I just watched John Krasinski's movie, Brief Interviews With Hideous Men. Krasinki, who plays the fairly straight forward role of Jim Halpert on The Office, adapted what is, by all accounts, a very ambitous book.
The movie, which Krasinki also directed, has all the hallmarks of a hot mess--discontinuity meets a massive cast full of characters are not likable, which rarely works to the film's advantage. One example of such a film is the highly underrated 2004 film Closer, which went beyond unlikeable characters to the point where I actively rooted against all of them. All the while, I loved the movie.
The size of this film's cast will also help to define it in the minds of those who dismiss it. "Oh," you might think, "Here's another wanna be Magnolia. Look, even Ben Gibbard has a role in this." While I do think Gibbard was miscast in this role, it didn't really affect the movie and I'm pretty sure his appearance is something the movie business will survive. The blog Hipster Runoff walks the pop culture path extending from this casting decision all the way up to the grill of Jared Leto.
The movie is an intense look at feminism from the masculine side of the equation. Visually competent, Krasinki's real skil lies in getting good performances, with a major assist from his casting director, who loaded the film with talented character actors. The plot of the movie is intentionally difficult to follow, only becoming clear in the end, which is an abrupt stopping back at the start. This left me wondering, was it all worth it? After ponedring it a bit, I say yes, it was, and furthermore, a second veiwing might cement this as a delightful recent underground gem on par with Happy Endings or Ordinary People. Or, it might all unravel into an ambitious mess.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Amy Milan--I Will Follow You Into the Dark
by
Jay Allbritton
On the heels of proclaiming my ambivalence toward Death Cab for Cutie, here I am posting another one of their songs, this time a cover of "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" performed by Amy Milan of the band Stars.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Death Cab For Cutie--Photobooth
by
Jay Allbritton
I enjoy Ben Gibbard's solo and side work quite a bit, and I respect Death Cab quite a bit, yet I never got into the band very much. This song, performed live at KCRW, is one of the notable exceptions.
You Can't Fool Mother Nature, Say Bees
by
Hector Diego

I have been following this story since it broke in 2006. I find it deeply troubling, because bees are responsible for pollination. Other insects can do this, but not to the extent that bees do. Life would still go on for humans, but without flowers or fruits, which would have to be pollinated by hand. Only the rich could afford them.
We would be totally screwed without the bees, and we should take drastic steps to protect them. But no one listens to me.
Read the article.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Before they Made It--Nestor Carbonell
by
Jay Allbritton
Nestor Carbonell, the enigmatic Richard Alpert on Lost, first caught my attention playing the role of Batmanuel in the extremely silly sit-com version of The Tick.
Paul McCartney Does Letterman
by
Hector Diego
I don't know what year this was. I love the part where Paul gives his opinion of the Letterman Show. So candid. And so easy in front of the camera. I suppose he's had a lot of practice...
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saigon Kick--Colors
by
Jay Allbritton
South Florida rock almost-kings, Saigon Kick, apparently recorded some live acoustic stuff along the road to oblivion. I'm looking into it.
Friday, March 26, 2010
New Poll: Americans Support Obama
by
Hector Diego

A picture is worth a thousand words
Mark Twain said there are three kinds of lies--lies, damn lies, and statistics. The Republicans have been citing polls that supposedly support their claim that the new health care bill is unpopular. But they omit important details when citing these statistics.
Here's an excerpt from a CQPolitics article.
"The top line of the March 19-21 CNN/Opinion Research poll showed that by 59 percent to 39 percent, voters opposed the bill that the House was about to vote on."
"But when asked why, 13 percent of those opposed said the bill was 'not liberal enough.' Add them to the 39 percent in favor, and the balance came out 52 percent in support and 43 percent against, just about President Barack Obama's margin of victory in 2008."
Exactly. Democrats--who won the election--still support the President; Republicans--who lost the election--do not. That is all that is happening here.
Read the article.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
R.E.M.--It's the End of the World As We Know It
by
Jay Allbritton
The president mocks health care reform Armageddon:
Here's REM prophesying the end days--unplugged.
Here's REM prophesying the end days--unplugged.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Namaste - Gayatri Mantra
by
Hector Diego
Monday, March 22, 2010
k. d. lang--Hallelujah
by
Jay Allbritton
From the opening ceremony of the 2010 winter games. Those were fun. Good work, Canada.
Do You Believe Now?
by
Hector Diego

Everywhere I go I have seen conservative bumper stickers lampooning Obama's campaign slogan, "Change We Can Believe In." Some claim that he has not been able to change anything. Others doubted that he was tough enough for the job. But, all that has changed in the passage late yesterday of the health care reform bill.
In a reference to his 2008 campaign slogan, Obama said, “This is what change looks like.”
Administration officials see House passage of the Senate reform bill as a vindication of Obama’s legislative strategy and, above all, his toughness.
Read more.
John Lennon - Instant Karma
by
Hector Diego
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Two For Raktaka
by
Hector Diego
When my old friend Raktaka (Dasa Brahmacari, Adhikari, Swamiji Maharaja, take your pick--I just call him Mr. Clock) contacted me a few weeks ago, we took up where we left off more than twenty years ago. In other words, we are having completely incomprehensible conversations.
Although without observations by Vamsidhari--the Red Priest--it is somewhat more comprehensible. Anyway, with the music posted here, I hope to suggest some order or meaning to our fulminations.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
When Cassius Clay Met The Beatles
by
Jay Allbritton

Red Hot Chili Peppers--I Get Around
by
Jay Allbritton
Nice job (though far from perfect) by the Peppers, a band that has never really been strong on harmonies, tackling a pretty tough one from the Beach Boys. As with everything the Peppers do, the real show is going on in the rhythm section.
Randy Rhoads--Dee
by
Jay Allbritton
Ozzy Osbourne's first non-Black Sabbath lead guitarist, Randy Rhoads, died 28 years ago today in a plane crash. This is a video montage put together by a fan set to Randy's great acoustic instrumental, "Dee".
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists--Everybody Wants To Rule The World
by
Jay Allbritton
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists cover Tears for Fears' classic in style. This is part of The AV Club's Undercover series.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists cover Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists cover Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Van Halen--Eruption
by
Jay Allbritton
I like to watch this every six or seven years. It's impressive, just sounds bad.
America's Nuns Back Health Care Bill
by
Hector Diego

At issue for many Catholics is the perception that the new health care bill supported by The Walrus Speaks will provide tax money for elective abortions. But, read on.
"In a rare public disagreement that will reverberate among the nation's 70 million Catholics, leaders of religious orders representing 59,000 nuns sent lawmakers a letter urging lawmakers to pass the Senate health care bill. Expected to come before the House by this weekend, the measure contains abortion funding restrictions that the bishops say don't go far enough."
"Despite false claims to the contrary, the Senate bill will not provide taxpayer funding for elective abortions," said the letter signed by 60 leaders of women's religious orders. "It will uphold longstanding conscience protections and it will make historic new investments ... in support of pregnant women. This is the real pro-life stance, and we as Catholics are all for it."
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Right to Life Committee have denounced the bill as a backdoor subsidy for abortion. But the nuns and the Catholic Health Association — representing some 600 hospitals — say restrictions in the Senate bill would still prevent taxpayer funding for abortion, although the legal mechanism for doing so is different from what the bishops prefer.
Carly Fiorina Goes After Barbara Boxer
by
Hector Diego
Fiorina has flipped her pancake. Station Agent, have you seen this? Grab your popcorn and let the movie roll. It's comedy hour!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Paul McCartney Live - Please Please Me
by
Hector Diego
I sure would have liked to have been at this show!
Gandhi's Non-Violence Speech
by
Hector Diego
Fighting with non-violence has, for thousands of years, proven remarkably effective in India. Why not try it everywhere?
Gandhi stated that he was ready to use violence to protect his family, but only as a last resort. Does this make sense?
Monday, March 15, 2010
Paul's Medley Of John
by
Hector Diego
Paul remembers the three songs that remind him of John the most as "Strawberry Fields Forever", "Help", and "Give Peace A Chance."
Makes sense.
Portishead--Requiem for Anna
by
Jay Allbritton
From 2006's Serge Gainsbourg tribute Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisted.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Spiritualized--Ladies and Gentlemen We are Floating in Space
by
Jay Allbritton
This hypnotic ditty was featured in the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Have A Cup Of Joe For Obama
by
Hector Diego

Tea, or coffee?
I don't go to Starbucks, but I am glad to see that the Tea Baggers have some competition from the Coffee Party people, who basically want obstructionists to get out of the way so Obama can do his thing. Somehow I doubt that this will become as big a thing as the Tea Baggers, because Democrats are never as united or homogeneous a group. But the media attention will make it all worth it.
Bunchadamnliberals.
I would rather be a damn liberal than a dork who loves insurance companies!
Coffee Party founder Annabel Park put it rather succinctly. "After they dumped tea into the harbor, the Continental Congress declared coffee the national drink. That became the solution to the problem."
Read the article.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Pavement--Stereo
by
Jay Allbritton
Probably the most awesome, influential band I know next to nothing about.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Marmi Covers Serena Ryder
by
Hector Diego
Stepping out of her comfort zone down on the res, it looks like.
Neil Young - Lotta Love
by
Hector Diego
Thanks for that information, Station Agent. I never knew that Neil Young wrote that song! And I agree, it's a great song. There is a name for it...
Blue eyed soul.
Nicolette Larson--Lotta Love
by
Jay Allbritton
I'm loving this song in all of its iterations. It was written by Neil Young. Made famous in 1979, by Nicolette Larson who died from a seizure in 1997. This version is pretty heavy on the disco, which is not a bad thing.
Democrat Congressman Demands Stricter Enforcement Of Slaughter Laws
by
Hector Diego

Kucinich: enforce the laws
Would you eat an animal that you knew had been skinned alive? Of course you wouldn't. But a recent article about laws pertaining to slaughter shows that these laws are routinely ignored and rarely enforced, and skinned alive animals find their way to your dinner plate.
Why?
We hear the standard argument that we must take care of humans first, before worrying about animals. As if kindness to animals would hurt humans. It's amazing the variety of liberals who believe this argument, which is actually being made by the Republicans who own slaughterhouses. It doesn't matter what type of industry they have invested in. When anyone points out the wrongs that they do, they claim that any consideration of these wrongs is harmful to humans. And if liberals want the products of the Republicans' factories badly enough, they will find a way to believe this specious argument. This brings us to the issue of slaughterhouse animals and their sufferings.
No?
Here's a gem. A lawyer who is a spokesman for Bushway Packing (what's up with that name?), a slaughterhouse sanctioned for inhumane treatment of animals, said this. "These are really good country farmers who never intended in any way to inhumanely handle an animal," Langrock said. "This was a case of somebody looking only to find problems."
!!!
That's like saying that a person getting a traffic ticket is actually a good driver, and the cop who was doing his job by giving him a ticket was looking only to see if he would break the law--which is also his job.
Read the article.
Grass Roots - Let's Live For Today
by
Hector Diego
Thursday, March 11, 2010
I May Have to Start Reading Comics
by
Jay Allbritton
I was somewhat excited about the prospect of comedian Patton Oswalt helming a comic book continuation of the late great TV series Firefly. Then I found out that Dynamite Entertainment, a company I have never heard of because I don't know anything about comics post-1987, and very litte pre-1987, is going to adapt Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
One of the great disappointments associated with the series was the painfully bad cover art. With the exception of the 1998 reference book The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, the only good WoT art has been done by fans. The writer plans to do the entire series, so these books could be coming out for many years to come. If this cover is any indication, the series is in good hands.
One of the great disappointments associated with the series was the painfully bad cover art. With the exception of the 1998 reference book The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, the only good WoT art has been done by fans. The writer plans to do the entire series, so these books could be coming out for many years to come. If this cover is any indication, the series is in good hands.

Obama Sees The Light; Renounces Conciliation In Favor Of Reconciliation
by
Hector Diego

Fired up!
The Daily Beast has an article that warms my heart. I NEVER wanted bipartisanship from Barack Obama. I always knew that such an attempt would be a serious waste of valuable time. Now, our President is taking off the gloves and exposing the Republicans for what they are--supporters of the insurance companies. How could ANYONE support these slimy bastards unless they had an economic interest to do so? What I want our President to do is KICK CONSERVATIVE ASS.
"Barack Obama is coming to terms with American politics as it is, not as he might like it to be. Partisan street-fighter may not be the part he envisioned himself playing, but he’s starting to warm to the role." Thank God, and about time!
Read the article.
Hey Jude
by
Hector Diego
"Hey Jude" was from the White Album era, and so deserves to be included in the Beatles LP Countdown just so visitors to The Walrus Speaks can hear the unfolding of the Beatles Revelation. Arguably, the three greatest events of the 20th century were the bombing at Hiroshima, the landing of the Beatles at Kennedy International on February 7, 1964, and this taping of "Hey Jude."
Besides being a great song, it tells of things to come. McCartney--for the moment--is in top form, doing his Little Richard impression. Lennon--chewing gum as always--is biding his time. George--enthralled with Hinduism--is just playing along. Ringo is very happy, having the time of his life.
We can look at this portrait as something sad, or something that just is. I choose the latter.
Na na na na.
PS: From Wikipedia--
When McCartney introduced Lennon to his new composition, he came to "the movement you need is on your shoulder" and told Lennon "I'll fix that bit." Lennon asked why, and McCartney answered "...it's a stupid expression; it sounds like a parrot." Lennon parried with "You won't, you know. That's the best line in the song." McCartney thus left the line in, and later said "...when I play that song, that's the line when I think of John, and sometimes I get a little emotional during that moment."
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Rachel Jacobs--It's Fun to Run
by
Jay Allbritton
This is from a show Rachel Jacobs played in Houston back in 2003.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Regina Spektor--Ghost of Corporate Future
by
Jay Allbritton
Monday, March 08, 2010
Foo Fighters--Everlong
by
Jay Allbritton
If everything could ever feel this real forever
If anything could ever be this good again
The only thing I'll ever ask of you
You've got to promise not to stop when I say when
KTWS Random Playlist Podcast
by
Jay Allbritton
Set list – Walrus Radio (Download), March 8, 2010:
1.The Henry Clay People – Working Part Time
2.Elliott Smith – Between the Bars (live)
3.Cymbals Eat Guitars – Ballad of Big Nothing (Elliott Smith cover)
4.The New Pornographers – Hands Together
5.She & Him – Lotta Love (Neil Young cover)
6.The Glass Beef – Hawaii
7.The Unicorns – Let's Get Known
8.Los Campesinos! - The Sea Is a Good Place To Think Of The Future
9.Jenna Finland – After Hours (Velvet Underground cover)
1.The Henry Clay People – Working Part Time
2.Elliott Smith – Between the Bars (live)
3.Cymbals Eat Guitars – Ballad of Big Nothing (Elliott Smith cover)
4.The New Pornographers – Hands Together
5.She & Him – Lotta Love (Neil Young cover)
6.The Glass Beef – Hawaii
7.The Unicorns – Let's Get Known
8.Los Campesinos! - The Sea Is a Good Place To Think Of The Future
9.Jenna Finland – After Hours (Velvet Underground cover)
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Friday, March 05, 2010
The Shins--Gone for Good
by
Jay Allbritton
"I find a fatal flaw
In the logic of love
And go out of my head
You love a sinking stone
That'll never elope
So get used to the lonesome
Girl, you must atone some
Don't leave me no phone number there"
In the logic of love
And go out of my head
You love a sinking stone
That'll never elope
So get used to the lonesome
Girl, you must atone some
Don't leave me no phone number there"
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Liz Phair--Never Said
by
Jay Allbritton
From the late, great MTV's 120 Minutes, 1994. Possibly the appearance that convinced me to buy Exile in Guyville.
Faith No More--Easy
by
Jay Allbritton
Faith No More covered Lionel Richie's "Easy" on the Tonight Show a long time ago.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Jason Boesel--Burned Down and Busted
by
Jay Allbritton
Jason Boesel's Midas touch as a drummer helped elevate Rilo Kiley and Bright eyes to legendary status (if such a thing even exists anymore). Now he's finally released a solo record, and he played this song recently at WTBU in Boston.
John Lennon - How Do You Sleep?
by
Hector Diego
Lennon unloads on McCartney--and then, introspective as always--claims he was singing about himself.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Florence and the Machine--Girl With One Eye
by
Jay Allbritton

Monday, March 01, 2010
Have You Seen Chelsea King?
by
Hector Diego

Chelsea King has gone missing, and the San Diego Police Department suspects foul play. Call (619) 531-2000 if you have any information for them.
This kind of thing brings out the John Walsh in me. You too?
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- Brief Review--Brief Interviews With Hideous Men
- Amy Milan--I Will Follow You Into the Dark
- Death Cab For Cutie--Photobooth
- You Can't Fool Mother Nature, Say Bees
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- Rilo Kiley - Close Call
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- Do You Believe Now?
- John Lennon - Instant Karma
- Two For Raktaka
- Goa Trance
- Slavoj Zizek on Consistent Perspective
- When Cassius Clay Met The Beatles
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- Randy Rhoads--Dee
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- Gandhi's Non-Violence Speech
- Paul's Medley Of John
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- I May Have to Start Reading Comics
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- Regina Spektor--Ghost of Corporate Future
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- Paul McCartney - Too Many People
- Haiti One Month Later
- Have You Seen Chelsea King?
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