An actual white Christmas

Posted on December 31, 2012 by

Looking Out

I am as shocked as anyone else here in North Texas, but it actually snowed on Christmas day. It wasn’t a sleeting or an instantly melting winter mix either. There was a good couple of inches of snow on the ground. Thankfully I had my Long Johns, camera, and an adorable Husky to help me survive this elusive thing called “cold.”

The weather on Christmas day also reminded me how incredibly beautiful and breathtaking nature can be. It’s easy to forget if you’re someone like me that is driving around more concrete and pavement than grass and trees. Sometimes it’s just nice to take a minute (or 30) and admire the natural world that surrounds us.

I hope everyone has a great New Year’s, and remember to take some quiet time for yourself in this fast-paced world we live in.

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A playlist for winter

Posted on December 2, 2012 by

http://timeentertainment.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/the-shining.jpg?w=346&h=480&crop=1&h=230It was 80 degrees outside today, so I’m not sure that this playlist actually compliments the climate I’m in, but for those who are already experiencing snow or want to pretend you are, here is a playlist for you.

Some of these songs don’t include any references to snow or wintertime (and I promise- very few references to Christmas), but it’s a nice collection of melancholy and delicate. A few of the music videos for the tunes also align with the theme.

Click here to listen to the playlist!

1. “Immigrant Song”- Led Zeppelin

That infamous “Ahhaahhhhh…ah!” gives this such a primal feel, it belongs to scenes of hunting in the fierce winter winds of… England?

Also, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Karen O did a fantastic cover version for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo soundtrack.

2. “In the Cold, Cold, Night”- White Stripes

Before Jack White was in a gazillion other bands

Before Jack White was in a gazillion other bands

Megan White was never the focus of the band, so it’s nice to see her take the spotlight and sing this simple, slightly bluesy track.

3.  ”Let Me Sleep”- Pearl Jam

Eddie Vedder has a great voice and all, but he must be one boring Christmas buddy. Anyways, here’s a rarity from their Lost Dogs two-disc collection.

4. “Glósóli”- Sigur Rós

It is just such a beautiful, breathtaking song. Sigur Rós are one of those bands that make mesmerizing music videos that compliment the music- “Glósóli” included.

5. “Untitled”- Interpol

I always imagine a visual of New York City on a chilly evening when “Untitled” is playing, or maybe just a crowded subway and people pushing each other during rush hour.

6. “White Winter Hymnal”- Fleet Foxes

The whole debut album by Fleet Foxes could be applied as sounds for winter. However, this one doesn’t just mention the season in the title, it also perfectly fits the mood of wintertime forests and cabins.

7. “A Hazy Shade of Winter”- Simon & Garfunkel

They probably wouldn't get away with those hairdos in the music industry now.

They probably wouldn’t get away with those hairdos in the music industry now.

Leave to Simon & Garfunkel to create an upbeat tune about dreary winter weather. However, it is a beautiful song, and shows off their famed songwriting prowess.

8. “Violet Hill”- Coldplay

Go ahead haters, hate away. I like this album and I shall listen to it anyway.

9. “This Ship Was Built to Last”- The Duke Spirit

The Duke Spirit are an underrated British band led by the smoky vocals of Liela Moss. They even opened for Jane’s Addiction this year.

10. “Breaking Down”- Florence + the Machine

A beautifully arranged song about gradually losing sanity. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Florence Welch.

11. “Farewell to the Fairground”- White Lies

Happy times with White Lies

Happy times with White Lies

There’s a U2-ish quality to this building track, whose video perfectly correlates with the theme.

Are there any other songs I should add? Just let me know!

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An Arthouse Halloween

Posted on October 28, 2012 by

Criterion Collection

Veer away from the normal.  Come to the wacky, weird, and downright disturbing side of horror and suspense for Halloween.

Instead of watching Halloween or Friday the 13th for the 15th time, try these independent and criminally overlooked films. Some are beautifully laid out, and some downright insane.

Eyes Without a Face (1960)



Some of my favorite French films were made in the late ’50s and early ’60s. It was when America was still producing relatively tame movies in comparison with France, mostly because of the ridiculous Production Code enacted at the time. Watching a movie like Eyes Without a Face might be shocking to those who think this era of movies as just a bunch of happy-go-lucky tales about girls and cars.

It’s basically about a surgeon whose daughter has become disfigured, and he attempts to amend the heartbreaking situation by taking the faces from other girls and transplanting them onto his daughter’s. Just like Gidget, right?

There’s one scene in particular that might even still make some people (including my mother) squeamish. Perhaps the most disturbing part of the movie is its relevance to today’s society- because there really are people getting face transplants.

House (1977)



Where do I even start with this one…there’s people-eating pianos, floating heads, blood-spewing clocks, evil cats- everything you could want in a 1970s Japanese movie! There’s no doubt it was made with a tongue-in-cheek vibe. The animation is purposefully silly, and the acting is amateur and borderline annoying. However, it’s a lot of fun, and certainly memorable. Fans of David Cronenberg’s movies will love it.

There’s not really much to the plot: a girl and her friends go to a haunted, messed-up house, furniture attacks, and mayhem ensues, but the mayhem is unlike anything else.

Diabolique (1955)



Here we go with those French films again! It’s just so good I can’t help myself. One of my favorite French films ever, it blends suspense, eerie cinematography, and a twist ending into a mysterious and nail-biting ride. Simone Signoret stars and Henri-Georges Clouzot directs this mystery/suspense film, so that’s reason enough to see it.

If you’re looking for something immediately gratifying and fast-paced, this isn’t for you. The slow build to a shocking ending is the reason I love it in the first place.

The Shining (1980)



Maybe I’m kind of cheating by allowing this one on the list, but it’s Stanley Kubrick, so why not? This will forever be one of my favorite horror movies because it’s so unlike anything else. There’s more than just a case of misguided cabin fever going on here.

The most enjoyable experience is right after the film- when everyone can discuss what the heck just happened, and argue aimlessly about the true meaning and explanation for the last few minutes, or really, the whole movie. All I know is Jack Nicholson is great at acting like a maddening, psychotic killer. What a compliment!

Have any other suggestions? Leave a comment below and let me know!

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March Music Madness

Posted on March 8, 2012 by

This month is going to be full of noise.

Whew! Just let me breathe for a moment. I’m currently in the process of reviewing three albums by today, and planning several things. When I say “several things,” I mean 35 Denton and SXSW, and that’s just in the duration of two weeks. Last Monday I was at a Radiohead show in Dallas (click here for my videos), which prepared me for concert mode, and seizure-dancing with maracas if SXSW bands feel inclined to do so. However, one arena concert will not fully prepare me for the onslaught of music about to occur.

Beautiful Austin before the annual invasion

Every March bands parade through Texas (and usually most of the U.S) while they make their way to SXSW. 35 Denton is the weekend before SXSW’s music portion really kicks in. This year’s lineup boasts bands such as The Jesus & Mary Chain, Atlas Sound, Best Coast, The Raincoats, Mountain Goats, and more. SXSW includes more than 2,000 bands.

As thrilled as I am to satisfy my shoegaze heart’s desire for The Jesus & Mary Chain, it is also one of the most stressful times of the year for me. Luckily I am not currently in college, so I have time to plan everything, but the level of press I am providing this year is far above anything I have ever done. On one hand, I feel a sense of accomplishment, and promise that my worries of not having a successful future is merely temporary self doubt. On the other hand, am I going to survive?! The amount of walking/awkward running will surpass the previous festival workouts.

It may seem like I’m just complaining (well, I kind of am, aren’t I?), but I certainly enjoy the craziness. 35 Denton is much more relaxed and laid back. It is a way to see bands without the mayhem and large crowds, and SXSW offers an atmosphere and musical experience unlike any other in the world.

This year, I will be taking photos and reviewing shows at 35 Denton (which goes along with the Air Review interview already completed), and then it is off to SXSW on March 14-20. So far, I know there will be an interview with Brooklyn’s Ava Luna, photo-taking at Spin‘s Austin Throwdown and Rachael Ray’s Feedback parties, and reviewing/taking photos at many day parties.

There are some other possible developments that are really exciting. I will be interviewing other bands, and may be attending a few other events that will for sure get me giddy if they end up being confirmed. Here’s to musical bliss and sneaking in saltine crackers for the next few weeks!


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Anti-Valentine’s playlist (part 1)

Posted on February 14, 2012 by

A playlist for the rest of us.

Ahh, Valentines, the time of the year I find myself eye-rolling the most. For some, it may be more about sobbing or feeling lonely, but no worries. Here’s a playlist of songs to remind you of how awful you feel!

This is part one of the playlist. Yes, I am a pessimist.

1. “Don’t Want to Know If You Are Lonely”- Hüsker Dü

Husker Du...happier than their music

If you don’t know about the influential band Hüsker Dü, please listen to Candy Apple Grey right now.

2.  ”There’s No Home for You Here”- The White Stripes

This song is in the middle of angry and happily independent. The lyrics appear to be resentful, but the music isn’t as dark.

3.  ”Heartbreaker”- Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin…isn’t that reason enough?

4. “Gonna Leave You”- Queens of the Stone Age

Please make a Josh Homme/Nick Oliveri spy movie!

Singer/guitarist Josh Homme has one of my favorite voices in rock, yet Bassist Nick Oliveri sings on “Gonna Leave You.”

5. “One Step Closer”- Linkin Park

Yes, I included a Linkin Park song. Don’t judge me! I have to occasionally relive my middle school years just like everyone else.

6. “Hyper Music”- Muse

An obvious but fantastic nod to the guitar genius Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, “Hyper Music” doesn’t seem to have aged much over the course of more than 10 years.

7. “No Compassion”- Talking Heads

David Byrne sounds somewhat like a jerk if you listen to the lyrics, but it is David Byrne we’re talking about, so you never know what’s going on in that arty head of his.

8. “Monkey Wrench”- Foo Fighters

There’s no way I can play this song without a smile on my face. This song may not necessarily be about a romance, but it’s still applicable. The Foo Fighters will always be one of those bands that bring back good memories.

9. “Breakin’ Up”- Rilo Kiley

Dance beat, Jenny Lewis’ sweet voice, and liberating lyrics…not all breakup songs are sad!

10. “Smile”- Lily Allen

Back when Lily Allen was (more) innocent

I’m not a huge fan of Lily Allen, but she does know how to create music that is equally acerbic and upbeat.

11. “You’re Gonna Miss Me”- 13th Floor Elevators

What are the lyrics? I don’t know, but it sounds nice!

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