Underneath_The_Rader is an eyesight into the vast world of Film, Music, and Photography. Showcasing Albums, Films, and Artists you may or may not have ever discovered otherwise. A selection of fine Art for any who choose to explore it. Open your mind and you will find the Diamonds in the Harvest.
Brooklyn-based indie rockers Here We Go Magic with there debut s/t album. When it was made it was a solo project originally by lead singer Luke Temple and was recored at his house on a 4 track recorder. "I just had one tom, one microphone, a synth and an acoustic guitar. I didn’t have a full drum kit or normal bass, it was just all synth stuff that I did myself."
A pretty good effort for an at the time one man band, Here We Go Magic has a knack for creating surreal soundscapes that are easy to get lost in. Full of repetitive melodies, and dreamy guitar spread out in a very minimalist manner it really does take you away. Case in point the song Tunnelvision , this 4min track feels like 20 mins by the time its over but you don't want it to end. A solid Debut.
Eleanor Friedberger is one half of indie rock duo The Fiery Furnaces with her brother Matthew Friedberger. This past year she released her first solo album "Last Summer" with obvious references to the Fiery Furnaces but enough distance to make it her own. A clear 70's vibe found throughout, her unique voice brings a warmness to the album for a solid listen.
Saskatoon's own The Sheepdogs finally get there day in the sun. It was quite the year for the 70's drenched rockers shooting to fame through the Rolling Stone Band contest they entered and won, winning a record deal and everything that comes with it. I first heard the dogs just a few months before there buzz began and wondered why they weren't more popular. From there debut album 2006's Trying to Grow followed by 2008's Big Stand, and now with 2010's Learn & Burn (rereleased in 2011) there a band that just gets it. Flowing with nothing but good old fashion meat & potato's rock as they like to say, you just can't help but get into it. Learn & Burn represents there strongest work to date with the album flowing very nicely along, including the 4 song melody to close out the album. It's one you can play start to finish just like the old days with vinyl the way a record was ment to be played.
There currently working on a new album, recording in Nashville with Patrick Carney of the Black Keys. it's due out in the spring/early summer
and now a shameless plug of a few of my own videos ;)
For the first AOTD post of 2012 enter the three piece Canadian "Nu-Jazz" trio BADBADNOTGOOD with the help of one Tyler the creator they have quickly come up into the spotlight and for good reason. there instrumentals often improvisations are the stuff of gold
wow...the blog.. well, it's been quite awhile lol..... 17months! I think its been long enough. I'll be posting mostly music with the BOTD - Band of the Day and the odd movie here and there I feel is worth your time and some that aren't ;) one change to the blog is I will no longer be posting link's to album downloads any longer (due to some legal issues lol) but it's easy enough nowadays and you don't have to look far ;) other than that I hope you enjoy the posts and you find some new interesting sights and sounds to your liking.
Being on the Topic of Leslie West I thought I would post this cool clip of Leslie and Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society,Ozzy) you can really see the respect these two have for one another and as always Zakk is keepin it light with his humour. I believe the concert footage took place in Chicago. Would have loved to see it, Looked like a great show.
Leslie West is an American rock guitarist, singer and songwriter, best known for his time with the Hard Rock group Mountain, back in the late 60's and 70's. Since 1965 West has been a Pioneer of sorts in Rock, respected by his peers on his way to becoming a guitar legend. Outside of Mountain, West has released several solo albums, as we as collaberations. "Got Blooze" an all blues album made up of classic blues covers was released in 2005. Easily one of West's strongest outings in the last several years, Got Booze is full of rocking guitar riffs and solo's that are sure to please any West fans and anyone who is a fan of blues rock. From SRV's "The Sky is Crying" to B.B King's "The Thrill is Gone" and Cream's "Politician" West never looses a beat. Leslie West is a guitar legend and with releases like this it's easy to see why.
"Völkerball is the band Rammstein's live album/DVD set. It was released on November 17, 2006 in Europe, December 19, 2006 in Canada, and on September 18, 2007 in the U.S. The album was advertised within media by the Ich will live video featured on the DVD and Mann gegen Mann single.
The standard edition-packaging comes in both CD-sized and DVD-sized formats. The special edition features two DVDs and one CD. The extra DVD comes with the documentary 'Anakonda Im Netz' and the 'Making Of Reise, Reise album'. The limited edition has two DVDs, two CDs and a photobook."
Love em or Hate em Rammstein can put on a hell of a show. Case in point "Völkerball" the Fantastic live album/DVD showcasing one of there shows in Nimes,France. Start to finish its an epic performance at a fantastic setting (The Arena of Nimes) with all the pyro you could ever want, a massive stage, and the usual Rammstein antics. Featuring music up to the "Reise Reise" album there are plenty of favorites to be found. "Du Riechest So Gut" "Sonne" "Ich Will" and "Sehnsucht" to name a few. also included are some footage from shows at the Brixton Academy in London, and Club Citta in Tokyo Japan. Even the behind the scenes doc is interesting showcasing the band in a light you might not otherwise see. All in all its a great package that any Rammstein fan needs to own.
Soul Position are an American hip hop duo hailing from Columbus, Ohio, consisting of DJ/producer RJD2 and rapper Blueprint. They have released two albums and one EP on Rhymesayers Entertainment. 8 Million Stories is there debut full-length album.
RJD2 is back doing what he knows best, making beats, alot of them. This time he has teamed up with Rapper Blueprint to form Soul Position. The duo clearly show some great chemestry together and because of this the album for the most part shines. They feed off each other and while maybe one song d2's beats could use something more Blueprint is there to keep it rolling with his tight lyrics and rhymes and vice-versa, whenever Blueprint may hit a stumbling block D2 is right there with a strong beat to carry the song. It's alittle diffrent from D2's previous work, this time focusing on more lyric orianted work but it works just the same and is a treat to hear if you haven't already.
"Godsmack is an American rock band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. The band comprises founder, frontman and songwriter Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin. The Oracle, formerly known as Saints & Sinners, is the fifth studio album by American rock band Godsmack, released in the U.S. on May 4, 2010, and is the first Godsmack album in 4 years"
I used to listen to alot of Godsmack back in the day when they first came on seen with there S/T debut and the fallow up Awake. Then Fearless came and I never really got into it, and by the time IV came.. well I never listened too it. Frankly I don't even know what happened to them. But four years have passed and here they are back on the scene. So I decided to give it a listen, why not. First impressions, not bad. then about a week of listening to it while cruising in the car...not bad at all. It's a return to form so to speak. They have decided to go back to there roots that made them what they are, less blues more heavy, just simple hard rock. It's what they do best and it's what makes this album succeed. starting off with the single Cryin Like A Bitch immediately kicks the record off in high gear and never really slows down. Love-Hate-Sex-Pain, What If, Good Day to Die, all straight forward, all rocking. The album is capped off with the epic title track The Oracle a 6+min instrumental that stands as one of the best on the album, and best they have done in along while. It may all be alittle too straightforward, but if your feeling in the mood for alittle hard rock, it's one worth a listen.
"Grace Potter and the Nocturnals is a Vermont-based band that gained national attention in 2007 with its album, This Is Somewhere. Their next, self-titled studio album was released on June 8, 2010. The band blends funky blues, soul and rock from the 60s and early 70s.
I first seen Grace Potter in a live performance of Neil Young's Cortez The Killer with Guitar Virtuoso a Mr.Joe Satriani. She did an admirable job, bringing alot of life and luster to the performance and right away I needed to hear more. Here we have there Newest release, and it's clear Grace has it goin on lol. a talented multi-instrumentalist. she does her best Janis Joplin-esque belts one minute to a laid back soulful composure the next. The band are no slouces either, providing some memphis routed jam band rock for Grace to run wild with. it's an album with alot of promise for this vibrant group rising up the ranks.
Patrick Henry "Pat" Travers (born April 12, 1954) is a Canadian rock guitarist, keyboardist and singer who began his recording career with Polydor Records in the mid 1970s. Pat Thrall, Nicko McBrain, Mick Dyche, Tommy Aldridge, Peter "Mars" Cowling, Jerry Riggs, and Carmine Appice are some of the noted musicians that have been members of the Pat Travers Band through the years. Crash And Burn was Released back in 1980, and was Pat Travers Band's highest charting Release.
Pat is a Classic among great Canadian Guitar players, He ranks right up there, Needless to say he can wail. Crash and Burn had some killer good old fashion rock and or roll, he Didn't beat around the bush. Snortin' Whiskey is such an example, which was also a hit. other strong tracks include a couple of covers. Bob Marley's Is This Love and Albert King's Born Under A Bad Sign which are both done justice and it all add's up to a great Album. If you can find it, Pick it up.
How to Destroy Angels is a musical group featuring Nine Inch Nails front man Trent Reznor, his wife Mariqueen Maandig, and Atticus Ross. The group is named after a 1984 Coil single of the same name. The band's first release is the self titled 6 track EP. It was released on June 1st, 2010 for free on the band's webpage, with the retail cd coming out today, july 6th, 2010.
I've been excited for this one since learning of there existance a few months back. With NIN over and done for now, an artist has to create and it didn't take long for Trent to head back into the studio for this. Naturally it's very NIN like in it's approach and sound with all the classic atmospheric,melodic pulsating industrial soundscapes Reznor is known for. Only this time we have a 2nd Reznor, Mariqueen for the most part fits the bill nicely she drifts in and out on many of the tracks with her faint whispers, and at times seductive delivery. It works, a Solid EP to tide us over till the next one, or perhaps intill the next NIN, who knows, but this project is definitely worth expanding on more in the future, let's hope.
The Black Keys is an American blues-rock music duo consisting of vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer/producer Patrick Carney.Attack & Release is the fifth album by American blues-rock duo.
I'm fairly new to the Black Keys, Though i've heard portions of there work before. Often compared to The White Stripes. The Black Keys take a more grungy, blues approach to there sound than the Stripes. "I Got Mine" and "Strange Times" 2 singles from the 11 Track album show of the more rock aspect of there raw sound, while my Personal Fav "Psychotic Girl" brings an errie psychedelic trip, fallowed by the also very good "Lies" A Strong album all around and a good starting point before exploring some of there back catalouge like I'm about to do.
Mumford & Sons are an English Indie folk band from London. The band is made up of Marcus Mumford (vocals, guitar, drums, mandolin), Country Winston or Marshall Winston (vocals, banjo, dobro), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboards, organ), Ted Dwane (vocals, double bass).T he band formed in late 2007, rising out of London's folk scene with other artists such as Laura Marling, Johnny Flynn, Jay Jay Pistolet and Noah and the Whale. The band's debut album, Sigh No More, was released in the United Kingdom in October 2009, and February 2010 in the United States.
It's kinda hard to believe this band is from London, not exactly a sound u expect to hear from there. I was plesantly suprised when I first heard M&S, songs full of uplifting folk driven melodies. Little Lion Man already became a hit overseas so expect more from them in the not to distant future.
Hey all, I apologize for the recent lack of activity around here. Laptop's been down for the last while so posting's been alittle outta my hands, but everything's back up and running now so back to it I go. Hope there is something for everyone here.
"The Cat Empire is an Australian eclectic band from Melbourne, Australia. Currently, the Cat Empire comprises of Felix Riebl (percussion and vocals), Harry James Angus (trumpet and vocals), Ollie McGill (keyboard and backing vocals), Ryan Monro (bass and backing vocals), Will Hull-Brown (drums) and Jamshid "Jumps" Khadiwhala (decks, percussion). They are also commonly backed by the Empire Horns, a brass duo, and have recurring guest musicians. A strong, recurrent theme of their music is a rejection of excessive materialism, war and intolerance and an enthusiastic embrace of cultural diversity and a simple, carefree life. The band treats their fans kindly, doing things like sending out personally messaged and autographed postcards to members of their volunteer promotional teams across the globe.
The band's name was taken from the title of a drawing by Felix Riebl's younger brother, Max, and its distinctive cat's eye icon, which is also known as "Pablo", was created by Ian McGill, Ollie McGill's father. So Many Nights is The Cat Empire's fourth studio album"
The music, a tangled mix of reggae, punk, Latin rock, ska, hip-hop and soul-jazz, can sometimes overwhelm but more often than not blend and flow together to form an instantly memorable catchy beat or melody that doesn't have to try too hard before it grows on you. The band is clearly talented and pull it all together more often than not. With there pevious efforts they were considered somewhat of a party band by many, but a more mature sound appers here. Felix's vocals are strong throughout and he shows quite the range. catchy upbeat songs like "Sunny Moon" mixed in with Darker Devious work like " The Darkness" which still manages to get the hair on my arms standing. Calmer works like "No Longer There" do a good job of balancing everything out. A strong outing from the Aussie group.
"Kowalski works for a car delivery service. He takes delivery of a 1970 Dodge Challenger to take from Colorado to San Fransisco, California. Shortly after pickup, he takes a bet to get the car there in less than 15 hours. After a few run-ins with motorcycle cops and highway patrol they start a chase to bring him into custody. Along the way, Kowalski is guided by Supersoul - a blind DJ with a police radio scanner."
Vanishing Point released back in 1971 to a rather small debut is a classic Car Chase film full of high speed thrills. Although it came and went quite quietly when it was originally released over the years it has developed a loyal cult fallowing from car buffs everywhere. The film was later remade back in 1997 with a then still rather unknown Viggo Mortensen. Like most remakes its results were...well crap and it really doesn't hold a candle to the original. The car chase in Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof also pays a quite obvious nod to the film by using the same Car, a 1970 Dodge Challenger in the final chase scene. Anyone into cars will get a kick out of this film, if you haven't seen it already. Trailer
"On 30 June 2009 John Butler announced the new bass and drum musicians of the John Butler Trio to be Byron Luiters as the bassist and Nicky Bomba as the drummer and percussionist. Bomba, Butler's brother-in-law, has previously been a member of the John Butler Trio. The new line-up has spent the last few months in a studio in Fremantle, recording the band's fifth studio album, which will be released in March 2010. The album will be called April Uprising, named after Butler's voyage to find his ancestors on SBS Television’s genealogy series, Who Do You Think You Are?. The recording process for the new album has been shared with fans via a special studio sessions page on the band’s website. The first single from the album, "One Way Road", was released on 4 December 2009. Butler described the song as being
the combination of pretty much most of my musical influences; dancehall, roots & rock. Some how we found a way to bring all these feels in a way that sounds natural and not too contrived or cerebral. I’m really happy with how we captured the vibe of this song."
its been 3 years since the last JBT album, "Grand National" which was a large change of pace from the bands pervious albums but they didn't miss a beat and diffrence or no diffrence it was another great album. Now in 2010 we have April Uprising. New band members,new outlook,new image, and once again a hole new sound. April Uprising is new territory for JBT and there fans. While many will complain that the change is too much, and that it's not the same. The trademark dreads may be gone, and the long traditional busk worthy guitar instrumentals are seemingly a thing of the past. But, This new more Radio friendly pop rock outing by the trio still captures that JBT vibe throughout. It's one thing for an artist to make a strong album only to fallow up with 4 more of the same, but it's another when an artist can evolve. Not only as a person, but as a musican, and manage to succesfully bring there sound to a hole new level in itself. Songs that emote and send a message like the opener "Revolution" or "Johnny's Gone". A newer more electric sounding trio rockin out with tracks like "Close to You" or "Don't Wanna See Your Face" there is something for everyone to be found on the 15 Tracks of the album. JBT seem to be having alot of fun with these latest recordings. John is in a new relm in his life, but the talent is just as visable now as it was back on the streets of Perth, and that can't possibly be a bad thing.
"the John Butler Trio kicked off the 2007 Easter long weekend with a massive free concert in Melbourne's Federation Square. A celebration of the album Grand National, the John Butler Trio and a host of guest musicians mesmerized the huge crowd with hits including Better Than, Good Excuse and Funky Tonight. jtv were there with their cameras to capture it all."
I figured to help celebrate the release of April Uprising I would give you a glimpse of JBT's dvd Live at Federation Square. I've seen JBT two times, both times fantastic shows and this is more of the same. The only diffrence is this is right in the heart of Austrailla and has a hole lot more people, but that only makes it more engrossing. A Largely Grand National Setlist with some thrown in classics like Ocean and Peaches & Cream, John and the band really bring it all together in a performance thats great from start to finish. There are also some special features including a "Busk-off" with triple j's "The Doctor" which is deffently worth checking out.
Zebra
Ocean
I haven't been able to find a Full version of the concert for download, only partial with missing tracks so I recommend just watching all the clips on youtube..there all there, even numbered.
Plastic Beach is the third studio album by the virtual band Gorillaz, released in March 2010. The album features guest performances by Snoop Dogg, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Kano, Bashy, Bobby Womack, Mos Def, Gruff Rhys, De La Soul, Little Dragon, Mark E. Smith, Lou Reed, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, sinfonia ViVA and The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music. "Plastic Beach" is being released in a total of five editions, many of which contain a multitude of exclusive features.
Finally some new gorillaz it's been alittle while since the greatness that was Demon Days with D-Sides released in the meantime to tide us over but here Damon and company are back doing what they do best. Addictive, catchy, Electropop full of Alternative Hip-Hop and Rock elements in a layered offering that only gets better after repeated listens. A collection only Russel, Noodle, 2D and Murdoc could bring you, The animated supergroup have struck again.
Bananaz, released back in 2008 is the offbeat documentary that dive's into the minds of Gorillaz creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, Fallowing the duo as well as the rest of the contributors as they imbark on there animated ride to success. I haven't got a chance to check this film out yet but Since we have new Gorillaz out its deffently worth your time goin back alittle and checking this one out. Fans of the group and and art of it all i'm sure will find alot to like here.
"Beast is a Canadian indie, electronic music duo based out of Montreal, Quebec. Beast's members include vocalist and lyricist Betty Bonifassi and composer/producer Jean-Phi Goncalves.
Beast has been described as "an experimental hip-hop project filled with trip-hop-style down-tempo electronica, aggressive guitars and loud drum beats," or (as Bonifassi describes it) "trip rock".
Beast’s self-titled debut album was made available internationally on iTunes on Nov 4, 2008 and their first single, "Mr. Hurricane", was offered for free on iTunes as the Single of the Week in 6 major markets including the US, the UK, France and Australia. The album's official commercial release date in Canada is Nov 18, 2008, with international releases yet to be announced."
I first heard Beast one night while channel surfing. There at the time new video for the single Mr. Hurricane was playing on Aux (a good music station if u don't know it) the video itself is a pretty good piece and I was suprised that this little indie band had such a high quality video. So I looked them up, gave there album a listen and have been hooked ever since. There beats so agressive, dark and moody. Betty Being such a strong vocalist and for being French with all of her previous work also in French her english comes off really well. Back When they formed, the duo were sitting around hanging out when they started to jam. In almost one take they came up with the opening track Devil, and afterwards they knew they had something so Beast was formed. Bonifassi's vocal stylings on Beast's debut album lean more towards rap and spoken-word. Bonifassi is the main songwriter for the band and the music is composed and produced by Goncalves. The Albums hole tone is Anger, Sadness, really being a "Beast" but the tone of the album comes across perfectly and the dark beats really come off with that sense of just "cool" when listening something you can really get into. This band is really up and coming and is for sure one to look out for.
"A man entranced by his dreams and imagination is lovestruck with a French woman and feels he can show her his world."
The Science of Sleep was released in France back in 2006 and later to limited release in north america. Written and Directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). Sleep is about Stephane (Gael Garcia Bernal), a creative dreamer who moves to his childhood home in Paris after his father's death. He takes a job at a calendar company, thinking that it will allow him to express himself creatively. Living across from Stephane is Stephanie played by Singer/Actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, as an equally creative woman. They form a relationship, that as it grows becomes threatened by Stephane's overactive dream world, which begins creeping into his life. Gondry has always been know for his strong work and this is no diffrent. Sleep marks the screen writing debut for Gondry and it's clear that from start to finish this movie is pure Gondry. The dream sequences are bright and vibrant, imagery with characters layered upon each other and pulled outward into their worlds. his real life is dull drab and mundane, a stark contrast to his dreams, which makes them pop that much more when shown. There often beautiful, and Unrestrained with so much going on it's hard to see everything in one take. Like Eternal Sunshine, The Characters, The Story, Dialogue, Performances are all great, and bring together the film into one tight hole. Gondry smartly lets this film ride on deftly-crafted human moments with it's backbone being that of human emotion that easily makes it worth a viewing.
Heligoland is the fifth regular studio album from Massive Attack, entitled after the German archipelago of the same name. The album comes seven years after the release of their previous non-soundtrack, standalone studio album, 100th Window.
Remarkably their first studio album since 2003’s ‘100th Window’, ‘Heligoland’ sees the duo - Robert ‘3D’ Del Naja and Grant ‘Daddy G’ Marshall return to form with a hole list of collaborators that shape this album into one of there strongest in years. Featuring vocalists like Elbow's Guy Garvey, TV On The Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe, Martina Topley-Bird, Damon Albarn, and Hope Sandoval. Musiclly Portishead’s Adrian Utley and DFA’s Tim Goldsworthy also contribute. Back are the oppressive moods that you associate with more recent Massive Attack. The music is warmer, more grounded fully of dubby basslines and ominous breakbeats, haunting vocals, trippy electronics, even a sense of soul with tracks like Saturday comes Slow. A great piece of work, I have listened to the album as a hole several times now and it grows on me after every listen, but thats classic Massive Attack. itunes has released a special edition of the album with several bonus tracks which you can find below. Massive Attack will also be releasing a fallow up ep full of b-sides that were left of the final album later in the year. June I believe. The artwork, as with every Massive Attack album since No Protection, is a collaboration between Tom Hingston and Del Naja, this time based on Del Naja's paintings. The cover image has been banned on the London Underground, due to it being deemed by Transport For London to too closely resemble "street art".
Having served his time for stabbing another teenager, Ricky is released from prison and collected by his little brother and his friend Wisdom. Arriving back in London, Wisdom accidentally damages a car of another young man, but Ricky makes him walk away when things escalate towards a fight. However, when Wisdom realises that the word on the street is that he is a p*ssy, he revisits the young man and shoots his dog dead. Ricky tries to resolve the situation to avoid getting drawn back into the violence that landed him in jail in the first place. Meanwhile, younger brother Curtis watches all these things with admiring eyes.
Bullet Boy, from British director Saul Dibb was released in 2004. The cast a mixture of professionals and non-actors all give good, honest performances. The movie is dark, gloomy with an overlaying sense of tragedy throughout. The Dialogue is authentic and the direction is very simple but gives the film a strong sense of realism which is the main reason why this film works. Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack is the soundtrack to the film. A strong piece showcasing the gun culture in the streets of London. .
As I mentioned below, Oldboy is one of those films were the soundtrack really stands out and makes the film as a hole better for it. It's full of Moody Atmospheric tracks, mixed with faster adrenaline fueled pieces that set the mood perfectly. Even on it's own this soundtrack more than stands on its own feet with its symphonic classical instrumentals that are full of emotion. Tracks like "The Last Waltz" composed by Korean Musician Shim Hyun Jung or "The Old Boy" composed by Jo Yeong-wook are both brilliant pieces that are sure to get someform of emotion out of its listener. My only complaint with the soundtrack is the length of some tracks, in that there just not long enough, you want them to continue, you want to experence more.
"After being kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must find his captor in 5 days."
Oldboy from Director Chan-wook Park was released in 2003 and is part 2 in Chan-wook's "Revenge Trilogy". The first thing that sticks out about Oldboy is its fantastic screenplay, the Vividness of the locations, the colours, the characters, the violence. It takes you from its opening moments and doesn't let you go intill the very end in its 2hr running time. The story is gripping, the characters believable and well rounded. The acting is throughout is great, full of raw emotion, and with this film it's really a perfect example of how the music can make a film better as a hole, as the soundtrack for this film is flawless from top to bottom. Chan-wook Park is a very methodical director. He squeezes everything he can out of the story, his actors, the Film as a hole. Though not required viewing to get the most out of Oldboy you really own it to yourself to seek out all three of Park's revenge films as again in Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance Park's work is in full display. It's just too bad that already there remaking this film. Good to see Hollywood is keeping there streak of originality in check..*cough*
"The Cinematic Orchestra is a British-based jazz and electronic outfit, created in the late 1990s by Jason Swinscoe. The band is signed to Ninja Tune. The Cinematic Orchestra's sound, in both live and studio contexts, employs a live band which improvises along with a turntablist and electronic elements such as samples provided by Swinscoe.
Ma Fleur is the fourth full-length release and third proper studio album by The Cinematic Orchestra, released in 2007. The album is less jazz-influenced than the band's previous albums, but still retains their familiar downtempo sound."
Neither jazz nor trip-hop nor any other label you can think of, Ma Fleur is an immensely moving, and strongly distinct in the sound that comes across. Where as much as you hear is just as important as what you don't hear. a sense of space, vastness, but always comforting. The songs flow beautifully softly merging from one to the next dragging you deeper into its spell, starting off with the hair raising tingle of the power piano ballad that is "To Build A Home" The haunting vocals of "Breathe", The whimsical cast of arrangements throughout, And a sense of depth that only grows after repeat listens. Ma Fleur is a great album that should be heard by all who just need to get away everyonce in awhile.
"After falling out with his editor, a fading political journalist is forced to interview America's most popular soap actress."
This movie was originally made in the Netherlands back in 2002 by Director Theo Van Gogh. The story fallows Pierre Peters played by Steve Buscemi (who also co-wrote and Directed this version), as a political journalist who is given a job to interview a movie celebrity Katya played by Sienna Miller. after meeting in a resturant the night ends abruptly as the two instantly dislike each other, but by a chance happening they "bump" into each other again after an accident outside the resturant. Katya invites the rattled reporter up to her flat, were Pierre decides he is going to get his story one way or another. A chess battle insues with one trying to outsmart the other in a game of wits. Seeing as the large bulk of this movie takes place in one room the script does a good job of keeping the flow going. The banter between Buscemi and Miller is the focal point of the film and the two do come across with some chemesty even if they aren't necessarily a match made in heaven. The plot thickens leading up to a final twist and overall leaves a satisfied viewing. Buscemi is Great and Miller also does a fine job with her role as the seemingly shallow actress. Another good one from Sony Pictures Classics.
"Eric San, from Vancouver, Canada who records under the name Kid Koala, is a Montreal, Quebec based DJ and turntablist. He is signed to the British Ninja Tune record label, is a member of jam band Bullfrog and alternative hip hop supergroup Deltron 3030, and his new project The Slew. He has also made appearances with many other artists from Amon Tobin to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and has made contributions to Lovage, Peeping Tom, Gorillaz, and numerous other projects."
Some of My Best Friends Are DJs was the second album released by Kid Koala. It was released in 2003 threw Ninja Tune. Kid Koala is a scratch king, no doubt about it. His strong sense of melody and arrangement push the bounds of his records further than most dj's could hope. Some of My Best Friends is composed of one layer after the other but never going overboard into the mundane. the album opener, "Basin Street Blues," begins with a scratched in bassline that progresses all the way to a louisiana, New Orleans style blues tune, and it goes together perfectly, using his table to create the horn percussion. The rest of the album continues with the head of steam the opener built with songs like "Skanky Panky" which again with its horn solo's aand multi-layed rhythm's all blending together to form one cohesive unit. Full of crazy samples, and scratch filled recordings there is alot to like if your a fan of the DJ. Even the CD packaging is well done with a comic book also done by Kid included, and even alittle chess board on the back with cut out pieces to play with, which is a neat touch.
"In a hospital on the outskirts of 1920s Los Angeles, an injured stuntman begins to tell a fellow patient, a little girl with a broken arm, a fantastical story about 5 mythical heroes. Thanks to his fractured state of mind and her vivid imagination, the line between fiction and reality starts to blur as the tale advances."
the cinematography in this film is quite simpley stunning. The colors, the framing, the costumes, the lighting, the backdrops everything is gorgeous, and if you see this film for one reason, the cinematography is enough to grab you and hold your attention. But underneath its beauty lies a deeper story that many have felt requires multiple viewings to really get everything out of it, which is a positive thing as it shows director Tarsem Singh (The Cell) is in firm control and manages to get everything he wants out of the film. The Fall is a fantastical, charming story with layers of haunting undertones throughout, I don't want to spoil anything within the film so I just reccomend that you give it a watch.
Portrait Photography is a popular medium. Portraits if done correctly are a good vehicle to display emotion. Simple Things like having the subject looking down the lens can create a sense of connection between a subject and the viewer. Portrait Photography can be taken in so many ways that it really leaves alot to experimentaion, and the results can be striking. Today is Portrait Photography Tips "10 Ways to Take Stunning Portraits" offers a good lession the in the many ways to get your subject across
Phantogram is an American electronic rock duo from Greenwich, New York, founded in 2007, consisting of guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel.
"We wanted to incorporate all our own influences and created our own sound that's a combination of Serge Gainsbourg, sampling and Detroit hip-hop. In interviews, the band has described their sound concisely under the genre of "street beat, psych pop."
This first album from the new york duo is a promising start, Full of odd arrangements, brassy samples, plenty of beats, indie roots, hip hop roots all thrown together to make an intriguing combination. The first two singles "Mouthful of Diamonds" and "When I'm Small" are both strong , Mouthful offering a blend of synthesizer and enticing female vocals, while When I'm Small has a more dance,trip hop kinda beat to it and is a stand out of mine on the album. Other stand out's include a 3rd single Running from the Cops and As Far As I Can See. A talented duo that looks to have a bright future, there album is currently available online with an expected Feb 2010 street date.
"A petty thief posing as an actor is brought to Los Angeles for an unlikely audition and finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation along with his high school dream girl and a detective who's been training him for his upcoming role..."
Character development, narrative drive, drama, tension, dramatic irony, backstory, confrontation scenes, plot twists... Kiss Kiss has all of it. Released in 2005, Directed by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon) KKBB is another strong entry by Black and was one of the suprising Action/Thriller/Comedies that year. Full of tongue in cheek humor, One liners and strong performances by Robert Downey Jr (who also does the narration), and Val Kilmer as the gay detective Gay Perry. KKBB is an enjoyable watch that flows from one scene to the next, and is one to check out if you missed it way back when.
"Zoot Allures is a 1976 rock album by Frank Zappa. This was Zappa's only release on the Warner Bros. Records label. Due to a lawsuit with his former manager Herb Cohen Frank Zappa's recording contract was temporarily re-assigned from DiscReet Records to Warner Bros.
The title is a pun on the French expression "Zut alors!" which, though it has no direct translation, conveys mild surprise and may be approximated by "Damn it!" or the British use of "Blimey!"
The album was originally conceptualized as a double LP, but for unknown reasons Zappa rearranged, edited, and shortened the track listing to what was eventually released as a single LP."
Many Zappa fans have mixed reactions with this album because it's a departure from his previous work. alittle more pop, a diffrent sound but it also features some of Zappa's classic songs like Disco Boy. Not to mention the classics Torture Never Stops, Black Napkins and the title track Zoot Allures which became signatures for Zappa over his career. Fallowed by a strong supporting cast from the rest of the tracks on the album and you have a well rounded classic Zappa Release.
"Punch-Drunk Love (2002) is the American romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Adam Sandler and Emily Watson, with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Luis Guzmán.
Sandler won positive reviews for his role in his first major departure from the broader comedies that had made him a star. Roger Ebert wrote in the Chicago Sun-Times that "Sandler, liberated from the constraints of formula, reveals unexpected depths as an actor. Watching this film, you can imagine him in Dennis Hopper roles. He has darkness, obsession and power." He won Best Actor at the Gijón International Film Festival and received a Golden Globe nomination."
Sander plays a small time Businessman, whose ultra passive behaviour hides a sense or rage within his personality that sometimes overboils in fits of anger. Growing up with seven sisters hasn't been kind to him and is mainly the route of his problems, his way with women, his social outcast, he is simpley a person who does not know how to handle things. This was a breakout role for sandler and I still think his best performance to date along with Reign on Me, because it showed that yes he can act and he isn't just happy gilmore. Emily Watson is equally good and the two share some great chemestry together on screen. The directing and Cinematography are both top notch and the art style of the now deceased Jeremy Blake is superb and really adds another dimension to the film. Not to mention the great Philip Seymour Hoffman and his small cameo role. A Favorite of mine for alot of years that everyone should check out.
Underneath_The_Rader is an eyesight into the vast world of Film, Music, and Photography. Showcasing Albums, Films, and Artists you may or may not have ever discovered otherwise. A selection of fine Art for any who choose to explore it. Open your mind and you will find the Diamonds in the Harvest. My name is Adam and I am an Amatuer Photographer, as well as a Music and Film Lover. Here you will find Daily updates showcasing Music and Film that I fell are worth your time checking out
If you have any Comments, Suggestions, or anything at all you can Contact me at underneaththeradarblog@gmail.com
and ill get back to you Whenever Possible.
.jpg)
