Review: Black Milk "Tronic" (2008)

This is the best Rap album I've heard in years. I'm SERIOUS! We're talking six 5-star songs out of 14. And two more 4-stars. In this day and age of fabricated Hip-Hop, an album with three or more 5-star songs is good, so this album is off the chain. Some of these joints are epic, almost anthemic, with great beats and some electronica mixed in with classic soul all mashed up in it for great effect. The flows are tight and don't bother with all that flossy bullshit and foul language that so many lesser rappers are prone to spit. This album resurrects Rap and yanks it from the hands of all those trashy billboard hos once and for all.

If there's any weakness, it's that it could be a little harder, but that just goes with the territory when you stir in Electronica.


Sifted: 10/10

Review: Portishead "Third"

Portishead is back, and they haven't lost any of their old wickedness. In fact, like fine wine, their skillz have grown and matured, without losing their essence.

Hear it for yourself. Here is a link to a stream of the album, which will go into release next week (April 29th, 2008).

The first time I heard Portishead, I fell in love with Beth Gibbons' dirge-like torch singing. Fortunately, the formula they have used in the past has not changed enough to ruin this new album. It's hot. If there's an album I will actually buy all year, it's this one. And while I could provide a torrent, I won't, because this music is actually worth buying.

Video: Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

It's unfortunate that her reputation is so negative because I truly think she is one of this decade's greatest artists ever. The marriage of those old style sounds with her modern lyrics create something entirely timeless.

The Best Car Race Video Ever Made

This is absolutely awesome. Filmed with Hot Wheels cars. Ah, beautiful Americana....

RoadRace

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Website: TV Links

This is the best website I've come across in, oh, all year. Get caught up on all your favorite shows.

What I wonder is: why can't our cable company offer us this same service? After all, we already pay upwards of $50/month. One would think being able to watch anything in the lineup would be a great add-on. And no, On Demand just doesn't cover it.

Okay, so the legality of this site is questionable, so who knows how long it'll stay up, but at least you don't really need to download anything. It plays right on the website's player. Too cool.

[TV Links]

TV: Dexter (SHOW)

Dexter easily qualifies as one of my favorite new shows this year. The story of a serial killer who works in Miami Homicide as a Blood Spatter Specialist. The concept is so very meta--about a serial killer who kills murderers. You'll find yourself feeling a bit disturbed the first few times you find yourself rooting for him to actually kill someone.

Sifted: 10/10

The first season just ended, which means there will be a DVD coming shortly so everyone can get caught up. If you can't wait, however, here's a hook up where you can watch the whole season. Don't say I never gave you anything.

[TV Links - Dexter]

TV: America's Next Top Model (CW)

So, I haven't bothered entering the fray regarding this masterpiece of reality programming because it's just so obvious! America's Next Top Model (CW - Wednesdays 8/7c) is truly one of the best shows on TV these days, exploiting the very fabric of 2nd Generation Reality TV programming in such a way that it will be a cold day in hell before this show falls out of primetime. The formula is simple: put a bunch of cute wannabe models in a house and have them compete for cash and prizes. Not only is this appealing to female viewers, but to males as well. This is a show that has truly been designed to appeal to everyone. Even Twiggy is there, representing for all the old birds has beens!

Perhaps the best thing about this program is how these ladies are tied to contracts that extend beyond the production. Winning the title is not only good for the model, but undoubtedly benefits the show as well. It's a win win!

Already, we're seeing members of the cast doing spin-offs (Jay Manuel has a show on fashion, and Tyra Banks has her own talkshow).

Who doesn't like a bunch of petty, catty women, always on the verge of scratching each others eyes out? Especially when they're hot!

Sifted: 10/10

Note to Miss Jay: Lose the Flock of Seagulls hair. You don't look like a bird of paradise; you look like a turd with spikes clown in a headvice.

PS. So long, Brooke (bottom row, center). Sorry you missed your graduation to be on one of the best TV programs of your generation.

Movie: Cache (2005) 10/10!

Cache (2005) Directed by Michael Haneke Writing credits Michael Haneke (screenplay)

I am not a fan of highbrow cinema, or movies that bombard me with pseudo-intellectual banter and boring interactions between banal characters. That said, Cache was nothing short of brilliant, compelling moviemaking the likes of which I have rarely seen. Yes, it's French. Yes, there are subtitles. Yes, you will be left at the end of the movie with a feeling of disappointment. But this is a very subtle, thought-provoking film.

Don't bother watching this if you feel like watching the typical shoot-em-up American action movie. This is not a Hollywood turd, after all. This is fine French cinema.

The plot has to do with a family being harrassed by an anonymous stalker who sends them numerous videos of themselves living their mundane lives. They begin to feel a sense of dread as they realize they are under surveillance by someone with the ability to remain completely hidden. As the story progresses, the father begins to realize there may be a connection with someone from his past. The end will likely leave most Americans bewildered. When you rent this DVD, make sure to watch the interview with the director after watching the film; it goes a long way to explain the befuddling ending and making you feel at peace with the open-endedness of this fine piece of work.

Don't expect anyone to get shot; it's not that kind of movie. The psychological tautness is what this story is really about. But you can expect to cringe and exclaim "WTF!" during one scene that is sure to make your mouth drop.

----
Addendum: Aug, 18th, 1:30 PM:

On second thought, after having time to reflect on this film's utter genius, I have decided to give it a 10/10 rating. Not trying to be pretentious, just sayin': Yeah, it's that good.

But note: you really have to be in the mood for something melancholy, slow-paced, and fixated with somewhat mundane parts of life. Paraphrasing the director in the interview: "This is a story that can be told in any country. Every country has this story to tell."

Sifted: 10/10