old youtube video of '3 Little Words' by FRANKMUSIK that I posted a while back doesn't work anymore. Why? Because he replaced it with a new one!



I still like the older video and recording better, but I can't seem to find it at all...


Here are a few more tracks and remixes that you ought to listen




He's releasing the new EP, 3 Little Words, on November 24th.
I can't wait until he comes to New York. Please, please, Vincent!

Astronomic

REUSE:
Stars /Music




I discovered Stars in one of The O.C. soundtracks that that I got as a birthday present a few years ago. Their song, "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead," had really caught my attention. And coincidentally, I read about their remix album, Do You Trust Your Friends, in WIRED magazine the following week.

This Canadian band is comprised of both a male and female vocal that softly meshes their voice with the rock instrumentation. I'd always been a sucker for co-ed vocals. Stars was an amazing discovery for me at the time when I had only begun to listening to music other than asian pop.

via Brooklyn Vegan

They played at Terminal 5 (a place that I resent for it's all-ages policy) on Sept 20th. They played most of their newly released EP, Sad Robots, with a matching futurisitic-sea-harbor backdrop. It was great hearing their songs live, but I won't lie, their set was a bit too long and I was getting a little bored towards the end. A lot of their material is a bit too mellow for my liking, and that's why I love their remix album.

This is the accurate set list compiled by M:
The Night Starts Here
Ageless Beauty
Soft Revolution
Window Bird
ReunionViolent
Bitches in Tokyo
My Favourite Book
Going, Going, Gone
Look Up
Midnight Coward
A Thread Cut with a Carving Knife
Undertow
What I'm Trying to Say
Elevator Love Letter
Your Ex-Lover is Dead
-
Take Me to the Riot
One More Night (Your Ex-Lover Remains Dead)
Calendar Girl
Heart

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Archduke

REUSE:
Franz Ferdinand /Music



I'm a horrible blogger, I know. I haven't posted regularly, but it's because I've been too busy going to concerts and studying for midterms (mechanical engineering = death). But I just have to brag about the show that I went to tonight. Luckily, I got a ticket from craigslist to the secret Franz Ferdinand show an hour before doors opened.

They performed at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, which, by no surprise, has an eerily similar layout and feel to Bowery Ballroom. It was my first time in Williamsburg (aka Hipster Mecca or "This place is so gentrified it can't be Brooklyn"), so I found it a bit ironic that I was there to see a band with such mainstream success.

After the awful opening act, they got on stage with a song called 'Ride Together' from their new album. Kapranos announced that the album will be called Tonight. I also read on NME that it's meant to be a dance album, with beat rates that are more dance-friendly than their previous You Could Have It So Much Better. But even with the new material, they had retained their old sound by using their signature guitar riffs and sensibilities.

via SoundBitesNYC

Franz Ferdinand is a cute band with a very likable aesthetic. I feel like it borrows a lot from the 70's, but even when not, the entire band always has a tailored look. This was my second time seeing them (first being the crazy outdoor performance at Pentaport Rock Festival two years ago). Tonight's show was much more intimate because it was at a small venue with an older audience, but I think some of the bloody brits went a bit crazy behind us... as usual.

Setlist that I attempted to compile:
Ride Together*
Michael
Tell Her Tonight
Turn It On*
Dark of the Matinee
Send Him Away*
This Boy
Katherine Kiss Me*
Take Me Out
40'
Ulysses*
What She Came For*
Outsider
On Fire
*=from Tonight

Play some of their new tracks:

I'm excited for their new album!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

This House Needs Some Chairs and Stereos

REUSE:
Stereophonics /Music



I went to their show last Tuesday at Webster Hall. The performance was just what I expected―chill music by a band that that's sophisticated enough to give a good show. Although it wasn't anything exciting I was able to enjoy the lead singer's amazingly sexy voice.

Unsurprisingly, the audience was full of a rather older crowd with packs of britons here and there. The set was short and sweet. The encore was welcomed by me, as they hadn't performed my favorite two songs, "Dakota" and "Maybe Tomorrow" until then. Kelly Jones performed an acousitc intepretation of "Maybe Tomorrow" and for a moment I felt pure bliss through my ears.


REDUCE:
House Bunny /Film
Rating: 6/10

Anna Farris is a gem. Recently, there is no other actress in the genre of comedy who makes me laugh as much as she does. It's unfortunate that House Bunny has been the first opportunity for her to shine as the lead role. The movie ensued some hilarity, but its awkward transitions and cinematography ruined the rather smooth progression of the film.

It's still worth a watch because the entire female ensemble puts on a delightful performance.


RECYCLE:
Chairlift /Music


My friend at madeablog has already been blogging forever about this underrated and relatively undiscovered band. I went to see them open for the Black Kids a while back. They were probably the most delightful surprise this summer. I was so satisfied by their performance that the friend and I just left immediately after the opening act to go watch Iron Man (terrible movie by the way).

I remember how before the show Caroline, the girl vocal, was complaining how she was denied a drink (for not having the wristband) from the bar and was constantly treated like shit at Bowery Ballroom. This was probably because they were only an opening act... but now with the exposure from the iPod nano commercial, I'm sure they're going to hit it big. I can tell that it's very imminent!

Music video of "Planet Health":

Monday, September 1, 2008

Sorry Fishies

Dear readership (i.e. friends who I force to read my blog). I havn't posted in a while since I didn't rot at work as much as I did before. I promise to post more once since I got back to New York and I'll start watching live shows and movies in theaters.

But I do have one noteworthy movie that I've seen recently that I highly recommend:


This Israeli film won the Caméra d'Or (The Golden Camera award) at the Cannes Festival this year. It's another one of those "different people - same city - all intertwine" movies (examples being Crash, Love Actually, Heights). But the movie seems a bit more authetic than others; maybe because it's an international film devoid of all the hollywood commercialism. My favorite scene has to be when a newly wed woman reads, with a voice over, a poem that she previously wrote which was eventually finished by a writer, with whom they swapped hotel rooms. (Sorry for being so vague, otherwise I'd be spoiling the plot for you). Some of the plot lines and editing wasn't up to par, but the visuals and the enticing, magical realism of the movie makes up for it.

I tried to ponder on its thematic significance and I concluded that it's really a movie that portrays human relationships and self revelations. My friend made a good point that, as an Israeli film, the film makes a lot of references to death and rebirth. I'd have to watch this for a second time to make better conclusions.

P.S. I'm looking for that poem from the movie, please let me know if you find it anywhere online!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

THE SPIRIT

OMGWTFBBQSOS I JUST DIED WATCHING THIS TRAILER

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Crafting Such Great Heights

REUSE:
MSTRKRFT /Music


Disco Dust recently posted MSTRKRFT's newest remix and it's of Green Light by John Legend feat. Andre 300. I'm not too fond of the 'mixee' John Legend (maybe because he's ugly? I saw him perform live at school and it didn't do anything for me) but I'm still digging this track. However, the MSTRKRFT remix that I most shamelessly listened to was of Jesse McCartney's Leavin'.

I saw MSTRKRFT in Webster Hall back in May, and although it wasn't crazy packed like it was for Justice, it was equally amazing... I HAD SPACE TO DANCE. Towards the end, the crowd flooded the stage and I couldn't see them anymore :(. Although, I do remember this fat girl trying to get on stage for literally five minutes. I couldn't stop laughing, but a couple of nice lads gave her some help and pushed her up on stage. That was our cue for me and my friends to leave and get some scrumptious Yakitori in St. Marks.

I think most people agree that the Brooklyn based Canadian (thanks doinwork) duo's original tracks aren't as impressive as their remixes, but they aren't too shabby either. The single 'Easy Love' deserves a listen.


REDUCE:
Radiohead/Music

All music lovers are surprised when I tell them I don't like Radiohead. In fact, I only knew 'Creep' and 'High and Dry' by the band until they made the public stunt with giving out free digital copies of In Rainbows. I was intrigued. I listened to it, wasn't impressed and it was soon deleted.

Around the time they released the second CD for the album, my friend urged me to try them out again. This is when I tried to identify exactly why I don't like them. I can't say for sure, but I think it's Thom Yorke's voice that I find annoying. And their new experimental sound has this darkness that makes me feel uneasy - queasy almost.

You can't say that I didn't try. But honestly, they can stay as "the band that sings Creep" forever in my mind.

Here's Kermit singing that song:



RECYCLE:
Heights (2005) /Movie
Rating: 10/10


One of the most underrated movies of recent times, Heights closely follows the lives of five different New Yorkers in the span of twenty-four hours. It's loosely based on a short play by Amy Fox, who also penned the screenplay for the film.

There's just something really human about each character in the movie, and you would be able to identify with at least one of them. The cinematography and editing gracefully complements the intricate plot. Even if you don't like the whole drama aspect, it packs a few surprisingly funny moments that you shouldn't miss out on.

Trailer:


Did I also mention that it has an amazing cast? Elizabeth Banks, James Marsden, Jesse Bradford and Glenn Close. It even has a cameo by Rufus Wainwright!

Police Listen to Radio All Night

REUSE:
Justice /Music



Skitzo Dancer (Justice Remix) - Scenario Rock
The Fallen (Ruined by Justice) - Franz Ferdinand
B.E.A.T (Extended) - Justice


Last night, I went to see Justice perform at club a near where I live, and needless to say, it was amazing. Before the show, both Gaspard and Xavier were sitting at a table right next to ours. My friends and I shamelessly approached them to take a picture together and I managed to make some small talk with Xavier. I didn't get to say much, but they were probably too french for me to relate anyways.

Their DJ set was definitely a delight and they knew how to please the dance hungry crowd. The mixes weren't as distortion heavy as I expected it to be. May I call it rather mild? But they really kicked ass with their originals. I think the first track from Cross that they played was 'One Minute to Midnight.' It was just ten minutes of pure suspense and release... My memory is a bit hazy after that... I was suffocating in the crowd and probably way to drunk from one too many tequila shots. I left a little early, right after DVNO and D.A.N.C.E, because there was no space to dance or breath. This is also when I decided Justice is now too mainstream for my own good.

But I still love you Jousteece


REDUCE:
The Dark Knight /Film
Rating: -99/10

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I ended up watching the new Batman.

I rate it a negative 99 instead of the -100 that I predicted, because now I can genuinely make fun of Batman's retarded voice once again (if you don't remember, Christian Bale also had a chronic lugie in his throat in the previous installment).

Maybe I didn't like this movie because I'm shallow. I think Bale, Ledger, and Gyllenhaal are all pretty ugly. And I hate uglies :(. Also, I didn't know it was possible to cast someone who's even uglier than Katie Holmes.


RECYCLE:
FRANKMUSIK /Music



Fascination (Alphabeat vs. FRANKMUSIK Club Edit) - Alphabeat
Confusion Girl - FRANKMUSIK
You're Out (FRANKMUSIK Remix) - Dead Disco

I wasn't lying when I said I can't get enough of him. It's all I listen to on my dinky iriver these days. If anyone gets a hold of his track 'BEEP BEEP' or 'Gotta Boyfriend' please let me know.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Frankly, Good Stuff Comes from Korea

Motorola PEBL VU20 /Mobile Phone

The PEBL is seriously ancient (released originally in 2005), so I was confused when a phone with the same moniker was introduced in Korea a few days ago. But us hangookins never leave us disappointed. The new, updated PEBL, designed by the Korean team, has an external touch screen display that lights up through the glossy exterior. It's definitely targeted at female consumers, but everything else about it is so sexy that the I might not mind the color so much. Plus, it sports a standard 3.5mm headphone jack which is a HUGE PLUS. (One day I'm gonna go on a crusade to burn all cellphones with 2.5mm headphone jacks... maybe shove some up the asses of the people who decided to include them on phones in the first place.) You just might have to watch the video to understand.






좋은놈, 나쁜놈, 이상한놈: The Good, the Bad and the Weird (2008) /Film
Rating: 7/10

Korea's most expensive film up to date (17 million USD), The Good, The Bad and The Weird, has been getting quite the buzz recently. Labeled as an oriental western (I came up with this term by myself while watching the movie, and I felt so proud... until I found out that it was already coined a long time ago), the film is set in 1930's Manchuria. It's not a great movie and I know most people hate it for its lack of a plot and unnecessary violence. In fact, I was one of the few who genuinely enjoyed the film in its entirety. I thought it's rather simple plot had an appropriate, quick pace and were accommodated by adrenalin pumping action scenes. The story could have been much more profound, had it attacked any of its underlying themes, ranging from 'revenge' to the' loss of one's motherland.'

However, I think the cinematography was pretty amazing. I'm not surprised since the director, Ji-Woon Kim, has proved his aesthetic prowess behind the camera with his summer horror flick 장화홍련 (A Tale of Two Sisters). I highly recommend both movies, but make sure to see The Good, The Bad and The Weird in theaters now in Korea or in early 2009 during the limited US release.



FRANKMUSIK /Music


Probably one of my favorite up-and-coming DJ acts. Surprisingly, I like both his remixes and original works. It's a pity that he's only had a few EPs and collaborations released until now, because I just can't get enough of it. This English boy has developed an interesting sense of style. You can tell once you head over to his myspace page or website, and you should pick up some of his free samples while you're at it.

Video for '3 Little Words'


(Update: Apparently the video can't be played when embedded, but it opens up a new window to the Youtube page)

Please come to New York Vincent Frank.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Your Mom's Bleeding, Photo Op!

Free Blood /Music

Download mp3s

I saw Free Blood back in April when they opened for Hot Chip at Terminal 5. I'd never heard of the electro duo before, but really I enjoyed their performance. The dude in the pic is John Pugh, one time vocalist and drummer of !!! (Chk Chk Chk), and he seriously has a crazy stage persona. Towards the end he came off the stage and put his huge face RIGHT in front of mine. (We had momentary eye sex. I can't say if I was honored or scared... maybe both?) Their music is simply fun and full of energy... its like watching like kids singing in playground, only it's infused with instruments/electro beats.

Immediately that night I checked out their myspace page, but they only had two tracks streaming and no official album released. I have resorted to buying their EPs on iTunes with the free song credits I get from my ticketmaster purchases (free is always worth it). I'm looking forward to their album release, but it seems like it won't happen for a while.

This is their music video for "The Royal Family."

Imagine that giant on stage, but writhing even more viciously, like a worm.



Y Tu Mamá También (2001) /Film
Rating: 9/10

Y Tu Mamá También (literally 'and your mother too') is directed by Alfonso Cuaron and stars two of the most popular Latino actors, Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna. I've been meaning to watch it since it was released in Korean theaters six years ago, but the fact that the bed scenes were was practically soft core pr0n didn't make it easily accessible for a fourteen-year-old.

Despite the long wait, the movie exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed its realistic portrayal of its characters and its subtle approach in covering so many social themes relevant to Latin America. What's interesting is its unusual use of narration. At certain points, the narrator interrupts the soundtrack to describe something that relates what's happening on screen. These tangents seem irrelevant to the plot at the time, but later it becomes clear that they advance the overarching themes of the film. Here's an article that might help you understand the movie even better.



Steven Klein /Photography

Klein is known to photograph a lot of celebrities for magazine spreads, and that's exactly how I found out about him. It was an Oct 2007 issue of Details magazine with a section called "Brad Pitt by Steven Klein" (as shown above). I usually don't pay attention to these magazine spreads in general, but this one caught my attention with the heavy and colorful digital editing.

His other works are more conventional and not digitally raped so much. While I looked through his photo shoots of other celebrities, I also got a sense that his style fit fashion ads. And because I'm a genius, I was right. He's done ad shoots for Dolce and Gabanna, DSquared, and more girl brands that I don't care about. His website's definitely worth a look.