Album: Paul’s Boutique

Artist: Beastie Boys

Year: 1989

Label: Capitol Records

Why you should hear it: Because there are few Hip Hop albums with such high-quality production and lyrics. While it was not as commercially successful as their debut, Licensed to Ill, it is definitely worthy of the heavy critical acclaim it has received in the years since it was released. The lyrical duties are all superb, with quick, witty lines and plenty of their usual back and forth rhymes. As fun as the MC’s are, it’s the production that is the most impressive. Handled entirely by the Beastie Boys and the Dust Brothers, there are 15 tracks that contain 105 samples, including everyone from Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin to John Williams and Johnny Cash. The result is a densely packed album that can be overwhelming on the first listen, but opens up each time you hit repeat.

If you gotta pick one: Track 6 – The Sounds of Science – made up mostly of different Beatles samples like Back in the USSR, When I’m Sixty-Four, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and The End, it’s easy to see why the song got them in serious legal troubles. Regardless, the track’s great production is balanced with the type of lyrical performance you could only get from the Beastie Boys.

CW

Directed by Woody Allen

Screenplay by Woody Allen

Staring Martin Landau, Woody Allen, Alan Alda, Anjelica Huston, Mia Farrow, Sam Waterson

Awards:

David di Donatello Award for Best Screenplay – Woody Allen

London Critics Circle Film Award for Director – Woody Allen

London Critics Circle Film Award for Film of the Year

London Critics Circle Film Award for Screenwriter of the Year – Woody Allen

National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor – Alan Alda

New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor – Alan Alda

Writers Guild of America Award for Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen – Woody Allen

Allen had apparently been unhappy with the ending to his previous movie, Hannah and Her Sisters, feeling it had too much of a “Hollywood ending”. So in response, he wrote and directed Crimes and Misdemeanors, a much darker and realistic film. Well, actually, it’s more like two films. One of them is a romantic comedy starring Woody Allen, who plays a filmmaker that falls hard for a woman while shooting a documentary on his brother-in-law. The other is a psychological thriller, where a successful ophthalmologist (Martin Landau) is forced to explore the darker side of human nature. The two distinct movies culminate into anything but another “Hollywood ending”. With great supporting roles by Alan Alda, Sam Waterson, and Mia Farrow, this is one of the best films of Woody’s career, and should be seen by all fans of dark comedies.

CW

Album: Operation: Doomsday

Artist: MF Doom

Year: 1999

Label: Fondle ‘Em Records

Why you should hear it: Well, because it’s just flat out dope. I usually don’t throw around the word original. In fact, in general, I don’t really believe in originality, and especially not in music. That being said, MF Doom is one of the most original musicians I’ve ever heard. He fits in so many thoughts and words into each line, that you forget and completely accept that he often doesn’t even finish his rhymes in the normal spots in a beat you would expect from most MCs. It’s just unconventional enough that it actually works perfectly. That’s the emcee. What about Doom as a producer? In my opinion, he’s one of the best out there. This album flows so well and has so many interesting sounds and samples, including the most ambiguous Beatles sample ever. (Which is probably why he got away with it) All in all, MF Doom is simply for music fans. He’s not just for Hip Hop heads.

If you gotta pick one: Track 7- Tick, Tick…- How Doom, or Metal Fingers in this case, was able to use a sample from the Beatles song “Glass Onion” and apparently get away with it is beyond me. MF Grimm is actually the only one flowing on this track, but Doom speaks with his production. The beat slows down and speeds up, almost interacting with Grimm’s flow. A standard time signature is completely thrown out the window here and that, combined with the eerie violin from the Beatles sample, makes for something I don’t think I have ever heard before from anything else in Hip Hop.

JB

Directed by David Lynch

Screenplay by David Lynch

Starring Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern

Awards:

BSFC Award for Best Cinematography- Frederick Elmes

BSFC Award for Best Director- David Lynch

BSFC Award for Best Supporting Actor- Dennis Hopper

BSFC Award for Best Film- David Lynch

Fotogramas De Plata Award for Best Foreign Film- David Lynch

Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead- Isabella Rossellini

Joseph Plateau Award for Best Foreign Film- David Lynch

LAFCA Award for Best Director- David Lynch

LAFCA Award for Best Supporting Actor- Dennis Hopper

Montreal World Film Festival Award for Best Actor- Dennis Hopper

NSFC Award for Best Cinematography- Frederick Elmes

NSFC Award for Best Director- David Lynch

NSFC Award for Best Supporting Actor- Dennis Hopper

NSFC Award for Best Film- David Lynch

Sitges-Catalonian International Film Festival Award for Best Cinematography- Fredrick Elmes

Sitges-Catalonian International Film Festival Award for Best Film- David Lynch

David Lynch is the master of creating worlds inside of other worlds. And Blue Velvet, to me, is the best example of this. With one of the greatest opening scenes in film history, you are immediately thrown into two very different frames of mind, a foreshadowing of the story to come. Underneath the comfort of your suburban neighborhood lies a dark world of crime and perversion. And in Blue Velvet, Frank Booth (Hopper) is the dark lord of this underground. Hopper plays one of the most disturbing movie characters I have ever seen. (See A Very Expensive Death’s Top Ten Greatest Movie Villains) This is a movie I most definitely recommend. It’s an indie genius from one of our most eccentric film making minds.

JB

Album: Hot Rats

Artist: Frank Zappa

Year: 1969

Label: Bizarre/Reprise

Why you should hear it: Because it is one of the most influential albums in the jazz fusion genre. If you’re like me, you like anything involving jazz and rock, especially if it involves the prolific Zappa. A true master of music in all of its forms, Zappa had recently left the infamous Mothers of Invention to compose, arrange, and produce this first album to be released under his name alone. At times tightly arranged and others only loosely structured, Hot Rats’ musical prowess never lets up. From the popular Peaches en Regalia to the shape-shifting It Must Be A Camel, this album demonstrated the depth Zappa’s music had and hinted at the sound he would cultivate over the next few albums.

If you gotta pick one: Track 5 – The Gumbo Variations – call me a sucker for extended jazz jams, but this song’s groove doesn’t slow down for nearly 17 minutes. You get a sax solo, a bass solo, a guitar solo, a drum solo, and a violin solo. The only thing you don’t get is a chance to breathe. Fans of the genre should not miss out on Zappa’s technique or his unique approach to writing.

CW

Directed by Wes Anderson

Screenplay by Wes Anderson & Owen Wilson

Starring Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Robert Musgrave, James Caan, Lumi Cavazos

Awards:

Lone Star Film & Television Special Award for Debut of the Year- Wes Anderson, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson

LAFCA New Generation Award- Wes Anderson

MTV Movie Award for Best New Filmmaker- Wes Anderson

Would you be there to stick by your friend even if he had pipe dreams of becoming a master criminal? Anthony’s (Luke Wilson) closest buddy, Dignan (Owen Wilson) has just those kind of visions for their future. Maybe just not wanting to disappoint, Anthony goes along with his friend on his quest for the most epic crime spree ever. However, things begin and end far less epic then they had planned for. Bottle Rocket has some of my favorite movie dialog ever. It’s quirky, funny, and honest all at the same time. Wes Anderson has become a star director and writer and has grown a huge following but this little known or overlooked first film of his is definitely up there with his huge hits. If you call yourself a fan of Wes and have yet to see this film, stop calling yourself one, now.

JB

Album: Illmatic

Artist: NaS

Year: 1994

Label: Columbia

Why you should hear it: Because if you haven’t heard this album, you haven’t heard the most densely packed album in the Hip Hop catalog. In less than 40 minutes you get three tracks produced by Large Professor; three tracks by DJ Premier; one track produced by Pete Rock; and a track by Q-Tip.The only guest spot on the album is also one of the most respected verses in the genre. And as good as all that sounds, it still doesn’t account for the legendary performance by NaS. Simply put, this album by itself cemented him as one of the premier MC’s in Hip Hop history. This all adds up to one of the greatest albums in any genre of music.

If you gotta pick one: Track 4 – The World Is Yours – honestly any track on the album could be here. I chose this track only because I got mad love for its producer Pete Rock and the famous NaS’ line, “I’m out for dead presidents to represent me.” Bottom line, you need to check out this entire album. 

CW

Directed by Darnell Martin

Screenplay by Darnell Martin

Starring Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Mos Def, Beyonce Knowles

Awards:
Black Reel Award for Best Ensemble Cast

Black Reel Award for Best Film

Black Real Award for Best Supporting Actor- Jeffrey Wright

Image Award for Best Supporting Actor- Columbus Short

Cadillac Records follows the rise and fall of Chess Records founder Leonard Chess (Brody). Chess played a major roll in the early Chicago blues movement. He also was the one to discover and sign the true “King of Rock & Roll”, Chuck Berry (Mos Def). But blues legend Muddy Waters was his first and most successful early act. The first thing you notice about this movie is Jeffrey Wright as Muddy. He learned to play the guitar for the roll, and the dedication paid off. The authenticity of his roll shines through all the rest. Beyonce’s performance as the amazing Etta James was really only notable for her singing, but god damn if it doesn’t make you pissed like me to see that she can sing songs like that, yet chooses to resort to her “Sasha Fierce” image. (I just threw up a little bit) She could probably single handedly bring great soul music back if she’d get her head out of her ass. Anyway, as for Adrien Brody, well, he’s always great. Also, watch for Columbus Short as Little Walter. He turns in a great, overlooked performance.

JB

10. Crooklyn Dodgers ’95- The Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers

Exceptional production over this laid back beat earned this track a definite spot in our top ten. Again, Premo proves he can do it all, this time scattering horns over the subdued piano.

9. Jeru The Damaja- Ain’t the Devil Happy

A heavy, heavy beat from Premier, with some of the darkest strings he’s ever used. And the way he scratches RZA’s laugh to make it sound demonic is just bad ass.

8. KRS-One- KRS-One Attacks 

Absolutely no one can use your own words against you like DJ Premier. And that’s what MC’s love so much about him. This track doesn’t even have a verse from KRS, but yet, it’s as repeatable as any song on this list. This is the reason the call him “DJ” Premier.

7. Mos Def- Mathematics

One of my favorite Hip Hop songs and its due in part, (besides Mos Def’s perfect flow as usual) to the flawless production from Premier. Also, Primo’s legendary scratching skills are on full display here.

6. NaS – Memory Lane (Sittin’ In Da Park)

Another great example of Primo’s versatility, this time using some soulful keyboard textures and background vocals. He creates the perfect atmosphere for NaS to sit back and reminisce.

5. Gangstarr- Mass Appeal

Just some great production from Primo here. The beat draws you in, making you salivate for Guru to come in with the first verse. But you don’t need Guru to rush it or anything, cause you could just let the beat ride for a while also.

4. Notorious B.I.G. – Unbelievable

Most of Premier’s strongest songs ease you into the beat, getting your mouth to water a bit before you get the full taste. Well not with this song. Primo hits you upside the head with this ferocious beat the second it starts.

3. D.I.T.C.- Da Enemy

Just a phat ass beat with awesome production and one of best uses of a sample at the end. “What would you do if a vicious enemy suddenly started coming at you, armed to the teeth, and ready to kill you?” Perfection.

2. Showbiz & AG – Next Level (Nyte Time Mix)

This is Premier at his best, heavy drums, groovy bass, smooth scratching, outstanding production, and perfect samples. And as always, it’s perfectly suited for AG’s funky, fluid flow.

1. NaS- 2^nd ChildHood

“Cause when I flow for the streets, who else could it be, N-A-S, NaS. Resurrect through the birth of my seed. Queensbridge, Make everything right.” One of, if not thee best scratched compiled hooks ever. And with that laid back beat, it’s probably the most slept on Premier track there is. Don’t believe us? Please, just listen again!

JB, CW

Album: The Album

Artist: Latyrx

Year: 1997

Label: Solesides

Why you should hear it: Because this is another great album for those of you heading into the summer months. With tracks like “Balcony Beach” and “Burning Hot in Cali on a Saturday Night”, you can’t escape the West coast vibe. This Oakland-based group, made up of Lyrics Born and Lateef the Truthspeaker, come through with great rhymes and unique deliveries. The production is top notch, handled by Lyrics Born for half the album, and by DJ Shadow and Chief Xcel (of Blackalicious) for the rest. The combination of Born’s ultra laid back flow with Lateef’s more aggressive sound is something you definitely want to hear.

If you gotta pick one: Track 2 – Say That – following the chaotic opening track, which featured two verses delivered at the same time, one heard in the right channel and the other heard in the left, the group played it smart and scaled it back.  The second track, produced by Lyrics Born, features a great synth effect over a basic rock beat. As infectious as the beat is, the verses are what stand out, with an absolutely flawless delivery from Born.

CW

Directed by Clark Gregg

Screenplay by Clark Gregg, Novel by Chuck Palahniuk

Starring Sam Rockwell, Angelica Huston, Brad William Henke, Kelly McDonald

Awards:

Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize For Dramatic Work By An Ensemble Cast

You could imagine how happy and excited I was when I heard that my favorite book of all time was to be made into a movie. But as with any adaptation from book to film, I had my reservations. My biggest hang up, how would they keep the ending like the book? Come to find out they didn’t remotely come close. And you know, I’m totally fine with that. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the ending of this movie. But, if you’ve read the book and haven’t seen this film yet, don’t fret. The rest of the movie is damn near close to everything in those pages. Sam Rockwell’s performance as Victor Mancini is flawless. He’s just as disturbed, maniacal, desperate and even at times, touching. The fact that Sam didn’t get more attention from this roll should be a crime. It’s two for two now with Palahniuk adaptations. Now it’s time for Survivor!

JB

10. Alex DeLarge, played by Malcolm McDowell in A Clockwork Orange 

Like any true villain, Alex’s interests are Beethoven, violence, and rape. In one scene he beats an old man for singing and being drunk in public. In another, he’s brutally raping a wife in front her husband, while singing and dancing to Gene Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain”. And this all happens in the first fifteen minutes of the movie. The worst part is, it’s his idea of a fun night out.

9. John Doe, played by Kevin Spacey in Se7en

Although his character is only on film for about twenty minutes, his ‘work’ is displayed throughout. His crimes are inspired by the seven deadly sins and each is more gruesome then the last. And even though he only shows himself in the end, he makes sure it’s just in time for his final and most horrendous act.

8. Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson in The Shining

When Jack Torrance wound up at the Overlook Hotel, he was nothing  more than a bad father, known to slap his kid around when he drank a little too much. But a few weeks at an isolated hotel in Colorado, and he turned into one of the most memorable characters ever put on film. Jack went from a loving dad taking his family on a trip to an attempted murderer, hunting his wife and son with an axe through a frozen maze.

7. Bill The Butcher, played by Daniel Day-Lewis in Gangs of New York

There’s a scene in Gangs of New York where Bill has thwarted an assassination attempt by the movie’s protagonist, Amsterdam. Rather than kill him off and be done with him, he proceeds to repeatedly head butt him in the nose. More unsettling than Bill’s increasingly bloody face, though, is his obvious lack of restraint. It is clear he enjoys the mayhem, and relishes the fact that he’s causing somebody else pain. Unlike most movie villains, Bill is in no way psychotic or delusional. He just loves violence.

6. Frank Booth, played by Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet

Absolutely demented and sadistic just begin to describe Frank Booth. Probably the most unpredictable movie character I have ever seen. So unpredictable in fact, he’s almost frightening. He holds a woman’s son for ransom, and uses the son as leverage to make her perform his sexual fetishes. If that’s not enough, well, there is plenty more. Truly one of the most disturbing characters I’ve seen in a film.

5. Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino in The Godfather I, II, and III

The most notorious villain in a movie full of them, Michael Corleone is simply ruthless. He may not be your prototypical shoot ‘em, dice ‘em, or even eat ‘em bad guy, but theres no denying his evil. It takes evil to be the head of something so big that’s run on greed and power. Ordering hit after hit. Killing your own brother just because that’s business. You never go against the family, and when you know what happens when you do, why would you even challenge him?

4. Anton Chigurh, played by Javier Bardem in No Country For Old Men

Chigurh is a working man’s villain. He’s just doing his job. But there is more to him than just business, something much more profound. Anton Chigurh is fate, chance, whatever you want to call it. In the same way that time itself is indifferent to pleas of forgiveness and understanding, Chigurh’s justice knows no code and follows no logic. Your only hope is to stay out of his way.

3. Darth Vader, played by David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones in the Star Wars trilogy

 Easily the most recognizable and iconic villainess character to ever be put on the screen, Darth Vader is the symbol for all things “dark side”. Able to kill with his mind and summon the ‘force’ for his bidding, his evil potential is just about limitless. In Darth Vader, George Lucas was able to embody everything we might think evil would look and sound like and in a way that is still as popular and relevant today as it was thirty years ago.

2. The Joker, played by Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight 

Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning performance as a psychopathic clown was one of the most celebrated performances of all time. By virtually disappearing behind the Joker’s trademark grin, Ledger helped push the genre as a whole into a new direction. Comic book villains can be more than just somebody the good guy has to fight, they can carry the whole movie. You want to be with him while he wrecks havoc and destroys the city’s concept of good an evil. You never root for the Joker, and you never sympathize with him. But despite that, you never want him to leave the screen.

1. Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, and The Red Dragon

If you’re like me, you like your mass murderers to be charismatic, suave, and sophisticated and no one is more so then Dr. Hannibal Lecter. He not only knows which part of the brain to take out to keep you alive but immobile, he also knows which part is the tastiest. This character is simply iconic and is among the most quoted villains on this list. He’s also probably the smartest, which is scary in itself.  

CW, JB

Album: Zenyatta Mondatta

Artist: The Police

Year: 1980

Label: A&M

Why you should hear it: Because it’s summer in southern California, and to me that means you got to be listening to this classic trio from the eighties.  Zenyatta was the third album from these guys, and you can tell that their sound is expanding. While their first two records tended to blend reggae and punk into tight, short songs, this album hints at the more extensive sound the group would achieve with their last few albums. Most important with these guys though, is their groove-heavy approach to song writing. Drummer Stuart Copeland (definitely one of the best to ever pick up a pair of sticks) and Sting’s bass are always up front in the mix and let guitarist Andy Summers experiment with different sounds in the background. The result is a band meant to be heard outside in between jumps in the pool.

If you gotta pick one: Track 5 – Voices In My Head – an instrumental track that perfectly illustrates the groups unique sound. Pushed by a laid back bass line and solid drum beat, the guitar lingers over the track until some unexpected vocals come in at about half way through. The best part of the track is the last minute or so where the guitar and drums stretch out and hint at the group’s serious musical talent. 

CW

 Directed by Andrew Dominik

Screenplay by Andrew Dominik (from the Novel by Ron Hansen)

Starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, Mary-Louise Parker

Awards:

Chicago Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

Florida Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

National Board Of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor- Casey Affleck

National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor- Casey Affleck

San Francisco Film Critic Award for Best Picture- Andrew Dominik

San Francisco Film Critic Award for Best Supporting Actor- Casey Affleck

Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor- Casey Affleck

Venice Film Festival Volpi Cup for Best Actor- Brad Pitt

Western Writers Of America Spur Award for Best Western Drama- Andrew Dominik

It may be another ‘Weekend Movie’ shot by Roger Deakins but rest assured, it will not be the last. And maybe the only reason he wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for this absolutely stunningly shot film is cause he was already nominated for another movie, you know, ‘No Country For Old Men’. Yes, he shot both of those films at about the same time. He’s basically amazing. Speaking of amazing though, all I have to say is Casey Affleck. The first time I saw this movie on the big screen I was glued to him the whole time. He just commands your attention through out the movie. You seem to spend the entire time trying to figure him out. But not to be completely overshadowed, Brad Pitt turns in an equally mesmerizing performance. Just make sure you watch it a couple times so that you can give him some attention too.

JB

10. Garnier Fructis- Code Green ft. Memphis Bleek???

I could think of something clever to say to rip this music video for a shampoo, but i think seeing is believing, or in this case, not believing….. 

Seriously though, this has to be a fucking inside joke.

9. Celebrex- Word Cartoons

If three-minute commercials are your thing, then fine. If you love ads about prescription drugs, perfect. If you drool over cheaply thought out, aesthetically displeasing cartoons, then your going ape shit right now. But my beef isn’t with any of that really. I’m more concerned with what we don’t see. Everything is made of words. Words about the product. They zoom in on warnings, side effects, and even good reviews. But, what’s all that other stuff say? What does the running dog say? A clause contracting you to life long service to the brand? How bout the clouds? Are they suggesting that the company now owns a part of you and shall see fit to dispose of you if they please? These are serious questions we need to be asking.

8. Bowflex- A Bit Of False Advertising 

This is the typical late-night commercial on cable. Show the fattest audience possible a way to become unnaturally ripped without ever leaving their living room.  Not only that, but they get to watch a free DVD while they lose their beer gut. And just to make sure the fat asses with no patience are convinced, they promise to produce results in a only few weeks.

7. Subway- 5… 5 Dollar… 5 Dollar Rope To Hang Myself

This is what happens when you have a product that’s too easy to sell. You get a horrible three-word jingle. It’s one of those life events that everybody remembers where they were when they first saw it. I remember thinking, “This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” I would have bet everything that I owned that it would be pulled from the airwaves within the next week. But I was wrong.  Very, very wrong.

6. Arrested Development- What Ad Campaign?

It may be for personal reasons that we decided to put this one on the list, but hell, it deserves it. For quite possibly one of the smartest, funniest, and down right greatest shows of all time, does anyone actually remember seeing a commercial for it? Two? Three tops? If you’re a fan of the show and you happen to be a YouTube nut or a DVD special features lover like me, you’ve probably seen David Cross’s rant about how Fox completely fucked the show over with a remarkable lack of plug. And he’s right. Look back on it,… Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Tambor, and David Cross. How do you completely screw that up?!

5. Carl’s Jr.- How Guys Do… Nothing Right.

Whether its Breakfast, Fancy, or Guacamole, guys apparently don’t know how to do shit. Now, I’m not one to get easily offended often, especially to where it really bothers me, but for some reason, this just really gets to me. I mean, does anyone think that slicing an avocado in half and sticking it in a blender (seed and all) will make you guacamole? I don’t subscribe to some male movement or guys rights or any other B.S. like that, but these ads are just more in a long line of campaigns that set out to paint men as complete idiots. And I think its just really getting old.

4. Calvin Klein Jeans- Pants or Porn?

Calvin Klein Jeans have the important distinction of being the only ad campaign on this list to have been investigated by the FBI for suspicion of child pornography. And that was before their full-page ads featuring five year olds in their underwear.  Look, I’m all for controversy in the name of edgy-ness, but lets just leave the preschool kids alone.

3. Viagra- Viva Erection!

I’m sure it’s tough to create an appealing commercial for a pill that gives old guys hard-ons, but come on. A six man band in a broken down bar jamming to a revamped Elvis Presley song about medically enhanced erections? Is it just me or is that disturbing? Wouldn’t one of the guys been like, “Hey, what the fuck are you guys talking about?” According to these guys, probably not. They’re all too busy looking at each other and smiling awkwardly.

2. Coors Light- The Mountains Turn Blue, We Get It.

Coors thinks we’re all idiots. They stake an entire campaign on convincing consumers to drink their beverage as cold as physically possible, thanks to a label that tells you when its okay to drink it. This of course means that you won’t taste it at all, since anything extremely cold or hot isn’t picked up by our taste buds. So in the end, the Coors campaign is essentially a plea to prevent anybody from actually tasting their awful beer. Smart, but pathetic. And don’t get me started on their new can’s revolutionary “venting system”.

1. McDonalds- (Racist) Southern Style Chicken Sandwich

If you, just for a moment, try to ignore the disturbing, obvious racial stereotyping, which has been a part of McDonalds for about as long as I can remember, and just focus on the product, you can see a glaring problem. Mayonnaise, pickles, and chicken. That’s the best the geniuses at Mickie D’s could come up with. And that is southern style? Or is that what, as your commercials pretty outright suggest, is what black people will like? I’ve had my own personal boycott on McDonalds for years and years now. But when I saw this shit, I made sure to spread the word. 

JB, CW

Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…

Artist: Raekwon (ft. Ghostface Killah)

Year: 1995

Label: Loud/RCA

Why you should hear it: Because this is the best production from the best producer in the genre. RZA absolutely dominates his third release since  ’Enter the Wu-Tang‘, and the experience he gained with the Wu’s debut and the solo albums from Method Man and Ol’ Dirty Bastard clearly shows. ‘Only Built’ is a much more cohesive effort than what he had done prior to it, and works effectively with Raekwon and Ghostface, two MC’s with a penchant for story-telling. The result is one of the most influential albums of the 90′s, directly effecting the biggest names in Hip Hop. Just compare Biggie, Nas, and Jay Z’s personas before and after this album came out. All three jumped from street-level storytellers to mafia-style kingpins with names like Escobar and Frank White in the years immediately following its release. After this album, even Tupac picked up a pseudonym: Makavelli. Point is, this album deserved all the respect and emulation it received, and is the pinnacle of Wu-Tang’s extensive catalog. 

If you gotta pick one: Track 16 – Wu-Gambinos – as is usual from the RZA, one of the best tracks on the album starts with a lengthy intro. A minute of dialogue from John Woo‘s “The Killer”, mixed with chatter from the group, leads to some of the most memorable verses on the record. Method Man starts things off with his trademark style, and is followed by Raekwon. The most interesting verse comes third, and is performed by RZA himself, making his case as the best producer on the mic. The last two verses are from Master Killer and Ghostface and keep up the high quality lyrics. Some great work from RZA both on and off the mic, as well as some top notch verses makes this a song any Hip Hop fan should hear.

CW

Directed by Jim Jarmusch

Screenplay by Jim Jarmusch

Starring Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni

Awards:

Amanda Award for Best Foreign Feature Film- Jim Jarmusch

Bodil Award for Best Non European Film- Jim Jarmusch

Italian National Syndicate of Film Silver Ribbon for Best Actor- Roberto Benigni

Robert Festival Award for Best Foreign Film- Jim Jarmusch

Down By Law is only Jarmusch’s third feature film but his artistic vision and style was already rabid throughout. With a flare for irony in most all his movies, Jarmusch is able to open up story telling that can leave you guessing and also, maybe not completely fulfilled by the end. But that’s what makes it so interesting. Who says a story has to exactly end? It could just keep going, without you. You could just feel lucky to be aboard for a part of it. And it’s great to be aboard this story, which follows three men in prison who devise a way to get out. Not friends but not really enemies, the three men are aware that each is in need of the other in some way. I strongly recommend this film for anyone looking for maybe not so much a movie but more of a… ride along.

JB

Album: The Main Ingredient

Artist: Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth

Year: 1994

Label: Elektra Records

Why you should hear it: Because I couldn’t go another week without giving some love to the man Pete Rock. One of the most recognizable producers in Hip Hop, Pete never strays far from his extremely laid back, late 60′s / early 70′s funky jazz sound. His albums with C.L. Smooth are layered with horn, piano, and vocal samples and contain some of the most attractive beats of the nineties. The reason I went with the duo’s second (and last) album, however, is because of Smooth. While Rock’s production on both albums is consistently outstanding, C.L. stepped his game up significantly for the sophomore release. His flow matches his name perfectly, creating a hypnotic vibe when coupled with the production. While the album lacks an obvious stand-out track like their debut did (Mecca and the Soul Brother, containing one of ‘A Very Expensive Death’s’ Top Ten Hip Hop songs, “They Reminisce Over You”), I find it more enjoyable as an album, and is solid from beginning to end.

If you gotta pick one: Track 5 – I Got A Love – has the perfect hook, a great soul sample that supplies the track with its title. It’s also a great display of Pete’s scratching abilities and C.L.’s playful, sex-centered lyrics. Be sure to listen to the whole track so you catch Pete Rock’s trademark outro/intro. Nearly all of his songs on the album end with an old, obscure, unrelated instrumental excerpt, giving listeners an idea of his extensive record collection. 

CW

Directed by Michel Gondry

Screenplay by Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry (story), Pierre Bismuth (story)

Starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, David Cross, Tom Wilkinson

Awards:

Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay- Charlie Kaufman

Saturn Award- Best Science Fiction Film

BAFTA Award for Best Editing- Valdis Oskarsdottir

BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay- Charlie Kaufman

Bram Stoker Award for Best Screenplay- Charlie Kaufman

Deauville Film Festival “Premiere” Audience Award- Michel Gondry

Empire Award for Best British Actress- Kate Winslet

Flanders International Film Festival Youth Jury Award- Michel Gondry

Motion Picture Sound Editors- Golden Reel Award

National Board of Review Award for Best Original Screenplay- Charlie Kaufman

Santa Barbara International Film Festival Outstanding Performance- Kate Winslet

Writers Guild Of American Best Original Screenplay- Charlie Kaufman

8 More Film Critic Awards for Charlie Kaufman

3 Film Critic Awards for Kate Winslet

3 Film Critic Awards for Michel Gondry

1 Film Critic Award for Jim Carrey

3 Film Critic Awards for Best Editing

1 Film Critic Award for Best Acting Ensemble

2 Film Critic Awards for Best Picture

I know I’m probably not bringing any new attention to this movie. But it’s this weekend’s movie mainly, just because I’d really like to see it right now. It’s been so long since I have and certain things in my life have got me thinking about it. For those of you that have just rolled out from under that rock and haven’t seen it, just do yourself a big favor and watch it. In a nutshell, it’s about love being a fucked up thing. It’s hard. It doesn’t always work the way it should or you would like it to, but if it’s important enough to you, you have to find a way. Michel Gondry’s artistic vision on film is hard to describe for someone who hasn’t seen it in action. But it may be unparalleled by anyone else. An unbelievably well written story centered around an unoriginal subject matter told in one of the most original ways I’ve seen make this movie one you will watch over and over again. I guarantee it.   

JB

10. Pomegranate Planet

There are rumors floating around that this three piece, environmentally aware band will be on the bill for the return of the Lilith Fair in 2010. If so, their earth-first message should ring loud and clear with the peaceful, lady heavy crowd. Their fans affectionately refer to them as The Poms, and they come out of the woodwork to see the band’s high-energy shows. These girls can definitely rock, but it’s their softer side that really makes you stop and listen.

9. Here But Uninvited

Known as the band with the computer for a lead singer, these self-described nerd rockers are about as cerebral as any band you’ll hear out of New Jersey. For those unfamiliar with their more recent outings, the Stephen Hawking voice simulator has gained some interesting effects. For example, on the song “Mind the Binary” the voice has a hypnotic wah-wah tone that juxtaposes perfectly with a Mozart sample looped in the background. Hailed as the best thing to ever come out of Newark, Here is here to stay.

8. Skunk

There’s a good reason you’ve never bought an album from the guys (and girl) in Skunk: they haven’t released one. True fans of Jamaican ska know that when it comes to live shows, Skunk is second to none. Since their first appearance at 2003’s Bob Marley Fest, the unstoppable three-person band has never played less than 100 shows in a year, and their hard work really comes through in the music. A quick tip for anybody seeing them with the new extended set that consists of at least five encores: the crowd tends to get violent, so if you’re going to see them, be prepared.  

7. The Lion Sleeps Tonight

The mega indie label ‘Saddle Creek Records’ has just signed this young group of talented musicians. To pin point their sound, you might have to imagine something like a cross between ‘Iron and Wine’ and rock legends ‘U2’, with maybe a touch of fire. And the spark leading the flame is 19-year-old Chase Westerfield. Conor Oberst, eat your heart out! When he’s not soothing your mood with notes soft enough to make an actual lion sleep, he’s belting out high frequency vocal rage. Look for them to drop their first on the new record label this summer. 

6. Statutory Heart Break

Orange County-grown, Statutory Heart Break has long been associated with the premier screamo acts in the area. Once known for passionate shrieks and a tearful front man, their new album, “Chapter I”, has the band taking a radically new approach. The group has created a daring re-imagining of Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, with lead singer Rene Jacobi singing as each character in the play. The effect is profound, with synth-driven rhythms behind a powerful theme of love lost.

5. Working Overtime

Hailing from blue collar West Virginia, this band’s name represents its hard working background. You don’t see a lot of forty-something guys still holding on to dreams of making it big in the music industry, but these fellas aren’t just holding on to it, they’re living it. Their surprise smash, Internet single ‘Don’t Fall For Me, Or My Dog’ has got this Alt-Country quartet jumping for joy. And there is more where that came from. Almost their whole catalog of recorded music is online to download. I’d suggest getting your hands on it while it’s still free.

4. Don’t Run Over the Mail Man

After a four-year hiatus, DROMM is coming back with a vengeance. After being kicked out of Montana’s ‘Love Your Mother Earth Festival’ in ’05 for being quote, “too Republican”, the group has some harsh words for their critics and those that spoke out against the Bush administration. While some may say four years is way too long to swing back, anyone that gives the new album a chance will forgive the delay. Fiercely political tracks, like “Operation Democracy”, are a showcase for their lyrical prowess and teach just as much as they rock.

3. Rufus T. Firefly

This singer/songwriter’s name wasn’t the only thing he took from the Marx Brothers. He also dons Groucho’s famous mustache on the cover of his new album “When Will The World End?” But instead of a harp, his instrument of choice is the piano. And with his backing band in tow, Rufus T. puts his skills on display for his sophomore effort. Getting some negative publicity with his recent DUI charges, Firefly is hoping that his latest return to the studio can help his tarnished young career. 

2. Spilt Milk

You can call this group folk rock. You can even call them alternative folk, but whatever you do, do not call them country. Let band manager/ lead singer Billy Brooks explain, “people think they know me cause they know my dad [Garth Brooks], but let me tell you something: I’m nothing like him.” While blunt words like that help distance him from the country great, it’s the music that really sets them apart. Tracks like “Walkin’ Boots for Southern Routes” display the band’s ability to fit spoken word poetry between lengthy instrumentals. Look out for more genre bending from the band with the upcoming release, “Southern Pride.”

1. Little Black Box

Think REO Speedwagon and Frank Sinatra and you got Little Black Box. You’ll hear driving guitar riffs with a lounge singer temperament all whilst thinking your back in the 50’s. They are truly one of the most original sounding bands to come along in a while and their new EP gives just a taste of that. ‘In The Cockpit EP’ is definitely an experiment in sound all together. All six tracks flow with a ying-yang type of accessibility while still conveying that rebel flavor that ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ himself exhibited . Watch for LBB to push the envelope with their long awaited debut album.

CW, JB

Album: Dirty Harry [Soundtrack]

Artist: Lalo Schifrin

Year: 1971

Label: Aleph Records

Why you should hear it: Because everyone likes funky jazz and everybody likes Dirty Harry Callahan (Eastwood). For those of you that have not seen the film, Callahan’s nemesis is a serial killer by the name of Scorpio, largely based on the real-life murderer the Zodiac Killer. The score is most often heard in scenes with Scorpio, where the music adds large helpings of tension, nearly turning an action flick into a horror film. Dark strings are interspersed with a driving, distorted bass line, and truly haunting vocals. My original attraction to the album, however, was the drums, a feature of the soundtrack that stands out in the movie’s first scene. They start out extremely generic, but stop abruptly, then pick up again with an incredibly infectious beat, but then stop just as suddenly, teasing the listener like the villain teases Dirty Harry. In all, the result is a dark instrumental jazz album, that does more than play in the background of a classic Clint Eastwood movie, it helps define it.

If you gotta pick one: Track 1 – Prologue/The Swimming Pool – Gives you all the information you need about this movie and this soundtrack. The song starts off innocent enough. But then something happens. You hear a grating sound behind the bells that slowly overtakes them. The bells soon disappear completely behind the shrieking strings and some menacing drums begin. All the while a chaotic collection of sounds consume the track, and act as a warning to anyone listening to the soundtrack or watching the movie – the seemingly happy-go-lucky San Francisco of the late 60′s, where the movie takes place, is over, and shit’s about to get drastic. 

CW

Directed by Spike Lee

Screenplay by David Benioff

Starring Edward Norton, Rosario Dawson, Brian Cox, Billy Pepper, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anna Paquin

Awards:

COFCA Award for Best Score- Terence Blanchard

LVFCS Award for Best Score- Terence Blanchard

Sant Jordi Award for Best Foreign Actor- Edward Norton

What would you do if you knew you were going to prison tomorrow? It’s your last day as a free man. David Benioff’s novel, brought to the big screen by Spike Lee, covers such a story. Monty Brogan (Norton) was ratted out; he’s going upstate tomorrow. He just wants one last night with the people he’s always been closest with. This film has the dubious honor of being the first major picture shot in post 9/11 New York City and Spike captured, like he has so often done, the spirit and life of the city that never sleeps. With beautiful shots, spot on lead and supportive acting, and a captivating story, this film won’t disappoint. It’s gritty, while still delicate. It’s tough and at times, extremely emotional. And any fan of Spike Lee will no doubt see his fingerprints all over this film. I strongly recommend a viewing, and another, and another, and…

JB

10. LeBron James VS Paul Pierce- Game 7 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals

Twenty years ago; in the same round; in another game 7; two titans of basketball faced off in what has been widely considered the greatest battle of skills ever. And rightly so. But lets flash to 2008, in the same building, were two more titans but on a show for a new generation. LeBron, 47 points. Pierce, 41 Points. They went back and forth, like their predecessors, in an epic display of will. A will to be the one that moves their team on to the next round. And twenty years later, the same team moved on. History has a strange way of repeating itself.

9. Isiah Thomas- 25 Point 3rd Quarter On A Bum Ankle

We at ‘A Very Expensive Death’ admire heart, and Isiah Thomas’ Game 6 performance in the 1988 Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers is a damn good example of it. Despite a bad ankle that he sprained during the game, Isiah went on to score 25 points in the third quarter. A Finals record, that still stands. He finished with 43 points and 8 assists, and although they lost the game, it proved to be that series’ most memorable performance.

8. Tim Duncan- 2003 NBA Finals

Hall of Famer David Robinson had told the team he was retiring, and Timmy and the rest of the Spurs wanted to provide him with a nice going away present. So they all chipped in and got him a 2003 NBA championship, winning it in six. In reality, Duncan pitched in more than his teammates, averaging a staggering 24 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks per game. Yes. He averaged five blocks in those Finals. And in Game 6 he was just two blocks shy of dropping a quadruple double.

7. Michael Jordan- 1993 NBA Finals

31. 42. 44. 55. 41. 33. That’s six games in the 1993 NBA Finals.  If you’re any good at math, you can figure out that those six numbers average out to 41, and added up to two NBA Finals records. One, the highest individual points per game for a Finals series, and two, the first back-to-back-to-back Finals MVP in the sport’s history. The dominating performance from his Airness gave Chicago their third consecutive title.

6. Dominique Wilkins VS Larry Bird- Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals

Larry Bird might just be the most cold-blooded basketball player to ever live. A good reason why he won so much. Another reason why he won so much was to prove something. And in game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Semis, Larry needed to prove he was still the star of the league. Dominique also had something to prove. That he was the future. And even though Larry won the game with an epic 20 point forth quarter, ‘Nique’s 47 points earned him the respect of the league and maybe more importantly, of Larry Bird.

5. LeBron James- Cavaliers Last 25 Points

On the last day of May in 2007, a 22-year-old king set an unbelievably high bar for himself. The final stat line, as impressive as it is, 42 points (on 55% shooting), 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals, doesn’t even tell the whole story. With the Detroit Pistons up by seven with three minutes left, the young superstar proceeded to single handedly take the game to overtime and win it, scoring 29 of the Cavs last 30 points, including their last 25 in a row.

4. Michael Jordan- 63 Points In The Boston Garden

The Boston Garden in the 80’s. Quite possibly the hardest place to play basketball, ever. Now imagine your just in the second year of your career and almost all of that year was spent sitting on the bench with a broken bone in your foot. Imagine that wall of green. Bird. McHale. Parish. Now imagine scoring a playoff record 63 points on the biggest stage of your career. Larry Bird might have said it better then anyone. “I didn’t think anyone was capable of doing what Michael has done to us. He is the most exciting, awesome player in the game today. I think it’s just God disguised as Michael Jordan.” Now imagine you’re the greatest ever…

3. Magic Johnson- Starts At Center

Ok, you’re the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Your Hall of Fame center is to hurt to play in a decisive game 6 of the NBA Finals. What do you do? Well, you start your rookie point guard at center of course. If he fails and you loose the game, then you’re in for it. If he scores 42 points, snatches 15 rebounds, and dishes out 7 assists then he’s Magic Johnson. You now look like a genius and have a championship to show for it. Not a bad decision at all.

2. Dwayne Wade- 2006 NBA Finals

The Heat, a team that had never made the NBA Finals before, faced an early 2-0 deficit in the 2006 championship series. It took a young phenom in his third NBA season on a team of veterans to dig them out of the hole. D-Wade averaged 35 PPG, 8 rebounds, nearly 3 steals, and set a record for most free throw attempts in a six-game Finals series (97) on his way to a Finals MVP. He also finished the series with the best PER, all time in the Finals, beating even the ’91 MJ by more than 2 points.

1. Michael Jordan- The Flu Game

Ask any sports fan over twenty about the ‘Flu Game’. They will tell you about Michael Jordan scoring 38 points. They will tell you that he was sick as a dog. Needed to be helped to the bench during time outs. They will tell you that he played 44 minutes. They will tell you how the Bulls won the game and later, the series, and the championship. They will tell you it was crazy. Spectacular. Incredible. Amazing. They could tell you all about it. But if you didn’t see it, you just have no clue. Wednesday, June 11^th 1997 was the day I truly believed in a god.

JB, CW

Album: A Prince Among Thieves 

Artist: Prince Paul

Year: 1999

Label: Tommy Boy

Why you should hear it: Because this is the ultimate concept album in Hip Hop. Yeah, Hip Hop had flirted with the idea of concept albums before, but this was 100% committed to telling a story. The album follows Tariq (played by Breezly Brewin), an up and coming mc, who is trying to land a gig with Wu-Tang. Only thing getting in his way is the cost of finishing his demo tape. That’s where True (Big Sha) comes in, a long-time friend known to make cash working the corners. The story has several surprising twists and ends up far darker than one would expect from the same producer that put together De La Soul‘s first few albums. Along with solid story telling, the production is nothing short of spectacular, and puts Prince Paul up there with some of Hip Hop’s finest. Because that’s not enough for the Prince, we also get an onslaught of guest spots from A-listers like Big Daddy Kane, RZA, Biz Markie, De La Soul, Xzibit, and an awesome spoken role by Chris Rock. In all, this amounts to one of the most satisfying albums assembled in the genre, and highlights one of Hip Hop’s greatest minds.

If you gotta pick one: Track 6 – What U Got (The Demo) ft. Breeze – This album, above all else, is about the whole experience, which makes picking a stand-out track nearly impossible. Regardless, this track gets mad love because Paul samples one of my all-time favorite blues musicians, Albert King. On that alone, I have to pick this song. In addition, though, this track sets a lot of the story up, giving you a taste of the kind of MC Tariq is, and his relationship with True, who also drops a verse over this great beat. While this song is meant to be heard with the rest of the album, it is definitely able to stand on its own.

CW

Directed by Jim Jarmusch

‘Screenplay by Jim Jarmusch

Starring Johnny Depp, Gary Farmer, Crispin Glover, John Hurt, Lance Henriksen

Awards-

European Film Awards, Screen International Award- Jim Jarmusch

NYFCC Award for Best Cinematography- Robby Muller

Eerie. Dark. Captivating. Some, among many words that describe this criminally over looked film. Jim Jarmusch, a consistently great filmmaker, writes one of the most off beat and original screenplays I’ve seen to date. Full of style, broken dialog, and an amazing original score by the legend Neil Young, this film is a personal favorite of mine and eventually, of anyone I show it to. Follow William Blake (no, not the poet) and his Indian guide ‘Nobody’ as they try to escape bounty hunters and anyone else that may cross their path. If you don’t enjoy this film, I suspect you have a very blackened soul and so I pray for you…

Also, watch for some great cameos by the likes of Crispin Glover, Iggy Pop, and Billy Bob Thornton.

JB

10. Blazing Saddles (1974)

Part old western, part Marx Brothers, and all Mel Brooks, this classic from one of comedies greatest minds is anything but conventional. When not being sexist, its being racist, and when not being either one of those, it’s satirizing. As if the writing weren’t enough, we’re given another performance from Gene Wilder, and he’s practically made for Mel’s movies. Any fan of comedy needs to see this.

9. Rushmore (1998) 

There are several types of comedies. There are a lot more types of humor. But for whatever reason, I still have a hard time placing this film and its tone into any previously explored category. It’s pretentious. It’s melodramatic. It’s fucking perfect and it’s one of the best all around movies in the past few decades. Perfect performances, great direction, and spot on writing make this overlooked film one of the all time greats.

8. Annie Hall (1977) / Sleeper (1973)

We couldn’t decide which Woody to represent in this list. So, we put both. We definitely love his slapstick, Marx-style physical humor in Sleeper. But we also love his deeper, relationship based comedy in Annie Hall. Unfortunately, they’re both so well done; it’s hard to pick one over the other. On the upside, you now have the best of both worlds.

7. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Listen, I don’t want to hear any shit from you old comedy purist jerks. You just need to shut up and recognize this movie’s genius. With one of the best comedy ensembles ever, flawless writing, amazing performances, and style on a whole other level from almost anything, this movie is more then just a great comedy, it’s a great achievement in film.

6. Duck Soup (1933)

I have to say, this film just completely blew me away. With ‘Duck Soup’, comedy pioneers, The Marx Brothers, made a political satire that mirrors many issues of our day in a way that’s still extremely accessible to comedy fans of a completely different generation then their own. This movie also has two of the funniest scenes I’ve ever seen in a film. Period.

5. Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964)

A comedy film list would never be complete without something from Peter Sellers. And no movie list in general would be complete without something from Stanley Kubrick.  He was just beginning maybe the most unbelievable and unparalleled run in film making history when he directed Strangelove and this dark, Cold War satire is just a notch in that mythic belt of his.

4. Big Lebowski (1998)

I must admit, at first viewing I was a little confused. I couldn’t reconcile the fact that the same brothers that made Fargo, made this outstanding, character driven comedy. The humor was TOO well done to be written by old school filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen. But then I became acquainted with the rest of their work and understood that these are possibly the most flexible and well-rounded moviemakers Hollywood has ever seen.

3. Young Frankenstein (1974)

Mel Brooks at his best. Gene Wilder at his best. Before there was Not Another Scary Movie 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 (that’s where they’re at now, right?) there was Young Frankenstein. Great performances, and an abundance of Mel’s infamous gags and odd hilarity, this movie gets me rolling every time I see it. And the late Peter Boyle turns in one of the most memorable comedy characters ever.

2. Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975)

Eleven minutes is all it takes for this movie to deliver one of, if not THEE funniest scenes in comedy film history. And King Arthur’s battle with the Black Knight is just the beginning of this movies comedy genius. The Flying Circus hit a home run, no, grand slam with this iconic, religiously followed film. Even the goddamn credits are hilarious!

1. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

This wasn’t an easy decision. It’s not easy to measure funny. It’s not easy to measure influence. Harder still how do you put three equally significant comedies in any set order? Well we went with a movie that destroyed previous conventions in comedic filmmaking. A movie with humor that is so spontaneous and natural it could never be written. Christopher Guest and company found a comedy niche that nobody else could ever occupy, and this is their masterpiece.

CW, JB

Album: Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star

Artist: Black Star

Year: 1998

Label: Rawkus Records

Why you should hear it: Because this is the pinnacle of late 90′s east coast Hip Hop. It’s one of the most listenable albums in any genre, which is impressive considering the strength of Mos Def’s and Talib’s lyrical message. When the two mc’s aren’t criticizing the feuding that had taken the lives of all time greats Biggie and Tupac, they were trying to uplift black men, women, and children. In many ways, the duo was reminiscent of Hip Hop’s golden years, when confrontation and violence were a last resort, rather than something to brag about. But, if the words of this album were old school, then Hi Tek’s production made it relevant to a genre more than a decade old. While several tracks are not produced by him, the album’s strongest beats are, and they’re unbelievable. His mesmerizing rhythms let the two lyrical heavyweights weave in and out of powerful drums and laid back guitar and piano riffs. The album has so much to offer that it’s (almost) understandable the group hasn’t released a second one.

If you gotta pick one: Track 11 – Respiration – an absolutely flawless track, with a guest spot by Common. The three mc’s take turns talking about their hometowns as if they were alive, and their passion for the subject is obvious. The words are far more vivid than a picture could ever be. A line dropped by Mos Def, tells you everything you need to know, “the Shiny Apple is bruised but sweet and if you choose to eat, you could lose your teeth… my narrative rose to explain this existence, amidst the harbor lights that remain in the distance.” A badass beat behind some of the best lyricists of the 90′s? Just fucking check it out. 

CW

Directed by Joel Coen (and Ethan Coen, Unaccredited)

Screenplay by The Coen Brothers

Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Frances McDormand, James Gandolfini, Scarlett Johansson, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Jenkins

Awards-

AFI Cinematographer of the Year- Roger Deakins

ASC Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography- Roger Deakins

BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

BSFC Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director- Joel Coen

Chlotrudis Audience Award for Best Actor- Billy Bob Thornton

David di Donatello Award for Best Foreign Film- Joel Coen

FFCC Award for Best Actor- Billy Bob Thornton

FFCC Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

ALFS Award for Actor of the Year- Billy Bob Thornton

ALFS Award for Screenwriter of the Year- The Coen Brothers

LAFCA Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

NBR Award for Best Actor- Billy Bob Thornton

OFCS Award for Best Actor- Billy Bob Thornton

OFCS Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

Golden Aries Award Best Foreign Actor- Billy Bob Thornton

SDFCS Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

Golden Satellite Award for Best Cinematography- Roger Deakins

SEFCA Award for Best Actor- Billy Bob Thornton

Phewww. As you can see, the critics loved this movie and in particular, loved Roger Deakins work behind the camera. It’s no coincidence that a lot of my favorite movies were shot by Mr. Deakins. His vision for how a film should look is unparalleled and this movie displays his work at its best. And Joel and Ethan Coen are no slouches either. They whip up another twisting tale of lies, deceit, greed, and odd hilarity, which has so often been their trademark. Billy Bob Thornton is a stuck in a rut barber with aspirations of more, when a fast talking sales man comes in for a cut. Convincing him that dry cleaning is the way of the future and a small investment is all that is needed, Thornton finally sees a way out. But a Coen Brothers film just couldn’t be that easy could it? Watch mesmerized (mainly at the absolutely stunning black and white work by Deakins) as things quickly spin out of control around Ed Crane (Thornton).

JB

Album: All Balls Don’t Bounce

Artist: Aceyalone

Year: 1995

Label: Capitol Records

Why you should hear it: Because it’s one of the most impressive lyrical showcases in Hip Hop. If your not already familiar with Acey from his work with the Freestyle Fellowship, this cat will destroy previous impressions of what an MC is able to do with a mic. Like Pharoahe Monch, his confidence seeps through the speakers. Also like Pharoahe, his out of this world style and delivery are enhanced by his word choices. Rather than following any set pattern or structure, his words weave a unique rhythmic element into each song, which can only be likened to jazz improvisation. If that doesn’t make sense, it’s because you haven’t heard this guy. His flexible and up beat tone is backed by laid back jazzy beats, themselves original enough to stretch Acey’s abilities to their limit. You’d be a fool to miss this west coast gem.

If you gotta pick one: Track 13 – Makeba – is an extremely slow beat compared to the rest of the album, but that just opens up the track for Acey. The man tells an interesting story about an old female friend, but in a way you’re not used to. While this a great showcase for Acey, it’s also one of my favorite pieces of production on ‘All Balls Don’t Bounce’. Driven by a groovy riff from an upright bass and some jazzy drums, this track could stand by itself as an instrumental. Nonetheless, the listener gets this fresh beat AND Aceyalone’s word acrobatics. What more could you ask for?

CW

Directed by Hal Ashby

Screenplay by Jerzy Kosinski

Starring Peter Sellers, Jack Warden, Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas

Awards-

Writers Guild of America Best Comedy Adapted from Another Medium- Jerzy Kosinski

N.Y. Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor- Melvyn Douglas

National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography- Caleb Deschanel

National Board of Review for Best Actor- Peter Sellers

L.A. Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor- Melvyn Douglas

London Critics Circle Special Achievement Award- Peter Sellers

Fotogramas de Plata for Best Foreign Performance- Peter Sellers

BAFTA Film Award for Best Screenplay- Jerzy Kosinski

Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy- Peter Sellers

Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor- Melvyn Douglas

Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor- Melvyn Douglas

Hal Ashby struck dark comedy gold when he directed Harold and Maude in 1971 and eight years later the great Peter Sellers gets a staring role in this hugely overlooked late 70’s film. As dark as its predecessor with an abundance of dry and witty humor piled on top, this movie makes me laugh all the way through, every time I see it. Peter Sellers is pure genius as Chance the gardener, who through a series of miscommunications becomes Chauncey Gardner, and is thrown into the high stakes world that is Washington D.C. A man who has never learned to read or write, whose whole education comes from what he’s seen on T.V., suddenly finds himself personal confidant to the President of The United States. If this wonderfully dark satire doesn’t get you laughing, then maybe you should check out the latest “Not Another…” movie this weekend.

JB