Claud's View: Musically Speaking 2009

Hey everyone! I know it's been a while but life got in the way of my writing. My New Year's resolution is to dedicate time to this blog, no excuses. With that out the way let me get to it.

Music is a very important element in my life. It has the ability to transform me into a dancing diva (thank you Lady Gaga), a salsa hootchie (conyo Pitbull) or a hip hop bad ass (hallelujah Jay-Z). Catch me at a stop light and you will find me dancing and singing to my hearts content; a habit my son has picked up on as well. Each decade was defined by particular music trends. For example the 80's gave us amazing alternative and synth pop bands, not so amazing hair bands and powerhouse performers (Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, and U2). The 90's introduced us to grunge, parent approved rap and me to flannel, Eddie Vedder hair, and MC Hammer pants. Not a good luck my friends, not even for the Hammer. The last decade was a melting pot of music--boy bands, pop-punk, pop-tarts, rap rock or rock rap (your choice) the resurgence of the troubadour, country stars dominating Top 40 stations. It was a good decade in music and I enjoyed most of it with the exception of that ketchup song and Daughtry. I have to say that 2009 was a stellar year musically and my favorite music year of the decade. There were new releases by my favorite bands and performers: U2, The Black Eyed Peas, Michael Buble, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Plus I discovered some cool new bands to fill my Ipod with: Spinnerette, Ida Maria, Them Crooked Vultures, and Cage the Elephant. I even learned to appreciate Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Kings of Leon. Go figure.

I want to take a beat here to highlight Spinnerette. The band is fronted by one of my favorite singers Brody Dalle (former name Brody Armstrong; the face and voice of The Distillers). Those not familiar with the latter should take a listen, even if you do not like punk, Brody's voice could be raging and melodic all at the same time. The Distillers only released 2 CD's with the last being released in 2003 but those cd's are still on frequent rotation in my car. Give it a listen when you want to release stress or feel hardcore ("because you're not hardcore unless you live hardcore"). But I digress, Spinnerette was a fortuitous discovery because I had longed to hear Brody belt out something new. I was taken aback because the sound for Spinnerette is still engaging just mellower-- they sound like the band Hole, before Courtney Love went batshiz crazy. "Baptized by Fire" is the first single released off their self-titled cd. Check it out on iTunes, Pandora, or whatever music search you utilize.

Being the music lover that I am I firmly believe that the only way to truly appreciate your favorite performer is to see them perform live, so I am an avid concert goer. We are in a recession so I had to be choosy in 2009, but I chose some astounding shows. Started the year with Reverend Horton Heat; caught No Doubt (welcome back!!) with Paramore and The Sounds; Depeche Mode at Red Rocks Amphitheater, followed closely by Flogging Molly (kick ass Irish punk band--thank you to the Wilson's for that one). We capped the concert year by going to see U2 with the Black Eyed Peas at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. The show only solidified my claim that U2 is the greatest band in the world or ever and having the Peas open for them only added to the energy. An entire stadium full of people shaking to "Boom Boom Pow" can create world peace.

I don't know what the next decade will bring but I do know that Vampire Weekend will be offering up a new cd in January and that U2 will be blessing Colorado with a show in June. I await both with the excitement of a Twilighter. Happy New Year to you all!

Claud's Picks: Fall Movie Preview Part Deux

I am back with the second part of my fall movie recommendations, sorry for the delay. I have already crossed one film "Extract" off my list and will be reviewing it soon. I must also apologize for not including one film on my last list under comedies--The Men Who Stare at Goats. This film starts on 11/6 and stars George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, and Kevin Spacey. It is about a military group that attempts to train and use telepathy in military situations. Claud's take: This looks like a Cohen-esque film, which is my kind of comedy. The cast is impressive and I have high hopes for quirky stuff.

Now that I got that off my chest, let's continue with the list.

Family Films

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs-9/18: voices of Bill Hader and Anna Faris. Claud's take: A film based on a children's book where Bill Hader's character invents a machine that transforms water into food. My son and I are looking forward to this one. It seems silly and fun. My "trio" gave it a thumbs up!!

Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (both in 3-D)-10/2: Claud's take: I really don't have to tell you whose voices are featured in these films. Pixar and Disney have decided to rerelease these films in 3-D. The whole 3-D thing really doesn't enhance the movie going experience for me, not my bag, but it seems like 3-D is the "big thing" this year. I will probably take my son just so he can watch them on the big screen.

Where the Wild Things Are-10/16: stars Catherine Keener and Mark Ruffalo. Claud's take: Based on the beloved children's book by Maurice Sendak, director Spike Jonze brings the wild things to life. My son loves the book, as do I, and he makes me play the trailer for him over and over. If you have not seen the trailer yet, please watch it. Q and I will definitely be at the theater on opening weekend.

A Christmas Carol- 11/6: stars Jim Carrey. Claud's take: Director Robert Zemekis brings us another adaptation of the classic Christmas tale using the same animation he used on The Polar Express and this time he recruited Jim Carrey to bring Scrooge to the big screen.

The Princess & the Frog-11/25 voices of Anika Noni Rose, Terence Howard Claud's take: Disney's first African American princess. FINALLY! Based on the Grimm Fairy tale "The Frog Prince" Disney is taking a chance and giving us a traditional animated film. Little girls everywhere will be asking for a new princess this holiday season.

Horror/Suspense (Horror is NOT my thing so I am just listing all the movies that are being released this fall in this genre :))

Jennifer's Body-9/18:

Zombieland- 10/9:

The Stepfather-10/16

Saw VI-10/23

I want to try and get back to my reviews being posted at least once a week. Will do my best to keep up with my expectations :)

Claud's Picks: Fall Movie Preview Part I

Summer movie season has come and gone. Although I didn't get to the theater as much as I would have liked to, what I saw was good. Now the fall films are upon us, and I must say it is my favorite season weather and movie wise. I have compiled a little cheat sheet for all of you of films I am looking forward to seeing and would probably recommend. I split the films up into "specific" genres and two parts, as not to overload your brains. Some of the films may overlap genres but I am sure you will get the gist.

Date Movie/Chick Flicks:

Love Happens-9/18: starring Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart. Claud's take: Aaron Eckhart is a self help guru who can't heed his own advice. Looks like a nice love story with a solid pair of actors.

Fame-9/25: A remake of the classic movie with a whole slew of newcomers. Claud's take: I am probably going to see this on my own and come out pirouetting and serenading people.

New York, I Love You-10/16: Small films w/different directors (Mira Nair, Brett Ratner) and stars (Natalie Portman, Shia LaBeouf), all centering around New York. Claud's take: Looks like an independent release so I am not sure they will release in my neck of the woods but I will do my darndest to see it.

Whip It-10/9: starring Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page. Claud's take: Ellen Page is girl trying to rebel against her "toddler and tiara" type mom, so she joins a roller derby team and finds herself. Based on a true story and is Drew's directorial debut so I am definitely going out to support her.

Nine-11/25: starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, and Kate Hudson. Claud's take: Musical based on the Broadway play which is based on the film 8 1/2 by Federico Fellini. I dig musicals and this is directed by Rob Marshall, who directed Chicago, so it should be a fun to watch.

Comedies:

Extract-9/4: starring Jason Bateman, Ben Affleck, and Mila Kunis. Claud's take: Mr. Bateman is the owner of an extract plant who deals with calamity in his plant and unhappiness in his life. I will watch anything from writer/director Mike Judge, the man behind Office Space, and he had the good sense to cast Jason Bateman. Hoping for good stuff with this one.

The Informant!-9/18: starring Matt Damon. Claud's take: This film is directed by Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich, all the Ocean's films), so right off the bat I get a good feeling, and it stars Matt Damon as a whistle blower at an agricultural corporation. Would seem like this be a drama but they found a comedic spin and went for it. Also has Joel McHale from E!'s The Soup, and we all know he can bring the funny.

The Invention of Lying-9/25: starring Ricky Gervais and Jennifer Garner Claud's take: Ricky Gervais makes me laugh and in this film he stars as a man who invents "lying" in a world where everyone is brutally honest. "I want to go to there."

Couples Retreat-10/9: all-star comedy cast-Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman. Claud's take: Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell are a couple whose marriage is in trouble and they recruit their couple friends to join them on a retreat to save their marriage. Every time I watch the trailer I laugh my ass off. This is one I can't wait for.

Did You Hear About the Morgan's?-12/18: starring Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker. Claud's take: Hugh and SJP star as a big city couple on the brink of divorce who witness a murder and must be put into the witness protection program. Of course they are planted somewhere foreign--Wyoming. I love Hugh Grant in romantic comedies so this should be fun to watch.

It's Complicated-12/25: starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. Claud's take: A comedy from Nancy Myers (Something's Gotta Give), that involves a divorced couple, Meryl and Alec, who end up having an affair with each other, and Steve is the guy trying to woo the single Meryl. Nancy Myers knows how to write comedies for adults and this cast is gold. Christmas will be very funny this year.

That is my round up for now. I will post part II-which includes: family films, horror, blockbusters, and Oscar bait- in a few days. Peruse this list for now and remember to view responsibly :)

Movie Review: Inglourious Basterds

Sorry everyone for not keeping up with my blog; I have been super busy, but I can't think of a better film to resume my blogging duties with. For those of you who don't know yet, Quentin Tarantino is my favorite director. I named my son after him if that is any indication as to how much I love this director. Some may say that Quentin's movies are too violent and that is valid, but I argue that the violence is just a small fraction of his films. In addition to directing his films he also serves as the screenwriter. The dialogue in his films is superb and I must say he brings out the best performances in his actors. I don't think that there is room or time to list off the actors and their performances, for that you should watch ALL of his films, but I ask you to think of Uma Thurman's performances in Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill Films. I challenge anyone to say that she has given a better performance than in those 3 films.

Adding to the canon of great films and memorable characters is Inglourious Basterds. Brad Pitt stars at Lt. Aldo Raine, the leader of a ragtag group of Jewish soldiers whose prime objective is to hunt and kill Nazi's. Working for the Nazi's is the diabolical Col. Hans Landa, played by Christoph Waltz who won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his performance in this film. Col. Landa is to this film what Hans Gruber was to Die Hard, the villain you love to hate. There is also Shosanna Dreyfus, played by the radiant French actress Melanie Laurent, who escaped Col. Landa's clutches early on but her family was not so lucky. Shosanna vows to avenge the death of her family culminating in an unknowing union with the basterds that could possibly end the reign of Hitler and his army.

As gruesome as the plot sounds, Mr. Tarantino distracts you from the ugliness with the humor. Brad Pitt looks like he is having the best time and his drawl adds to the fun. At no time do you feel like the atrocities the Jewish people endured is made light of. Instead Quentin asks the audience to play make believe with him--What if the US had the cojones to send in some crazy SOB's to finish Hitler off once and for all, one Nazi dirtbag at a time? I think you will be satisfied with his crazy idea. Vengeance is a theme at the heart of all Tarantino's films. I am a big believer in "reaping what you sow" or "karmas going to get you" so vengeance/revenge never comes into play for me, but for at least 2 hours, watching the underdog climb their way to the top is a fun and twisted ride. This movie is well worth the price of admission.

Claud's Heroes: Madonna

Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone Penn Ritchie, otherwise known as Madonna, entered my life in 1983 when the single "Everybody", off her debut album Madonna, was released. I was 7 or 8 years old at the time and music was a huge part of my young life, thanks to my father. This song quickly became my favorite and when the album was released my dad was awesome enough to buy me the tape (remember those). I would listen to the tape over and over again; memorizing every lyric as if it was gospel. The very first CD I ever owned was Like A Prayer. My dad bought it on the day of its release and when I got home there it was sitting in my room waiting for me. I still have that CD, albeit scratched to hell, but I will never get rid of it. Since that day I have purchased all of her CD's on the day of their release and do the same thing- I listen to it over and over again; memorizing every lyric as if it was gospel.

Videos were an integral part of an artist's career back in those days and she, along with Michael Jackson (yes, I am giving him props), was a pioneer in the way videos were presented. I would watch the videos and try to copy her moves. Almost every girl wanted to be like her and I was no different, I was hooked. Shortly after watching her in Desperately Seeking Susan, probably one of the best received performances of her career and one that definitely put her fashion out front and center, I went to school in my best "Susan/Madonna" outfit. For some reason this act infuriated a majority of the 6th grade girls and they wanted to pound my wannabe ass into a pulp (true story--my childhood friend Christin Pursley can attest to it). Thankfully the 6th grade girl's ire softened and my face and dignity were spared. At that time Christin was my partner in Madonna worship. We would sing her songs, dance along to the videos and one inspired day we even filmed two of our very own Madonna videos with my dad being the director and videographer. The videos were for "Material Girl" and "White Heat". Sadly those videos are lost somewhere in a pile of VHS tapes, but I can still remember them vividly, as well as my bad haircut.

When I was young there was nothing I wanted more than to go to a Madonna concert. My biological mother (or the one who shall not be named--a little Harry Potter Voldemort reference for you) always said she would buy me a ticket and she never did. I did not see Madonna live until she performed at the Hollywood Bowl for Arsenio Hall's 100th or 1000th show. I cannot remember what the event was called but I remember what she performed- "Fever" and a duet "The Lady is a Tramp" with Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I had nose bleed seats but it didn't matter because I was finally in the same vicinity as my hero. Most people know I am a frugal person but that would be last time nose bleed and Madonna concert would be uttered in the same sentence for me. The next time I would see her was for The Drowned World Tour in 2001 and I spared no expense. My eternal partner in crime, my cousin Norma, was at my side as we walked into the Staples center and I began tearing up at the site of our seats. It was probably the best concert I have ever been to. Since then I have not missed a tour and have been lucky enough to include friends and family along for the ride but my constant concert companions are always Norma, my bonus sister Heidi, and our sister in Madonna worship Shannon. I am not being biased when I say that a Madonna concert is truly a spectacle for the eyes and ears. The sets are amazing, the choreography is flawless, the costumes are fierce, and she always brings it. There is NO lip-synching-yes I am referring to all of the little pop tarts out there who think that dancing and lip-synching to their prerecorded, auto tuned songs makes them stars; Madonna is LIVE in every sense.

Madonna's movies and personal life are always ridiculed, and I admit to not always approving of her choices but after 26 years I am still in awe of her and continue to be a loyal fan. Her birthday is August 16th and I wrote this post to say happy birthday to a woman who has inadvertently been involved in some of my best memories as well as creating more than 50% of the songs on the soundtrack of my life. To all my readers--please give it up to a true artist and sing along and dance to one of her songs tomorrow.

Essential Madonna CD's:

ALL OF THEM!!!!!

Essential Madonna Films:

1. Desperately Seeking Susan

2. Truth or Dare

3. Evita

Movie Review: Funny People

By now most of you have seen the preview/trailer to Funny People. If you haven't, allow me to give you a brief breakdown. Adam Sandler plays George Simmons, an extremely successful comedian who is diagnosed with a terminal illness. He takes a young comedian named Ira, played by Seth Rogen, and hires him as his personal assistant. Ira is ecstatic because George is one of his comedic idols. It is not too long before Ira discovers that George is a huge PRICK (that is phrasing it nicely). Fame has turned him into a self-indulgent, narcissistic ass. He has no real friends, has lost touch with his family, and betrayed the only woman he has ever loved. Ira urges George to reach out to these people in his time of need. In the midst of all the emotional healing George discovers he is in remission. Has being so close to death changed George for the better? I am begging you to watch the movie to find out.

I am a huge Adam Sandler fan; I will watch anything he is in. The comedies are always worth watching but what I truly relish are his dramatic performances. Not too many people flock to his dramas, and if you are one of those people please rethink it and netflix Punch Drunk Love (2002) and Reign Over Me (2007), my favorite of the two. In Reign Over Me Adam plays a widow who is in extreme denial over the loss of his wife and children; the film is moving and his performance is quietly haunting. Funny People is a dramedy, in the same vein as Spanglish, so it is not your typical Adam Sandler movie. Yes it's got the comedy in spades (the stand-up scenes are hilarious) but it also has heart and allows Adam to explore his dramatic range and I am all for it.

Funny People is reminiscent of the film Punchline (1988), starring Tom Hanks as a tortured comedian and Sally Fields as a bored housewife looking to morph into a great comic (definitely worth watching). The critics are taking the film to task for giving too in depth a glimpse into the stand up world. I found that aspect fascinating. I admire what Judd Apatow, the writer and director, put on screen. He is one director who can mix sensitivity, sex, and comedy effortlessly. Watch The 40-year old Virgin (2005) and Knocked Up (2007) if you don't believe me. I look forward to his evolving as a storyteller and hope he does not let the critics discourage him in tackling serious films.

Seth Rogen gave a different performance in this film. Instead of playing the self assured agro male he has played in recent films, Ira was an insecure, sensitive, sweet guy. I enjoyed seeing him in this role. It displayed his range and showed audiences that he is more than a go-to funny actor.

I do not want to leave the rest of the cast out in my praise. Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, Leslie Mann, and Eric Bana were all funny and made up an amazing supporting cast. I could go on and on about the movie but I think it would be best if you all saw it for yourself. It is not a funny happy joyride, but it reminds us that even in our worst moments there is always room for laughter.

TV Show Review: More To Love

It has been many years since I have watched a reality dating show. I detest these shows; dating is hard enough without having to compete with 20 man hungry women, unfair expectations, and a camera in your face. I find the shows demeaning to both sexes and I disapprove of how they suck audiences in to believing that there will be a happily ever after, after a season of orchestrated dates/scenarios, only to have the couple break up after the show's finale. Now Fox brings us More To Love, a dating show for "real" people; when they say "real" what they truly mean is not size 4 and below. I have no problem with a show for "real" people; I myself am a "real" woman who struggles with her weight and insecurities like 90% of America. I am a huge fan of uplifting shows like The Biggest Loser; I find it to be motivating and inspirational, albeit contrived, but it still finds a place on my DVR prioritizer (season pass manager for you Tivo users). My problem is shows like Dance Your Ass Off and now More To Love that are designed to get America to watch by making fun of the contestants and their weight/circumstance. My bonus brother Eric said it best--it's "Fatsploitation".

I decided to watch in hopes of being proved wrong; optimistic that these contestants would not be exploited. The format for More To Love is set up like The Bachelor. Our bachelor is Luke, a 26 year old Californian who claims to love "voluptuous and curvy" women. There are 20 female contestants. When each one is introduced to the audience their name, height and weight are listed. (WHY is it necessary to show their weight if the show wants these women to be loved and accepted for who they are?) Instead of a rose, these women get diamond bands which Luke says is a promise that he will open his heart to them and like them for who they are and by accepting the ring these women are promising to do the same. By the end of the first evening Luke has to eliminate 5 of these poor girls.

Besides the fact that these women are all looking to meet Prince Charming, they all share the belief that because of their weight they were not worthy of finding love. My heart broke for each and every one of them (except for the crazy drunk chick). I don't know if choosing to be on this show will promote the emotional stability and acceptance they need, but I truly hope that it does not crush their dreams and diminish any chance of improving their self worth, but the odds are against them.

It's too soon to tell if I am right about the show or not, but one thing I do know is if we are going to start taking the titles of these reality dating shows literally, I have a few suggestions: Less to Grab and Less to Love. She's Hot but Dumb. Give That Skinny Bitch a Sandwich and My Heart. THAT my friends is keeping it real!