Cinematic Orchestra, "Man with a movie Camera" (Ninja Tunes, 1999)
Cinematic Orchestra is a British jazz-electronic band signed to the Ninja Tunes label. The six member band features a digital music programmer, a bass player, a drummer, a saxophonist, a pianist, and a trumpet player. The product is a mix of acid jazz and trip hop. The album "The man with the movie camera" is a brilliant encapsulation of human emotion. The album's inspiration was a Russian Avant-gaurde soviet social commentary in the form of a silent documentary about industrial means of production. Dziga Vertov called his 1920's masterpiece "The Man with a movie camera". The songs of the Cinematic Orchestra album correlate with the movie as a redubbed soundtrack. The album is 17 tracks long.
Most pleasing aspects of CO's aesthetic are the use of repetition, the layering of established harmony, and the canvas feel of these compositions. The songs often seem lonely or unfinished; it is as if they require the imagination of the audience as a supplement. The British standout has managed to capture the experimental fanatic jubilant curiosity of jazz and infuse it with the deliberate mechanical cerebral focus of digital studio production.
"Dawn" epitomizes great music. The clumsy entrance of light over the horizon; the lazy reach of stretched cinders across the sky; the nagging realizations of the fading dusk. The four minute string composition is an automated assist to relaxation and reflection. This album is a nightmarish and meditative soundtrack full of instrumental songs of soliloquy. The ominous introspective sounding orchestral melodies are often supplemented with atonal funk samples. Background ambient samples of "oohs" and "ahhs" and the interpersonal sonic connection reverberating throughout this album combine for what we shall dubb: an album of classical colloquial jams.
"Awakening of a woman" is the best song on the album. An orgasmic cosmic orgy of celestial proportions. Set in 3/4 time, this ten minute epic evolves through seasons of disposition. The tone climbs from jubilant to passive, passive to anxious, anxious to morose, morose to wise. This song is perfectly titled, if perhaps woman is synonymous with universe. Admittedly, this track does give off the vibe of experimental lesbianism and the dim glow of Virginia slims. The song ends with a strengthened resolve infectious to the audience.
Cinematic Orchestra's "Man with a movie camera" is human effulgence and luminosity captured within a non lyrical opus. It is able to advertise all the resplendence of life with its emphasis on the timbre of emotion. This album arrogantly stumbles across genre lines without turning an ankle. Perhaps the band will begin to turn some heads with albums like this one. Four out of five stars for a cosmic experience.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
"For the Love of Ray Jay" (Season 2, episode 1:VH1)
Lucky Bastard
Younger brother of famous R&B singer Brandy (Moesha) is known for two reasons: his lackluster, whiny R&B career and his notorious domination of Kim Kardasian in the doggy style position during their Internet award winning sex tape. It made him the envy of all males between the ages of twelve and deceased. In fall of 2008 he quickly reproduced iconaltry within that same demographic by starring in season one of the VH1 Reality series: "For the Love of Ray-J". Fourteen beautiful women lived in his house and competed for his love over the course of four weeks. At the end of the show, "Cocktail" was crowned queen and the couple rode off happily ever after into the sunset.
Season two hits the reset button and loads up for a double take at love. Ray-J takes a mulligan with the rationale that "she was the best girl in the house, but she wasn't the best girl for me." Once again, fans are given the opportunity to watch the R&B star experience the life every man dreams of. This season, Ray J has invited 20 beautiful women to compete for his affection. The episode begins with the women arriving at the mansion and fighting over beds. The cattiness has already begun: "At least you don't look 30." says 21 year old "extra" condescendingly to 31 year old mother of two "miss Berry".
Ray J arrives at dinner to give all 20 girls nicknames based on ostensible qualia. A top ten ranking based on camera time: Luscious from the Philippines, Pairadees from Hawaii, Caliente from Argentina, Platinum, Adorable, Trouble, Extra, Flossy, Tipsy, and Lava in that order. These girls are scaldingly hot! It is imperative that males watch this show with an oven mitt and one hand Al Bundee style down the pants. The ladies are much more classy than Flavor Flav's and way more flossy than Antonio Sabato Jr's were.
After dinner, Ray J has one on one time with each girl for about two minutes. Caliente is from Argentina and has poor English. She is able to mention her employment with playboy via body painting. Her charismatic broken English, jubilant laughter, and dazzling smile was more than enough to build chemistry with Ray J. Contestant "Extra" gives Ray-J an incredible introductory lap dance complete with the splits in a mini-skirt. "Miss Berry" creates dialogue around her teen aged sons. "Luscious" tells him she has been celibate for eight months which ironically causes him and the other contestants to treat her as if branded with a scarlet letter. Charming kitten "tipsy" makes an unfortunate fool of herself Jacuzzi side during her time with the recording artist.
The show winds down with eliminations. Sadly, "tipsy" is eliminated because of her drinking. A premature exit for what could have been a fan favorite character. "Fettuccine" is dubbed a "celebrity smasher" by Ray-J for advertising a pre-existing relationship with celebrity Tyson Bedford. She is eliminated and sent stampeding home slobbering and crying. "Diego" is sent home for asking Ray-J music industry questions and inquiring about his musical interests. "Luscious" is picked last which gives the audience quite a fright. She is an incredible playboy model in real life and the celibacy spiel makes her a front runner to win the competition. The fact that a vicarious experience of my sexual fantasies are starring this 5'4 Nick Cannon consistently is proof that life isn't fair. However, this is easily one of the most perversely enjoyable shows on television for the cosmopolitan conjugal connoisseur.
Younger brother of famous R&B singer Brandy (Moesha) is known for two reasons: his lackluster, whiny R&B career and his notorious domination of Kim Kardasian in the doggy style position during their Internet award winning sex tape. It made him the envy of all males between the ages of twelve and deceased. In fall of 2008 he quickly reproduced iconaltry within that same demographic by starring in season one of the VH1 Reality series: "For the Love of Ray-J". Fourteen beautiful women lived in his house and competed for his love over the course of four weeks. At the end of the show, "Cocktail" was crowned queen and the couple rode off happily ever after into the sunset.
Season two hits the reset button and loads up for a double take at love. Ray-J takes a mulligan with the rationale that "she was the best girl in the house, but she wasn't the best girl for me." Once again, fans are given the opportunity to watch the R&B star experience the life every man dreams of. This season, Ray J has invited 20 beautiful women to compete for his affection. The episode begins with the women arriving at the mansion and fighting over beds. The cattiness has already begun: "At least you don't look 30." says 21 year old "extra" condescendingly to 31 year old mother of two "miss Berry".
Ray J arrives at dinner to give all 20 girls nicknames based on ostensible qualia. A top ten ranking based on camera time: Luscious from the Philippines, Pairadees from Hawaii, Caliente from Argentina, Platinum, Adorable, Trouble, Extra, Flossy, Tipsy, and Lava in that order. These girls are scaldingly hot! It is imperative that males watch this show with an oven mitt and one hand Al Bundee style down the pants. The ladies are much more classy than Flavor Flav's and way more flossy than Antonio Sabato Jr's were.
After dinner, Ray J has one on one time with each girl for about two minutes. Caliente is from Argentina and has poor English. She is able to mention her employment with playboy via body painting. Her charismatic broken English, jubilant laughter, and dazzling smile was more than enough to build chemistry with Ray J. Contestant "Extra" gives Ray-J an incredible introductory lap dance complete with the splits in a mini-skirt. "Miss Berry" creates dialogue around her teen aged sons. "Luscious" tells him she has been celibate for eight months which ironically causes him and the other contestants to treat her as if branded with a scarlet letter. Charming kitten "tipsy" makes an unfortunate fool of herself Jacuzzi side during her time with the recording artist.
The show winds down with eliminations. Sadly, "tipsy" is eliminated because of her drinking. A premature exit for what could have been a fan favorite character. "Fettuccine" is dubbed a "celebrity smasher" by Ray-J for advertising a pre-existing relationship with celebrity Tyson Bedford. She is eliminated and sent stampeding home slobbering and crying. "Diego" is sent home for asking Ray-J music industry questions and inquiring about his musical interests. "Luscious" is picked last which gives the audience quite a fright. She is an incredible playboy model in real life and the celibacy spiel makes her a front runner to win the competition. The fact that a vicarious experience of my sexual fantasies are starring this 5'4 Nick Cannon consistently is proof that life isn't fair. However, this is easily one of the most perversely enjoyable shows on television for the cosmopolitan conjugal connoisseur.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
"The Rocketeer" (Directed by Joe Johnston, 1991)
It goes up and won't quit!
In the pre-WWII era, American Scientist Howard Hughes develops a top secret jet pack prototype that is stolen by Nazi agents. During an intense pursuit, the agents lose the million dollar weapon where it falls into the hands of aspiring pilot Cliff Secord on an unassuming airstrip. After a few test runs, Cliff uses the pack to save a pilot from a burning plane. The story in the papers brings the Nazi's hot on his trail. This is a movie about love, adventure, and the joy of fantasy. The Rocketeer is a blast-off blockbuster packed with two hours of wholesome adventure for the kids; however, the mechanical character and plot archetypes don't offer up much for audiences looking to take this film for more than face value.
This film hit theaters in 1991 which means lead actor Bill Cambell (Cliff Secord) was pitted against Arnold in "Terminator" and Kevin Costner in "Robin Hood". The Rocketeer won't take off from the runway like those instant classics, but it will resonate with Superhero hopefuls and genre junkies of the sort. The story seems generic and recycled but a spruce and taut cast of actors is enough to ensnare the audience. Jennifer Connelly creates a strong advocacy for the generation of additional testicles scheduled to be descended immediately. "And the Oscar for most bonerific performance goes to:....?" Seriously, the temptress is able to enchant her male audience with an eloquence that will leave you engorged for a running time of 109 minutes; no rocket fuel is necessary. Pocahontas plays a less pornographic Disney damsel. Timothy Dalton is a more believable villainous Nazi spy than Cliff is the hero, but their sexual tug of war over cinder-hot Jennifer Connelly keeps the audience under arrest and standing at attention until the closing curtain. The dialogue is plagued with more silly catch phases than every Indiana Jones and Batman movie ever made combined. Still, worth the price of admission for even the most stubborn "nickle nursers" (movie phrase). There are also numerous instances of the film failing in sub-par attempts at witt and humor.
This movie is a fan favorite for zealots of the 1980's comic. The movie is set in the years preceding World War II; Director Joe Johnston ("Honey, I shrunk the kids") should be credited for the construction of a believable snapshot of the 1930's. The look and feel of the airplanes, the cars, the clothes, and the fistfight aboard the Zeppelin all ooze with authenticity. This film sports a sexual prowess not present in Disney films. Seriously, Connelly has about three sex scenes missing from this movie. Also, undertones of sinister Nazi activity and an ominous Nazi propaganda film insert within the movie are a bit distracting. Despite its quirks, this movie is a worthwhile adventure. Arms and legs inside the vehicle; your imagination is ready for launch. Three out of five stars.
In the pre-WWII era, American Scientist Howard Hughes develops a top secret jet pack prototype that is stolen by Nazi agents. During an intense pursuit, the agents lose the million dollar weapon where it falls into the hands of aspiring pilot Cliff Secord on an unassuming airstrip. After a few test runs, Cliff uses the pack to save a pilot from a burning plane. The story in the papers brings the Nazi's hot on his trail. This is a movie about love, adventure, and the joy of fantasy. The Rocketeer is a blast-off blockbuster packed with two hours of wholesome adventure for the kids; however, the mechanical character and plot archetypes don't offer up much for audiences looking to take this film for more than face value.
This film hit theaters in 1991 which means lead actor Bill Cambell (Cliff Secord) was pitted against Arnold in "Terminator" and Kevin Costner in "Robin Hood". The Rocketeer won't take off from the runway like those instant classics, but it will resonate with Superhero hopefuls and genre junkies of the sort. The story seems generic and recycled but a spruce and taut cast of actors is enough to ensnare the audience. Jennifer Connelly creates a strong advocacy for the generation of additional testicles scheduled to be descended immediately. "And the Oscar for most bonerific performance goes to:....?" Seriously, the temptress is able to enchant her male audience with an eloquence that will leave you engorged for a running time of 109 minutes; no rocket fuel is necessary. Pocahontas plays a less pornographic Disney damsel. Timothy Dalton is a more believable villainous Nazi spy than Cliff is the hero, but their sexual tug of war over cinder-hot Jennifer Connelly keeps the audience under arrest and standing at attention until the closing curtain. The dialogue is plagued with more silly catch phases than every Indiana Jones and Batman movie ever made combined. Still, worth the price of admission for even the most stubborn "nickle nursers" (movie phrase). There are also numerous instances of the film failing in sub-par attempts at witt and humor.
This movie is a fan favorite for zealots of the 1980's comic. The movie is set in the years preceding World War II; Director Joe Johnston ("Honey, I shrunk the kids") should be credited for the construction of a believable snapshot of the 1930's. The look and feel of the airplanes, the cars, the clothes, and the fistfight aboard the Zeppelin all ooze with authenticity. This film sports a sexual prowess not present in Disney films. Seriously, Connelly has about three sex scenes missing from this movie. Also, undertones of sinister Nazi activity and an ominous Nazi propaganda film insert within the movie are a bit distracting. Despite its quirks, this movie is a worthwhile adventure. Arms and legs inside the vehicle; your imagination is ready for launch. Three out of five stars.
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