It's funny how pointless all this seems right now. Like discussing one's favorite book of short stories while the library is on fire, trying to raise my voice to be heard over the ceiling collapsing so that I can validate my thesis about the writer's intentions behind capitalizing all the pronouns or their lack of adjectives. My thinking is that this country has endured over two hundred years and that four bad years can't do that much irreparable damage, can it? But this seems like real evil. I'm shocked and infuriated and numb while at the same time feeling completely impotent. All these petitions and witty remarks and marches and cries to release this document or investigate this claim seem kind of useless until something actually happens.
Ugh.
Fuck.
Anyway.
The new Gorillaz ('Hallelujah Money') is dark and creepy and scary and Trump and everything is horrible. Why did I think they were going to be a fun little escape from everything to come? Idiot... One thing is for sure: Benjamin Clementine looks like a combination of Tony Todd and Mads Mikkelsen.
The full Patriots Day score was (almost apologetically) released on the 13th. I was shocked to find it's only about an hour. The whole thing is a bit of a music sandwich with the soft and beautiful bread, and tense, fearful meat. The deep, pulsing alarm of 'Escape' will make you want to stop listening it's so huge and threatening. The epic, dread-soaked sprawl of 'The Night Drive' is twelve minutes of nerves. And 'The Place You Are Right Now' (and its mirror, 'Long Shadows on the Street'), which travels from delicate and warm to a jagged electronic chase and back again might be the best work Reznor and Ross have done for a film since they started eight years ago on The Social Network.
This is the most traditional score the two have ever composed, as far as that term can be applied to them.
1.05.2017
A review of Nine Inch Nails' "The Fragile: Deviations 1"
When The Fragile was released in 1999, it was 25 songs, clocking in at almost two hours. Even back then, Trent Reznor said that there was more material, in various states, which made up about one more full disc of music. Around the tenth anniversary of the album, he started hinting at a deluxe reissue, complete with unreleased tracks and a 5.1 mix, created by himself and long time studio partner, Alan Moulder. Since then, he'd mention it occasionally; how he'd "just stumbled over some old bits and pieces or demos", how they were "working on it", etc, but nothing ever came to fruition.
At the very end of December 2016, along with the "definitive editions" of Broken, The Downward Spiral, and The Fragile*, as well as a brand new, 5-track EP entitled Not The Actual Events, Reznor released The Fragile: Deviations 1, a 37-track, all instrumental version of the 1999 release, featuring forty minutes of unreleased music**. These unreleased tracks range from completely finished pieces simply missing their vocals to demos and outlines of songs that, for whatever reason, were never completed. The entire two and a half hour journey of Deviations 1 is the definition of epic, and might be the most Nine-Inch-Nails-fan-centric release Reznor has ever unleashed. That said, it is not perfect. It is not the deluxe, cancer-curing, ultimate reissue fans have been teased with since 2009. It is something huge and strange and complicated.
For the most part, the original tracks from the album haven't undergone much transformation, with the exception of "Somewhat Damaged", "Ripe (With Decay)", "The Mark Has Been Made" and a few others, which feature some added elements here and there, and, as for the new material, it's a mixed bag. Tracks like "Missing Places" and "Feeders" don't really stand on their own and found spots on the original album as transitions, while "Taken" and "Last Heard From" seem to be little more than demos. Then there's "The March" and what was originally called "Hello, Everything Is Not OK", the former which ended up as "Skin of a Drum" from Saul Williams' The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust!, and the latter which became "10 Miles High". The three most intriguing tracks are "Not What It Seems Like"***, which builds on a simple drum loop and, through subtle layers of sound, becomes something triumphant, "White Mask" which sounds like an homage to Coil****, and "Was It Worth It?", which has an almost startlingly bright feel thanks to some straight up 80's synths in its chorus. That last one appears to only be missing lyrics.
I wanted everything. I wanted a seven-disc release with the original album in 5.1 and all previously released material (remixes, b-sides, etc.) also remastered and in 5.1. I wanted all the video content: those tiny little trailers, both of those MTV Fragility tour specials, all the music videos*****, And All That Could Have Been and its accompanying acoustic special and everything else in blazing high definition with a picture so sharp I cut my fucking eyeballs. I did not get that. I got forty minutes of new instrumentals, twelve minutes of which I really dig, and a vague promise in the form of that little number "1" appearing after the word "deviations". Is there going to be one more? Eight more? Is it going to come out this year? This decade? My logic tells me that Reznor wants to be done with this fucking thing as much as me, to just wrap things up and never have to talk about it again, but my logic also tells me that Reznor is a busy, busy man with four children, two new Nine Inch Nails albums set for release this year, and an unquenchable desire to score everything forever.
Anyway. If you're a foaming-at-the-mouth Nine Inch Nials fan or just love the everloving shit out of The Fragile, hop on over to the revamped nin.com store and pay $80 for The Fragile: Deviations 1, for which you will receive an instat wav download of the entire thing along with a fantastic digital booklet which contains some unused artwork from David Carson's original concept for the album as well as a four-LP vinyl of the record, coming this spring.
* All meticulously restored and remastered versions of the original, vinyl releases of the albums
** If you ignore the Apple Music release of The Fragile (Instrumentals) from June of last year, which featured three of those aforementioned unreleased tracks
*** Which could be a reference/counterpoint to "Just Like You Imagined" from the original record
**** And since Jhonn Balance and Sleazy Christopherson were lurking around nothing studios recording Backwards at the time, who knows?
***** "Starfuckers, Inc." and the original "The Day the World Went Away" video included
1.01.2017
Year in Bitch - 2016
Oh, 2016. You fucking, cocksucking, whoremouthed piece of cum-drenched shit. While everyone else has this feeling that now that the calendar has slipped from 2016 to 2017 everything will be okay, I'm going to sprinkle a little piss on that particular idea right now.
First off, January 1st, 2017 is just another day. Time doesn't care how we delineate it. Time's just a concept anyway, so that's pointless. Secondly, and more importantly, we're going to keep losing the people we love and respect and worship. Not because life is unfair or your idea of god hates you, but because people who are awesome and established and have spent decades creating amazing things that change and define and improve our lives are getting older, getting cancer, and getting dead. We were told when Bowie died* and when Prince died, but, here's the thing, there's no way to know when the next Prince or Bowie will be born. And, more salt in the wound: Justin Bieber isn't going to die any time soon. Kim Kardashian isn't going to either. The good ones, the legends, are going to keep dying while we're left here to mourn them and to drown in the remaining sea of mediocrity.
Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney are going to die some time soon.
As are Mel Brooks, Steve Martin and Bill Murray.
While Kevin James, Katy Perry, Kevin Hart, Larry the Cable Guy, Iggy Azalea, and Tyler fucking Perry aren't going to die for a very, very long time.
Because life is unfair and god hates us.
That said, let's dig in!
Musically, most of my year was spent in a state of shock. Bowie and Prince, two of my favorite artists, who, in my eyes, were actually immortal, as in literally defying the effects of time itself, gone. And there's already been shitty "Best Ofs" released. Aside from those two, massive blows to the very idea of music, Beck released a song, They Might Be Giants released a song. Nothing from Eels. Nothing from Cake. Nothing from St. Vincent. Then, right at the end, we get a literal deluge: two scores and a new EP from Reznor PLUS (part of) that long rumored Fragile deluxe edition we've been promised for SIX THOUSAND YEARS. And it wasn't enough.
Anyway, primarily I listed to Blackstar, the debut from Mother Feather, the new Radiohead, and all that Q4 Reznor/Ross goodness**. More of the year was spent reading and listening to and seeing comedians I love. Michael Ian Black, Amy Schumer, Louie C.K., Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, David Cross, Patton Oswalt, Jim Gaffigan, and Dylan Moran to name a few. I also rewatched the bulk of Reno 911!; not a fantastic show, but populated, for the most part, with fantastic comedic actors. I also spent a large portion of the year creating music, which might never be heard by anyone.
All that to say: I have a very small list.
Best Song of 2016
'Blackstar' by David Bowie
This was my most played track and most viewed music video. It is, in my mind, the best track David Bowie had released since 2003's "Bring Me The DIsco King". While I'm still let down we didn't get a deeper look into this world, Bowie was never one to spoon feed things to people, and I can appreciate that.
Album of the Year 2016
Mother Feather by Mother Feather
You've heard everything I have to say about Mother Feather. You either get it, or you remain in the dark. No judgement.
Most Anticipated Release of 2017
The new Gorillaz album
I was thinking about the new Beck, but, from what's been heard, it seems like some sort of retro-backlash against the lack of mass appeal and radio singles from Morning Phase***. The third single ("Up All Night") is in both the new FIFA game and a watch commercial, and sounds like a combination of "Can't Feel My Face" and every other piece of Mindless Shit Pop from the past five years. Beck can't need money that badly, can he? But the album's never coming out, so we'll never know for sure.
That's why I'm giving it to whatever the fuck Albarn and Hewlett come up with. We're going to need some musical innovation and cartoon shenanigans in the new year, and these two are the ones to deliver it. I could also handle a double album. If you're reading this Damon.
Most Anticipated Release of 2018****
The new, full length album from Nine Inch Nails
First thought FIRST FUCKING THOUGHT when I hit the new nin.com and saw the anouncement of a brand new, 5-track EP was: "well, fuck, we're not getting a full length album for another fucking year."
I could teach Sartre a few things about pessimism.
Hopes For 2017 Which Have Yet To Be Fucked, Crushed And/Or Killed
* Here's a summation of David Bowie's life and career from my particular and narrow viewpoint.
** Before The Flood OST, Patriots Day OST, Not The Actual Events EP, and The Fragile: Deviations 1.
*** Yes, I know that this new one was written before Morning Phase, but time isn't a thing for Beck, obviously.
**** Yes, I also know that Trent Reznor announced on Beats1 that Nine Inch Nails will have not one, but "two new, major works" under the Nine Inch Nails umbrella, but, well, Trent Reznor announces a lot of things.
First off, January 1st, 2017 is just another day. Time doesn't care how we delineate it. Time's just a concept anyway, so that's pointless. Secondly, and more importantly, we're going to keep losing the people we love and respect and worship. Not because life is unfair or your idea of god hates you, but because people who are awesome and established and have spent decades creating amazing things that change and define and improve our lives are getting older, getting cancer, and getting dead. We were told when Bowie died* and when Prince died, but, here's the thing, there's no way to know when the next Prince or Bowie will be born. And, more salt in the wound: Justin Bieber isn't going to die any time soon. Kim Kardashian isn't going to either. The good ones, the legends, are going to keep dying while we're left here to mourn them and to drown in the remaining sea of mediocrity.
Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney are going to die some time soon.
As are Mel Brooks, Steve Martin and Bill Murray.
While Kevin James, Katy Perry, Kevin Hart, Larry the Cable Guy, Iggy Azalea, and Tyler fucking Perry aren't going to die for a very, very long time.
Because life is unfair and god hates us.
That said, let's dig in!
Musically, most of my year was spent in a state of shock. Bowie and Prince, two of my favorite artists, who, in my eyes, were actually immortal, as in literally defying the effects of time itself, gone. And there's already been shitty "Best Ofs" released. Aside from those two, massive blows to the very idea of music, Beck released a song, They Might Be Giants released a song. Nothing from Eels. Nothing from Cake. Nothing from St. Vincent. Then, right at the end, we get a literal deluge: two scores and a new EP from Reznor PLUS (part of) that long rumored Fragile deluxe edition we've been promised for SIX THOUSAND YEARS. And it wasn't enough.
Anyway, primarily I listed to Blackstar, the debut from Mother Feather, the new Radiohead, and all that Q4 Reznor/Ross goodness**. More of the year was spent reading and listening to and seeing comedians I love. Michael Ian Black, Amy Schumer, Louie C.K., Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, David Cross, Patton Oswalt, Jim Gaffigan, and Dylan Moran to name a few. I also rewatched the bulk of Reno 911!; not a fantastic show, but populated, for the most part, with fantastic comedic actors. I also spent a large portion of the year creating music, which might never be heard by anyone.
All that to say: I have a very small list.
Best Song of 2016
'Blackstar' by David Bowie
This was my most played track and most viewed music video. It is, in my mind, the best track David Bowie had released since 2003's "Bring Me The DIsco King". While I'm still let down we didn't get a deeper look into this world, Bowie was never one to spoon feed things to people, and I can appreciate that.
Album of the Year 2016
Mother Feather by Mother Feather
You've heard everything I have to say about Mother Feather. You either get it, or you remain in the dark. No judgement.
Most Anticipated Release of 2017
The new Gorillaz album
I was thinking about the new Beck, but, from what's been heard, it seems like some sort of retro-backlash against the lack of mass appeal and radio singles from Morning Phase***. The third single ("Up All Night") is in both the new FIFA game and a watch commercial, and sounds like a combination of "Can't Feel My Face" and every other piece of Mindless Shit Pop from the past five years. Beck can't need money that badly, can he? But the album's never coming out, so we'll never know for sure.
That's why I'm giving it to whatever the fuck Albarn and Hewlett come up with. We're going to need some musical innovation and cartoon shenanigans in the new year, and these two are the ones to deliver it. I could also handle a double album. If you're reading this Damon.
Most Anticipated Release of 2018****
The new, full length album from Nine Inch Nails
First thought FIRST FUCKING THOUGHT when I hit the new nin.com and saw the anouncement of a brand new, 5-track EP was: "well, fuck, we're not getting a full length album for another fucking year."
I could teach Sartre a few things about pessimism.
Hopes For 2017 Which Have Yet To Be Fucked, Crushed And/Or Killed
- I'm still holding out hope for Dial-A-Song 2017, although the Johns have made no announcements yet and 2017 starts...now, so...shit
- Maybe some new Eels?
- For the new Beck to be less fluffy than these three singles have indicated
- For the new St. Vincent to be a quarter as impressive and elegant as her last one
- Prince/Bowie reveal it was all a hoax and that their triple-album collabo is available for download now.
- I don't know...either for less awfulness or to just go completely numb, fast.
* Here's a summation of David Bowie's life and career from my particular and narrow viewpoint.
** Before The Flood OST, Patriots Day OST, Not The Actual Events EP, and The Fragile: Deviations 1.
*** Yes, I know that this new one was written before Morning Phase, but time isn't a thing for Beck, obviously.
**** Yes, I also know that Trent Reznor announced on Beats1 that Nine Inch Nails will have not one, but "two new, major works" under the Nine Inch Nails umbrella, but, well, Trent Reznor announces a lot of things.
12.29.2016
A review of Nine Inch Nails' "Not The Actual Events"
Trent Reznor seems to have decided that 2017 will be one of his active years. Along with definitive reissues of all of Nine Inch Nails' core releases on vinyl and high resolution audio, he has promised "two new, major works" from Nine Inch Nails. Then there's his and Atticus Ross' score for Peter Berg's Patriots Day (official release in a few weeks), the upcoming Ken Burns doc about the Vietnam War (due in Q3), and who the hell knows what else. But, before all this, Reznor started things off by fulfilling his promise from last year by releasing new Nine Inch Nails music in 2016, namely, Not The Actual Events, a 21-minute, 5-track EP.
Reznor says the story and concept for NTAE originated from a few years' worth of musical experiments and the idea of directly referencing back to a track of his from the mid-90's. He says it's impenetrable and unfriendly. He says it should be played loud. Some of the lyrics here feel like automatic writing, stream of consciousness. Reznor's voice is affected on some tracks, nearly unintelligible on others, and, on the opener "Branches/Bones", half of the song's lyrics aren't sung. Maybe we're supposed to...feel them...? Also, the fourth track, "The Idea of You", sounds a bit like electronic Metallica.
It's dense and it's brutal, but I can't tell if the fucking thing is good. I haven't stopped listening to it since it came out, but that means nothing; I'm a Nine Inch Nails fan and that's my function. I can say that I actively enjoy "Branches/Bones" and that, when the chorus of "Burning Bright" kicks in, I feel something explode inside of myself. But that's me. Not The Actual Events is on all streaming services as well as vinyl and some other mysterious format Reznor is teasing people with, so give it a listen and decide for yourself.
A side note: One of the most intriguing aspects of the EP (for me) is its artwork, which is identical to that of NIN's 2002 release, Still.
Still was a 9-track collection of acoustic interpretations of earlier works and leftover tracks from the Fragile sessions and it sounds absolutely fuckall like this new EP. Which begs the question: is NTAE to whatever's to come from Nine Inch Nails next year as Still was to The Fragile? Are we getting a new double album? Are the tracks on NTAE alternate versions? Also: who killed John F. Kennedy? Why is Hitler? Are 23 and 42 related?
In 2017, we shall find our answers.
Reznor says the story and concept for NTAE originated from a few years' worth of musical experiments and the idea of directly referencing back to a track of his from the mid-90's. He says it's impenetrable and unfriendly. He says it should be played loud. Some of the lyrics here feel like automatic writing, stream of consciousness. Reznor's voice is affected on some tracks, nearly unintelligible on others, and, on the opener "Branches/Bones", half of the song's lyrics aren't sung. Maybe we're supposed to...feel them...? Also, the fourth track, "The Idea of You", sounds a bit like electronic Metallica.
It's dense and it's brutal, but I can't tell if the fucking thing is good. I haven't stopped listening to it since it came out, but that means nothing; I'm a Nine Inch Nails fan and that's my function. I can say that I actively enjoy "Branches/Bones" and that, when the chorus of "Burning Bright" kicks in, I feel something explode inside of myself. But that's me. Not The Actual Events is on all streaming services as well as vinyl and some other mysterious format Reznor is teasing people with, so give it a listen and decide for yourself.
A side note: One of the most intriguing aspects of the EP (for me) is its artwork, which is identical to that of NIN's 2002 release, Still.
Still was a 9-track collection of acoustic interpretations of earlier works and leftover tracks from the Fragile sessions and it sounds absolutely fuckall like this new EP. Which begs the question: is NTAE to whatever's to come from Nine Inch Nails next year as Still was to The Fragile? Are we getting a new double album? Are the tracks on NTAE alternate versions? Also: who killed John F. Kennedy? Why is Hitler? Are 23 and 42 related?
In 2017, we shall find our answers.
12.17.2016
A review of Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross' "Patriots Day" score
Note: This is a review of the "For Your Consideration" edit of the Patriots Day score. What this means is that this is not the final version of the score as is set to be released commercially in January 2017. Certain tracks are merely different edits of other, longer tracks, some with different mixing, instrumentation, and arrangements. As that is the case, this is less of a formal review and more of a "first impressions" write up.
While different from their previous score work, this is still clearly Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. On their next score, I'd really enjoy hearing them take more risks, getting out of their current workspace. Maybe it's them, maybe it's Peter Berg, the film's director, maybe it's the inherent lack of innovation in Hollywood stifling their artistic inclinations, but these two are much more adventurous than this.
Of their five scores thus far, Patriots Day feels the most like an Oscar Movie Soundtrack*. A really stand out, interesting Oscar Movie Soundtrack, but still well within the constraints of the system.
"Couples & Brothers"
Warm watery background with soft ascending and descending piano over it.
This is an R&R score.
Close to "Juno", but less spacey.
Maybe didn't need to be 7 minutes.
The ending gets uneasy.
"Donuts & Legs"
Delicate with a rough buzz in the background. Lower notes reminiscent of bass from "La Mer"/"Into The Void". This is a shade of "Obama & Coffee".
"Fornicator"
Little pops and clicks under a rising throb of menace. Like a dark, electronic open wound
":26"
Unsettling and cavernous. Wave cut short.
"Arrival"
Dissonance and tension. Very uncomfortable track.
Wrong notes. Staticky steam towards the end.
"Dread"
This makes me want these two to score the new Aliens movie so hard. A distant alarm tone pings while walls of noise rise and fall. Huge sound.
+"Bombs"
A longer, more fleshed out version of "Dread". Some deep synths and distortion around the edges.
"FBI"
Two notes repeating before a subterranean pattern emerges to darken things up.
"Black Falcon"
Subtle intensity, low key chase music.
+"Hospital & Whole Milk"
Has remnants of "Dread"/"Bombs". Those somehow panicky alarm tones bouncing off the walls. Some very "Juno" moments about halfway through.
#"Vigil"
Another permutation of "Obama and Coffee". Clearer and more defined. This and its ilk are my favorites thus far.
+"Tommy Breaks Down"
Yet another, more stripped down version of "Bombs". The deep synth and alarm motifs are the focus here until things deteriorate and splinter towards the end.
@"Left of Boom"
Manipulation of "FBI", those two notes.
Find my attention wandering…
#"Obama & Coffee"
This Reznor & Ross is my favorite kind. It might be a formula, but it's a great formula. Hope there's a longer, deeper version of this on the final release.
"Roommates"
Very sinister crawl to this. It feels evil...
"Backpack & Brothers to M.I.T."
Nebulous and tense.
"Shoot Seann"
Feedback and reverb, baby, feedback and reverb. I'll say it again: will you guys please do a horror movie/video game? Death Stranding anyone?
"Car Jack"
First few seconds feel like "A Warm Place" before the electronics come in and makes things cold.
"Drive to Watertown"
Those "Juno"-esque vibes again...
"Escape"
The most electronic track thus far.
Like a digital washing machine. Peals of feedback drift around like ghosts. One or two moments actually harken back to NIN's Tetsuo theme.
"Shoot Out"
Sounds a bit like electronic indigestion.
Then more dark and pulsing programming.
"Tamerlan"
Right up there with "Escape" as far as its electronics. Like some diseased heart monitor.
&"Manhunt"
Permutation of "Car Jack". Deeper, more electronic, more fleshed out.
"They Got The Wife"
Literally, a blast of noise.
^"Interrogation"
Reminiscent of "Perpetual" from Gone Girl thanks to the instrumentation.
Then, shades of "Arrival".
#"Watchlisted"
Features bass line from "Donuts & Legs" with a more compelling, electronic layer on top of it.
"Good Versus Evil"
Absolutely gorgeous. Warm and welcoming after the nervous tension of the rest of this score.
+"The Boat"
Another combination of that scratchy percussion and that alarm noise. Accompanied by the requisite waves of synth.
+"SWAT"
All right, that alarm noise worked once, maybe even twice. But by this point it seems so overused as to be almost ineffective.
"Capture & Fenway"
Finally, something different. Some nice light strings. This goes up there as one of the best tracks here. Feels like "34 Ghosts IV", the live arrangement of "The Day The World Went Away", and How To Destroy Angels' "A Drowning". Loving everything here.
%"Interviews"
Callback to "Couples & Brothers". This should have been the definitive version.
"Main Titles"
One of the only tracks with proper drums. Another perfect example of a rock solid Reznor/Ross joint.
+ Contains elements of "Dread"
# Contains elements of "Donuts & Legs"
% Contains elements of "Couples & Brothers"
@ Contains elements of "FBI"
^ Contains elements of "Arrival"
& Contains elements of "Car Jack"
"Donuts & Legs", "Vigil" and "Obama & Coffee" are all different iterations of one another and they're some of my favorite pieces here, along with "Good Versus Evil", "Capture & Fenway", and the main titles. Other stand outs include "Fornicator", "Escape", and "Tamerlan", mainly for their dark, sludgy electronics.
To reiterate, this is not a 100% accurate representation of the final score, set for release next month, and, going by just how many of these tracks are different versions of one another, I feel like I'm only getting a portion of what's to come. I hope. Because, unless there's some crazy additions to what's on offer here, this is going to be yet another solid yet unsurprising score from Reznor and Ross.
* That's not really meant as a compliment...
12.01.2016
End of the Month Music Bitchfest - November 2016
Beck
Well, the new album*, which was slated for 2014, then 2015, then October 21st 2016, then November 2016 is now slated for 2017. Whether that means next year or the next 2017, after 9999 AD when the calendar resets, only Jesus knows for sure. Beck himself is saying that he doesn't know when it's coming out, even though it's been done for a while and members of the press have heard the fucking thing. I feel like this is the downside to working with a label.
The new single from Tapeworm, "Up All Night" sounds like something from a watch commercial or that song about stroke victims.
Nine Inch Nails
While the film isn't out for a few weeks, this score for Patriots Day is already getting predicted to get an Oscar nomination. So, you know, mitigate those expectations.
Here's that review of the Before The Flood score.
They Might Be Giants
Only a month until Dial-A-Song 2017...I think. There's a good chance the Johns took this year to spend time with family and friends. Like assholes.
Other than that, I've been listening to the sound of the Angry Marmalade Pancake Man and his clutch of slimy, worthless minions gearing up to destroy the world over the next eight years or so.
Stay woke.
* Which I'm just going to call Tapeworm
Well, the new album*, which was slated for 2014, then 2015, then October 21st 2016, then November 2016 is now slated for 2017. Whether that means next year or the next 2017, after 9999 AD when the calendar resets, only Jesus knows for sure. Beck himself is saying that he doesn't know when it's coming out, even though it's been done for a while and members of the press have heard the fucking thing. I feel like this is the downside to working with a label.
The new single from Tapeworm, "Up All Night" sounds like something from a watch commercial or that song about stroke victims.
Nine Inch Nails
While the film isn't out for a few weeks, this score for Patriots Day is already getting predicted to get an Oscar nomination. So, you know, mitigate those expectations.
Here's that review of the Before The Flood score.
They Might Be Giants
Only a month until Dial-A-Song 2017...I think. There's a good chance the Johns took this year to spend time with family and friends. Like assholes.
Other than that, I've been listening to the sound of the Angry Marmalade Pancake Man and his clutch of slimy, worthless minions gearing up to destroy the world over the next eight years or so.
Stay woke.
* Which I'm just going to call Tapeworm
11.07.2016
A review of Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Mogwai's "Before The Flood (Music from the Motion Picture)"
Taken out of context of the documentary for which it was created*, the Before The Flood soundtrack contains compelling, original music from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Mogwai, with occasional collaborations between the first three. Reznor and Ross provide their usual electroacoustic depth and breadth of expression while Santaolalla's strings add a decayed pastoral feel, as well as a touch of grandeur and worldliness, and Mogwai...well, Mogwai win the album.
Just about half the score is outstanding: the hopeful fragility of "And When the Sky Was Opened", "8 Billion", which is as heavy and ominous as its title, perfectly capturing the sense of encroaching population, unchecked growth, and then, the silence as the dust settles, but, in sticking with director Fisher Stevens' mission statement of not making things too grim, still manages to infuse the gloom with a delicate light. The two versions of "Thin Ice" allow the listener to see both the clean, crisp surface as well as the murky, freezing water beneath, both "A Minute to Breathe" and its coda "A Minute Later", and pretty much everything Mogwai has here. These all manage to offset the less-than-stellar moments such as "At Dusk" (a toy piano is like a didgeridoo in that it can't sound like anything but itself), "Trembling", "One More Step", and "One Perfect Moment", which has a bit of a "spa at the end of the world" feel to it. An A-Spa-Calypse, if you will.
Anyone who's heard any of Reznor and Ross' previous score work (or Nine Inch Nails' Ghosts I-IV; "Disappearing Act" could be "21 Ghosts III"'s monstrous, electro-mutant cousin) and enjoyed it will be satisfied but not stunned. Santaolalla sounds like Santaolalla, Reznor and Ross sound like Reznor and Ross, but Mogwai is the clear winner here**, showing how adaptable they can be by adhering to Reznor and Ross' composition style and choice of instrumentation while, at the same time, evolving that style more so than Reznor and Ross did themselves. It was a bit of a disappointment to not have any joint efforts between the whole team, but too many cooks and all that. Whether or not you watch the film***, if you’re a fan of any of the artists involved with the score, you should give it a listen; it might not be rife with innovation, but there’s a lot of good material here.
* Make sure to do your part as a human being and watch said documentary, by the way. We can't save the earth unless you watch this documentary. You are contributing to the end our of world if you don't watch this documentary.
** I know it's not a contest, but I've just made it one.
*** If you don't, you are a monster and a killer and Hoggish Greedly from Captain Planet and worse than global warming.
11.01.2016
End of the Month Music Bitchfest - October 2016
Nine Inch Nails
Review of the new Reznor/Ross/Santaolalla/Mogwai musical furpile is forthcoming, but overall, it's a lot of really solid stuff. Although I was surprised to find that the four tracks composed and performed by Mogwai really took the taco for me. It doesn't sound like them, it sounds like them doing their best Mac Quayle impersonation. But, since they were actually working with Reznor and Ross as opposed to being hired to sound exactly like Reznor and Ross*....it's iight. Pretty convinced that this score is going to earn the team an Emmy, making Reznor only one letter away from his EGOT, and, with Fight Club 2 coming soon to Broadway...well, clock's ticking.
And Reznor has recently been quoted as saying he's working on new Nine Inch Nails now and "when he and Atticus have something excellent, they'll unleash it on the world".
You scummy, promise-breaking villain.
Also, I reviewed the Lazarus Original Cast Recording here, but, if you're too fucking busy, here's the nut's shell: it has the three final tracks from Bowie's final album so shut the absolute fuck up and buy it for that reason. A CD is, what, let's say twenty dollars in this pre-post-apocalyptic society, so that's just under seven dollars per new Bowie song.
You can afford it, Joey Gotrocks.
And, if you've been following Gorillaz on instagram, you will have recently learned two exciting things:
1. This is what Murdoc's tadger looks like...
2. Gorillaz are back.
I am. So. Fucking. Lit......for August of 2017, when that album is going to drop. Albarn. You twat.
Hush now.
* Seriously, I don't blame Mac Quayle**; I blame the show creators who tried to get Reznor and Ross and got turned down and then had to turn to a musical soundalike. I think Quayle's original original stuff is really great, and his ability to ape Reznor's composing style is spooky. Check out the first season of Mr. Robot, if thou doubtest me.
** If I ever make an album, I can assure you it's going to sound like shitty Mac Quayle doing a rushed Reznor mock up. Also, bad Coil. Pre-order here.
Review of the new Reznor/Ross/Santaolalla/Mogwai musical furpile is forthcoming, but overall, it's a lot of really solid stuff. Although I was surprised to find that the four tracks composed and performed by Mogwai really took the taco for me. It doesn't sound like them, it sounds like them doing their best Mac Quayle impersonation. But, since they were actually working with Reznor and Ross as opposed to being hired to sound exactly like Reznor and Ross*....it's iight. Pretty convinced that this score is going to earn the team an Emmy, making Reznor only one letter away from his EGOT, and, with Fight Club 2 coming soon to Broadway...well, clock's ticking.
And Reznor has recently been quoted as saying he's working on new Nine Inch Nails now and "when he and Atticus have something excellent, they'll unleash it on the world".
You scummy, promise-breaking villain.
Also, I reviewed the Lazarus Original Cast Recording here, but, if you're too fucking busy, here's the nut's shell: it has the three final tracks from Bowie's final album so shut the absolute fuck up and buy it for that reason. A CD is, what, let's say twenty dollars in this pre-post-apocalyptic society, so that's just under seven dollars per new Bowie song.
You can afford it, Joey Gotrocks.
And, if you've been following Gorillaz on instagram, you will have recently learned two exciting things:
1. This is what Murdoc's tadger looks like...
2. Gorillaz are back.
I am. So. Fucking. Lit......for August of 2017, when that album is going to drop. Albarn. You twat.
Hush now.
* Seriously, I don't blame Mac Quayle**; I blame the show creators who tried to get Reznor and Ross and got turned down and then had to turn to a musical soundalike. I think Quayle's original original stuff is really great, and his ability to ape Reznor's composing style is spooky. Check out the first season of Mr. Robot, if thou doubtest me.
** If I ever make an album, I can assure you it's going to sound like shitty Mac Quayle doing a rushed Reznor mock up. Also, bad Coil. Pre-order here.
9.30.2016
End of the Month Music Bitchfest - September 2016
Damn, Q4 is going to be poppin'...
Nine Inch Nails
You guys.
"Dive and Slam" was not real.
Information found on Reddit...was fake.
Take a moment.
...
Okay.
However, in a move I certainly didn't see coming, Reznor, Ross, Mogwai, and Gustavo Santaolalla* teamed up to score Before The Flood, the documentary in which Leonardo DiCaprio learns about global warming and tries to convince all the wrong people that it's a problem.** But, fuck it, new Reznor/Ross music is new Reznor/Ross music.
Also, a bunch of old NIN has been "mastered for iTunes".
The difference is minimal but I still bought $90 worth of old NIN.
And, now, Reznor has three months to fulfil his fucking promise of new Nine Inch Nails in 2016.
Beck
Mister Funk released a proper video for "Wow" and it's...a Beck video. Not the funkiest ever, not the most mundane. A solid 7.5 as far as I'm concerned. That album is supposed to be out really soon but no one seems to know shit about it... Can I get a pre-order link, please?
Tori Amos has a new single, "Flicker", written for the Netflix doc, Audrie & Daisy. It's less embellished lyrically than Amos' usual fair in order for her to get across the simple message about the horror and damage and victim shaming of sexual assault. "Heroines are not born, they are made". Jesus.
The special edition of Radiohead's A Moon Shaped Pool shipped and it's just as beautiful and haunting as the album. You can see a blurry little slide show thing I shit...I mean shot...here. Aside from a piece of reel-to-reel tape from one their past few albums(?!), that ridiculously beautiful Donwood art book, and the album on CD and vinyl, there's a disc with two bonus tracks; the should-have-been-used-in-the-film-instead-of-the-piece-of-shit-they-went-with Bond theme, "Spectre" and a new one called "Ill Wind", which isn't worth the $90 the special edition went for.
Finally listened to Honeymoon and Ultraviolence by Lana del Rey and this chick is nuts. She sings like a sexy villain.
I also reviewed the new Matt Berry and should have an interview with the man himself up shortly. I did not yell "whiskey!"at him.
The final three tracks from Bowie's
recording sessions are coming out on the Lazarus cast recording October 21st. I plan to immediately add them to 's tracklist in a manner which I see fit, listen to the whole thing*** a thousand times in a row, and then cry like a goddamn baby for a month.
Give or take.
SOMETHING IS HAPPENING WITH GORILLAZ!!!!!
Even though we've been told not to expect the new album until 2017****. Hopefully we're getting a single and video before then? And maybe a video collection on Blu-Ray? Oh shit that would be tight... I forgot how much I love the "Stylo" video. And the "On Melancholy Hill" video. And the "Do Ya Thing" video. And the whole weird ass narrative those two freaks have built over the past sixteen or so years.
Lastly, I attended the final date on "Weird Al" Yankovic's Mandatory Fun world tour at Radio City Music Hall. And then I got to meet him.
There were also a bunch of stormtroopers there. I told him I'd been listening since I was a kid and that his sincerity and humor are very important to me. He was gracious and exhausted. And after the performance he'd just put on, I was completely accepting of that fact.
I think I'll end with that.
* Who I know from his absolutely fucking stunning score of The Last of Us
** Seriously, who the fuck is going to see this that doesn't know about and believe in and understand the dangers of global warming? Talk about preaching to the liberal choir... Like some anti-environment cockslapper is going to accidentally stumble into a theater in which this is paying and then say, "You know what? I didn't believe it until I heard it coming out of Leonardo fucking DiCaprio's beautiful mouth, but now I see the error of my ways and will get EVERY OTHER PIECE OF SHIT LIKE ME TO RECANT THEIR PLANET-DESTROYING WAYS!" Then we'll all jerk off while watching Captain Planet. Ugh. I am so jaded...
*** Because I never felt was complete, never.
**** Fuck.
Nine Inch Nails
You guys.
"Dive and Slam" was not real.
Information found on Reddit...was fake.
Take a moment.
...
Okay.
However, in a move I certainly didn't see coming, Reznor, Ross, Mogwai, and Gustavo Santaolalla* teamed up to score Before The Flood, the documentary in which Leonardo DiCaprio learns about global warming and tries to convince all the wrong people that it's a problem.** But, fuck it, new Reznor/Ross music is new Reznor/Ross music.
Also, a bunch of old NIN has been "mastered for iTunes".
The difference is minimal but I still bought $90 worth of old NIN.
And, now, Reznor has three months to fulfil his fucking promise of new Nine Inch Nails in 2016.
Beck
Mister Funk released a proper video for "Wow" and it's...a Beck video. Not the funkiest ever, not the most mundane. A solid 7.5 as far as I'm concerned. That album is supposed to be out really soon but no one seems to know shit about it... Can I get a pre-order link, please?
Tori Amos has a new single, "Flicker", written for the Netflix doc, Audrie & Daisy. It's less embellished lyrically than Amos' usual fair in order for her to get across the simple message about the horror and damage and victim shaming of sexual assault. "Heroines are not born, they are made". Jesus.
The special edition of Radiohead's A Moon Shaped Pool shipped and it's just as beautiful and haunting as the album. You can see a blurry little slide show thing I shit...I mean shot...here. Aside from a piece of reel-to-reel tape from one their past few albums(?!), that ridiculously beautiful Donwood art book, and the album on CD and vinyl, there's a disc with two bonus tracks; the should-have-been-used-in-the-film-instead-of-the-piece-of-shit-they-went-with Bond theme, "Spectre" and a new one called "Ill Wind", which isn't worth the $90 the special edition went for.
Finally listened to Honeymoon and Ultraviolence by Lana del Rey and this chick is nuts. She sings like a sexy villain.
I also reviewed the new Matt Berry and should have an interview with the man himself up shortly. I did not yell "whiskey!"at him.
The final three tracks from Bowie's
recording sessions are coming out on the Lazarus cast recording October 21st. I plan to immediately add them to 's tracklist in a manner which I see fit, listen to the whole thing*** a thousand times in a row, and then cry like a goddamn baby for a month.Give or take.
SOMETHING IS HAPPENING WITH GORILLAZ!!!!!
Even though we've been told not to expect the new album until 2017****. Hopefully we're getting a single and video before then? And maybe a video collection on Blu-Ray? Oh shit that would be tight... I forgot how much I love the "Stylo" video. And the "On Melancholy Hill" video. And the "Do Ya Thing" video. And the whole weird ass narrative those two freaks have built over the past sixteen or so years.
Lastly, I attended the final date on "Weird Al" Yankovic's Mandatory Fun world tour at Radio City Music Hall. And then I got to meet him.
There were also a bunch of stormtroopers there. I told him I'd been listening since I was a kid and that his sincerity and humor are very important to me. He was gracious and exhausted. And after the performance he'd just put on, I was completely accepting of that fact.
I think I'll end with that.
* Who I know from his absolutely fucking stunning score of The Last of Us
** Seriously, who the fuck is going to see this that doesn't know about and believe in and understand the dangers of global warming? Talk about preaching to the liberal choir... Like some anti-environment cockslapper is going to accidentally stumble into a theater in which this is paying and then say, "You know what? I didn't believe it until I heard it coming out of Leonardo fucking DiCaprio's beautiful mouth, but now I see the error of my ways and will get EVERY OTHER PIECE OF SHIT LIKE ME TO RECANT THEIR PLANET-DESTROYING WAYS!" Then we'll all jerk off while watching Captain Planet. Ugh. I am so jaded...
*** Because I never felt
was complete, never.**** Fuck.
8.31.2016
End of the Month Music Bitchfest - August 2016
Nine Inch Nails
So. "Dive And Slam".
If this is real (and, even if it is, obviously Reznor, a huge hater when it comes to leaks and all that stuff is going to say it's not), that means a whole new era of Nine Inch Nails starts in a matter of days. Will there be a new artistic style or will Mills helm this new work as well? Will Sheridan hop back in the saddle? Or will we get someone new? What about a new font? New logo? Very exciting times indeed...
In honor of this (alleged) new track, I decided to fritter away a moment or two on Nine Inch Nails' past lead album singles.
As I wasn't aware of them until 1994, I can't really speak to "Down In It" or "Wish", but I do remember when "Closer" was everywhere. Singular. The only thing that looked and sounded like that at the time...or ever? I don't know. Are there music videos any more? What the hell is Mark Romanek up to these days?
...
Okay, I just checked, and he seems to be back to directing music videos.
For pop stars.
*sigh*
Anyway, I've still never heard a NIN single like "Closer".
Next up was "The Day The World Went Away", perhaps the least radio friendly song NIN have ever released as a single. There's no chorus*, no drums, just a goddamn wall of sound juxtaposed by Trent whispering some shit, perhaps about suicide. It's a four minute song with less than one minute of vocals.
It is one of my favorite Nine Inch Nails songs.
After that was "The Hand That Feeds", alternately, one of my least favorite Nine Inch Nails songs.
No, that makes it seem like I enjoy it on some level. I do not. As the first new NIN music since The Fragile, I was ready for disappointment, but, come on, this? Ugh. What's worse is that Reznor seems to love it, as he has played it at 99.9% of all live shows since its release. Aside from the next single, THTF marked the beginning of the decline in quality of radio tracks from Nine Inch Nails.
And that next single was "Survivalism". Great shit. Great video. Great everything. Still felt like a single, albeit rough and electronic and brutal. Perfect lead in and representation of what was to come with Year Zero.
After that was "Discipline", which felt like what someone who doesn't know much about Nine Inch Nails would call the perfect Nine Inch Nails single. It's not a bad song; it's well crafted, the instrumentation varies in an interesting and compelling (yet somehow predictable) way, but...you know, years ago, Reznor mentioned he was concerned that his and Saul Williams' cover of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" sounded "too much like Nine Inch Nails". "Discipline" sounds too much like Nine Inch Nails. If you know what that means, then you are a Nine Inch Nails fan.
Next, we have "Came Back Haunted" which had exactly the same issue as "Discipline", but, if "Discipline" was "The Perfect Nine Inch Nails Single (Rock)", then "Came Back Haunted" was "The Perfect Nine Inch Nails Single (Electronic)". Then there's the fact that, in one, Reznor can't help himself, whereas, in the other, he can't stop himself.
Won't someone please help/stop Trent Reznor?
As with "Discipline", I like CBH, but I still feel the same way.
Which leads us, maybe, to "Dive And Slam".
Shall we begin judging this (potentially non-existant) book by its cover?
First off, I do believe this might be the name of a new Nine Inch Nails song. After all "The Hand That Feeds" was one. "Starfuckers, Inc." was another. As far as what it could sound like...well, I'm going to go with "aggressive". It would be a little silly to have the lead single from a new Nine Inch Nails album, called "Dive And Slam", turn out to be a piano ballade. Unless there's a line about "diving into kisses and slamming into hugs" in the chorus. Or, "Dive" and "Slam" could be his kids' nicknames. I really have no idea. No one does.
If this is real, I'm sure I'll listen to it.
Probably.
Anyway, since Reznor is currently suckling from that Columbia teat, I believe (if this real and not some troll trolling) the math works out to a new Nine Inch Nails album in November...one month before the end of 2016.
You cunt.
Beck
A remix of "Wow" by the Mexican Institute of Sound (AKA "GUAU!") has been released. It's...well, it's kind of what one might expect from a remix of a Beck track by the Mexican Institute of Sound. Listen here.
Also, a few new song titles (specifically "Seventh Heaven" and "No Distractions") have been mentioned but that's about it. Crazy Joyous New Beck Album That Doesn't SOund Anything Like 'Morning Phase'** is due out October 21st. Unless Beck opens his Third Eye and consumes us all in Its Burning Glory.
They Might Be Giants
Only four more months until the deluge of new TMBG music recommences. It's September and I have not actually found myself dying without new songs by the Johns every Tuesday. Weird...
On a more secret note****: the offerings from this year's IFC (the physical stuff, anyway) have arrived and they are lacking. Golf tees? A light up pen? Low quality sunglasses? Yikes, guys, really? I mean, I know this is a writing/recording year and this is the money for the (3) new album(s) we're getting in 2017, but, I don't know, maybe don't have an IFC on off years? There was a pretty solid live album (digital only) which featured some rare treats ("Hey, Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had A Deal", "The Statue Got Me High", and about a third of Glean), and there's the personalized ringtone thing (no news on that yet...) but, still, lacking.
Eels
I'd rather have a healthy, happy E than new Eels music. That being said...is there a middle ground?
And, finally, had a chance to listen to that score Atticus Ross handed me last month. Review is huur.
Next month...shit, maybe a new Nine Inch Nails song. If not, at least you'll be getting a review of the awesome new Matt Berry album, The Small Hours.
* Unless you count Reznor saying "nah" a couple dozen times.
** Working title.***
*** By which I mean my working title.
**** I'm assuming that everyone reading this is a member of the They Might Be Giants Instant Fan Club. If not, just ignore this paragraph entirely. For you, it does not exist.
So. "Dive And Slam".
If this is real (and, even if it is, obviously Reznor, a huge hater when it comes to leaks and all that stuff is going to say it's not), that means a whole new era of Nine Inch Nails starts in a matter of days. Will there be a new artistic style or will Mills helm this new work as well? Will Sheridan hop back in the saddle? Or will we get someone new? What about a new font? New logo? Very exciting times indeed...
In honor of this (alleged) new track, I decided to fritter away a moment or two on Nine Inch Nails' past lead album singles.
As I wasn't aware of them until 1994, I can't really speak to "Down In It" or "Wish", but I do remember when "Closer" was everywhere. Singular. The only thing that looked and sounded like that at the time...or ever? I don't know. Are there music videos any more? What the hell is Mark Romanek up to these days?
...
Okay, I just checked, and he seems to be back to directing music videos.
For pop stars.
*sigh*
Anyway, I've still never heard a NIN single like "Closer".
Next up was "The Day The World Went Away", perhaps the least radio friendly song NIN have ever released as a single. There's no chorus*, no drums, just a goddamn wall of sound juxtaposed by Trent whispering some shit, perhaps about suicide. It's a four minute song with less than one minute of vocals.
It is one of my favorite Nine Inch Nails songs.
After that was "The Hand That Feeds", alternately, one of my least favorite Nine Inch Nails songs.
No, that makes it seem like I enjoy it on some level. I do not. As the first new NIN music since The Fragile, I was ready for disappointment, but, come on, this? Ugh. What's worse is that Reznor seems to love it, as he has played it at 99.9% of all live shows since its release. Aside from the next single, THTF marked the beginning of the decline in quality of radio tracks from Nine Inch Nails.
And that next single was "Survivalism". Great shit. Great video. Great everything. Still felt like a single, albeit rough and electronic and brutal. Perfect lead in and representation of what was to come with Year Zero.
After that was "Discipline", which felt like what someone who doesn't know much about Nine Inch Nails would call the perfect Nine Inch Nails single. It's not a bad song; it's well crafted, the instrumentation varies in an interesting and compelling (yet somehow predictable) way, but...you know, years ago, Reznor mentioned he was concerned that his and Saul Williams' cover of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" sounded "too much like Nine Inch Nails". "Discipline" sounds too much like Nine Inch Nails. If you know what that means, then you are a Nine Inch Nails fan.
Next, we have "Came Back Haunted" which had exactly the same issue as "Discipline", but, if "Discipline" was "The Perfect Nine Inch Nails Single (Rock)", then "Came Back Haunted" was "The Perfect Nine Inch Nails Single (Electronic)". Then there's the fact that, in one, Reznor can't help himself, whereas, in the other, he can't stop himself.
Won't someone please help/stop Trent Reznor?
As with "Discipline", I like CBH, but I still feel the same way.
Which leads us, maybe, to "Dive And Slam".
Shall we begin judging this (potentially non-existant) book by its cover?
First off, I do believe this might be the name of a new Nine Inch Nails song. After all "The Hand That Feeds" was one. "Starfuckers, Inc." was another. As far as what it could sound like...well, I'm going to go with "aggressive". It would be a little silly to have the lead single from a new Nine Inch Nails album, called "Dive And Slam", turn out to be a piano ballade. Unless there's a line about "diving into kisses and slamming into hugs" in the chorus. Or, "Dive" and "Slam" could be his kids' nicknames. I really have no idea. No one does.
If this is real, I'm sure I'll listen to it.
Probably.
Anyway, since Reznor is currently suckling from that Columbia teat, I believe (if this real and not some troll trolling) the math works out to a new Nine Inch Nails album in November...one month before the end of 2016.
You cunt.
Beck
A remix of "Wow" by the Mexican Institute of Sound (AKA "GUAU!") has been released. It's...well, it's kind of what one might expect from a remix of a Beck track by the Mexican Institute of Sound. Listen here.
Also, a few new song titles (specifically "Seventh Heaven" and "No Distractions") have been mentioned but that's about it. Crazy Joyous New Beck Album That Doesn't SOund Anything Like 'Morning Phase'** is due out October 21st. Unless Beck opens his Third Eye and consumes us all in Its Burning Glory.
They Might Be Giants
Only four more months until the deluge of new TMBG music recommences. It's September and I have not actually found myself dying without new songs by the Johns every Tuesday. Weird...
On a more secret note****: the offerings from this year's IFC (the physical stuff, anyway) have arrived and they are lacking. Golf tees? A light up pen? Low quality sunglasses? Yikes, guys, really? I mean, I know this is a writing/recording year and this is the money for the (3) new album(s) we're getting in 2017, but, I don't know, maybe don't have an IFC on off years? There was a pretty solid live album (digital only) which featured some rare treats ("Hey, Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had A Deal", "The Statue Got Me High", and about a third of Glean), and there's the personalized ringtone thing (no news on that yet...) but, still, lacking.
Eels
I'd rather have a healthy, happy E than new Eels music. That being said...is there a middle ground?
And, finally, had a chance to listen to that score Atticus Ross handed me last month. Review is huur.
Next month...shit, maybe a new Nine Inch Nails song. If not, at least you'll be getting a review of the awesome new Matt Berry album, The Small Hours.
* Unless you count Reznor saying "nah" a couple dozen times.
** Working title.***
*** By which I mean my working title.
**** I'm assuming that everyone reading this is a member of the They Might Be Giants Instant Fan Club. If not, just ignore this paragraph entirely. For you, it does not exist.
8.17.2016
East Coast, West Coast, Everyone's A Killer: fin
Our last day was short and focused on the very first scene Alex (director) had me read with Hillary over Skype, a nice little bit of full circle-ness in that one. We wrapped, cheered, wept, then, drank.
I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge PA, Ricardo Calderon, and his effort to get me blackout drunk for my flight, which was taking off less than 12 hours after the wrap party. He fed me tequila, mescal, scotch, and bourbon. The results were...floaty. I hailed an Uber, and it canceled on me, so I drunk dialed my wife, who did not pick up, before ordering another Uber and drunk dialing Phil. My Uber driver was as loquacious as hell, but, for those of you who have seen me somewhat inebriated, you'll know that I was as well. After he found out about the film, he took my picture. Hopefully that picture will, someday, make a great story, random Uber driver whose name and face I have forgotten...
Then, I went home and finished packing. It was hilarious, because of the alcohol. I then decided to crack open that wallet of 30+ movies and TV shows for the first time on my trip.* My pick? Obviously, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. I made it about an hour or so in, then had to go to sleep. Which kind of worked.
I woke up around 3 and showered. Then had the longest and most awkward Uber ride ever. I...I don't even want to talk about it.
I got to the airport almost two hours before my flight*** and, when I found out how much the bump to first class was, I took it. #FancyBitch #Diva #WorthIt To answer your question: yes, within reason, I will always trade money for comfort. #Epicurean
The first leg of my trip, I listened to most of Michael Ian Black's Navel Gazing (it was okay), then started watching Teen Titans Vs. Justice League, which, while solid, just made me sad and angry about the lack of a third season of Young Justice. I landed in Chicago and had some spectacularly subpar deep dish pizza (assuming it was the fault of the airport and not the city's tradition of deep dish pizza), then sat in my immobile plane for an hour and a half before it took off, at which point, I finished TTVSJL and started Enemy, the Jake Jellybag movie. Heads up: the first three minutes of that movie have a LOT of graphic nudity in them. You're welcome, people who were forced to watch of my huge shoulders.
Finally, I landed, won the Luggage Award, and headed home. A home which Christina had made it her business to recreate in my absence, and she did it with a vengeance, falling only about 2% short of her intended goal. I see this as less of a credit to her tenacity and work ethic as it is a testament to how much of an impediment I am to her and her goals on a day to day basis.
Please don't divorce me.
I'll do better.
Since returning...I don't know, man. It's been weird. The time gap isn't much of a problem, but things feel a bit off. Have I really changed as a person? I can't seriously believe that. I do know that returning to the microphone for the two bookings and three auditions I've had since Monday has been a wonderful, welcome, and truly joyful experience; in, talk, out, done. Snappy. Succinct. No worrying about lighting or the frame or when lunch is.
As far as the film goes, I have decided that I'm far too close to it to tell. I have been reassured over and over that everything was great, that there wasn't a false moment on camera, that I'm good and that everyone loved me, and, most importantly, that I look very handsome...on camera. I'll have to wait until it's out (looking like very end of 2016 at the very earliest, but more likely January 2017) and total stranger weigh in on my performance to know, for sure, whether or not it is good. And, yes, while that is an odd metric to utilize here, this is the film industry and it is, by its nature, odd.
I plan to have one more entry in this series, reflecting and reminscing on all the folks I met and worked with while out in El La, and then...I don't know, ranking Care Bears? We'll see.
* I had subsisted on the latest seasons of Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow, as well as the first three films in Barry Levinson's Baltimore trilogy**, 11.22.63, Stranger Things (all of it), the second season of Kimmy Schmidt (three or four episodes; I'm getting bored with Titus), quite a few hours of Wipeout HD, and one playthrough of Streets of Rage 2.
** I believe Tin Men was my favorite.
*** But, because I did, my bag was the second off the plane at the baggage claim. I have never been rewarded in such a way and I felt like Jesus because of it.
I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge PA, Ricardo Calderon, and his effort to get me blackout drunk for my flight, which was taking off less than 12 hours after the wrap party. He fed me tequila, mescal, scotch, and bourbon. The results were...floaty. I hailed an Uber, and it canceled on me, so I drunk dialed my wife, who did not pick up, before ordering another Uber and drunk dialing Phil. My Uber driver was as loquacious as hell, but, for those of you who have seen me somewhat inebriated, you'll know that I was as well. After he found out about the film, he took my picture. Hopefully that picture will, someday, make a great story, random Uber driver whose name and face I have forgotten...
Then, I went home and finished packing. It was hilarious, because of the alcohol. I then decided to crack open that wallet of 30+ movies and TV shows for the first time on my trip.* My pick? Obviously, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. I made it about an hour or so in, then had to go to sleep. Which kind of worked.
I woke up around 3 and showered. Then had the longest and most awkward Uber ride ever. I...I don't even want to talk about it.
I got to the airport almost two hours before my flight*** and, when I found out how much the bump to first class was, I took it. #FancyBitch #Diva #WorthIt To answer your question: yes, within reason, I will always trade money for comfort. #Epicurean
The first leg of my trip, I listened to most of Michael Ian Black's Navel Gazing (it was okay), then started watching Teen Titans Vs. Justice League, which, while solid, just made me sad and angry about the lack of a third season of Young Justice. I landed in Chicago and had some spectacularly subpar deep dish pizza (assuming it was the fault of the airport and not the city's tradition of deep dish pizza), then sat in my immobile plane for an hour and a half before it took off, at which point, I finished TTVSJL and started Enemy, the Jake Jellybag movie. Heads up: the first three minutes of that movie have a LOT of graphic nudity in them. You're welcome, people who were forced to watch of my huge shoulders.
Finally, I landed, won the Luggage Award, and headed home. A home which Christina had made it her business to recreate in my absence, and she did it with a vengeance, falling only about 2% short of her intended goal. I see this as less of a credit to her tenacity and work ethic as it is a testament to how much of an impediment I am to her and her goals on a day to day basis.
Please don't divorce me.
I'll do better.
Since returning...I don't know, man. It's been weird. The time gap isn't much of a problem, but things feel a bit off. Have I really changed as a person? I can't seriously believe that. I do know that returning to the microphone for the two bookings and three auditions I've had since Monday has been a wonderful, welcome, and truly joyful experience; in, talk, out, done. Snappy. Succinct. No worrying about lighting or the frame or when lunch is.
As far as the film goes, I have decided that I'm far too close to it to tell. I have been reassured over and over that everything was great, that there wasn't a false moment on camera, that I'm good and that everyone loved me, and, most importantly, that I look very handsome...on camera. I'll have to wait until it's out (looking like very end of 2016 at the very earliest, but more likely January 2017) and total stranger weigh in on my performance to know, for sure, whether or not it is good. And, yes, while that is an odd metric to utilize here, this is the film industry and it is, by its nature, odd.
I plan to have one more entry in this series, reflecting and reminscing on all the folks I met and worked with while out in El La, and then...I don't know, ranking Care Bears? We'll see.
* I had subsisted on the latest seasons of Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow, as well as the first three films in Barry Levinson's Baltimore trilogy**, 11.22.63, Stranger Things (all of it), the second season of Kimmy Schmidt (three or four episodes; I'm getting bored with Titus), quite a few hours of Wipeout HD, and one playthrough of Streets of Rage 2.
** I believe Tin Men was my favorite.
*** But, because I did, my bag was the second off the plane at the baggage claim. I have never been rewarded in such a way and I felt like Jesus because of it.
8.12.2016
East Coast, West Coast, Everyone's A Killer: Sobbing Like A Goddamn Baby
The hardest thing I did today was stop crying after a scene. Somehow I thought that this would be a light day. I was and continue to be a fool. If anyone sees this, I'll be interested to get their reactions, specifically those of people who know me and my...me-ness. Is it overwrought? Does it feel fake? Does it feel like a "real movie"?
Or, to just come right out and say it: am I a good dramatic actor? I know I'm a strong comedic actor, a strong voice actor, and also, very tall, but, Hillary just told me that, after the last scene, that I was a "real actor". Although I firmly believe that comedy is harder than drama and that comedic actors are better at drama than the reverse, that question is still flashing, in neon, over my head and has been since we started shooting last month. Truly curious how people will accept this, friends and strangers alike. Sadly, most people can't spend three minutes to watch a silly little video without cats in it, there is no way they're going to spend ninety plus minutes to watch it, so, much like the number of licks it takes to get to the Toosie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop*, the world, and, more importantly, I will never know.
Quelle fin tragique.
*Yes, I've read the studies that have found it's between around 150 and 410, shut up.
Or, to just come right out and say it: am I a good dramatic actor? I know I'm a strong comedic actor, a strong voice actor, and also, very tall, but, Hillary just told me that, after the last scene, that I was a "real actor". Although I firmly believe that comedy is harder than drama and that comedic actors are better at drama than the reverse, that question is still flashing, in neon, over my head and has been since we started shooting last month. Truly curious how people will accept this, friends and strangers alike. Sadly, most people can't spend three minutes to watch a silly little video without cats in it, there is no way they're going to spend ninety plus minutes to watch it, so, much like the number of licks it takes to get to the Toosie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop*, the world, and, more importantly, I will never know.
Quelle fin tragique.
*Yes, I've read the studies that have found it's between around 150 and 410, shut up.
East Coast, West Coast, Everyone's A Killer: PENULTIMO
Jave you gon? To it?
Actt.
Yesterday, the hardest thing I did was not freak out and burn the building down when a fitted sheet* kept popping off the mattress I was sitting next to. Drove. Me. Crazy. BUT, Luie (art department) and I figured it out and emerged, triumphant, from the Great Los Angeles Mattress War of 2016.
And, despite it having been long, yesterday was bliss. We shot in a real studio! There was a fake prison and a fake hospital and part of a plane and creepy offices that looked like they would be part of an "interactive waiting experience"** for the Mummy ride or something related to Indiana Jones. There was an abundance of air conditioning and a whole room specifically for craft services! AND IN THAT ROOM THERE WAS A TOASTER!!!!!!! I just now get why actors act. If I am just starting out and getting air conditioned rooms with toasters in them, what must Robert*** and Chris**** get when they yearn for things? Probably hard boiled eggs with most of the shell removed, so they can hold it without getting their hands all wet from the egg. Also, really absorbent paper towels. Maybe harder to find candy like Razzle or Chuckles or Candy Corn M&M's.
I've got two days left to shoot and three days left in El La. Tomorrow I have "off", but it's going to be spent running around and packing and everything so I can get to bed at 7 pm for my 4 am call on Sunday, which should help for my 3 am call on Monday to get to LAX. Still genuinely happy that this fucked up schedule will spare me any discomfort once I return to New York.
Today is the last day with Sally Mom and I'm going to try and get a picture of her next to me in my Mother Feather shirt. #StruthersFeather
As a treat today, we are getting pizza for lunch. I am going to try and resist the expected New York pizza comparison, because, you know, I don't like to complain.
* MOAR LIKE ILL-FITTED SHEET
** Read "line"
*** Downey Jr. We're friends.
**** Evans. We're frienemies.
8.10.2016
East Coast, West Coast, Everyone's A Killer: Simon Says "Demolition Man!!!!"
Have you ever butt wiggle stampy pants? Then. Actor.
The hardest thing I had to do yesterday was not pick at the delicious tapas that was right in front of me on the table for like forty five minutes.
I failed.
It was the most delicious failure.
Met the enchanting Armenian lady playing Eva (Sona) and she is just dazzling. Wish she was in more of the film. She has the most meaningful and beautiful tattoos I have ever seen.
Today is the biggest, hardest day I've got. There is singing, signing, sighing...all sightless. But! We are a Dedicated Team of Consummate Professionals and any thing worth doing, is worth doing...Ripght.
I was going to say "right". But I am leaving it.
Because it is Funny.
Tomorrow and Friday are going to be the longest days because we are shooting in Anaheim (Disneyland, I assume, but, I'm just Camera Meat, so I could be wrong) so, shit, but, I might be able to see Alan, Autumn AND her little ones!
All right. Acting.
I was going to say "right". But I am leaving it.
Because it is Funny.
Tomorrow and Friday are going to be the longest days because we are shooting in Anaheim (Disneyland, I assume, but, I'm just Camera Meat, so I could be wrong) so, shit, but, I might be able to see Alan, Autumn AND her little ones!
All right. Acting.
8.09.2016
East Coast, West Coast, Everyone's A Killer: Getting The Fear
Have you ever met a girl that you tried to date, but a year to make love she wanted you to wait? Then, and only then......you are you an acter.*
Well, five days left and we have our very first diva! We'll see how that goes...
Yesterday was our first official bad day; lighting took two hours longer than expected because of issues with the space and we had to cut a scene. Not integral, but fun and funny. All told, losing one scene out of the whole film (knock wood) is pretty awesome. Yesterday was also the first time I broke out my headphones this entire time. That says something. It was also the first time I got dozy.
Oy, what a day...
All in all, not actually bad, just not as smooth and awesome as every other day.
Now comes the time to worry about getting everything packed without Christina's mad Tetris skillz, worrying if I have enough food or too much food to last me until I leave* and making my flight and all that shit.
Ugh.
Teleportation.
Now.
Plz k thx.
I now have two VOs booked for next week, more Nellie's and more Zantac. Looking forward to it.
* Or a rapper.
** Pretty sure I have more tuna than bread, which is freaking me the fuck out. Enough yogurt for four more days. Haven't opened my peanut butter, pasta, two containers of oats, lemon zingers or second bag of Craisins. And don't even talk to me about my frozen mac and cheese, and lasagna, I'd completely forgotten about those until just now. Mostly subsisting on tuna, cheese, and eggs. Like some pescatarian caveman. I've consumed about 15 gallons of water though, so there's that.
8.08.2016
East Coast, West Coast, Everyone's A Killer: Boogie Shoes
Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight? But then realized it wasn't the Devil, but, rather, Jack Nicholson dressed as the Joker. And then you're like, "Dude, the next guy to play your character is going to redefine what you're doing, but the guy after that is going to fall short," but then he's like, actually the real Joker, and, suddenly you're like, "Oh shit. I'm ballroom dancing with the Joker!" Then he smiles and his mouth smells like chemicals and death and he says, "Tell me a joke. And it had better be funny," and you totally feel a knife against your ribs and, while trying to think of a joke, he starts chuckling way back in his throat and then, just as you feel the blade start to poke through your shirt, you fart, hugely. There is one, perfect second of silence before the Joker is doubled over in laughter. "Say it, don't spray it, stink-o!" He yells. "Hey! Did anyone get the license on that tug boat?!" He yells. "Help! This man just lost his duck! He smells awful and goes by the name Butt Trumpet!" He yells.
But you've already run off...
Then, you, Actor.
Before the day started, I did some laundry and accidentally used liquid fabric softener for the first time in my life. Holy fuck. I feel like a caveman who has just discovered fire. And blowjobs.
Saturday evening, after some shopping and Stranger Things, I conjured up an Uber and it was the same driver from a few hours before. He wasn't. Overly chatty, but he was a bit too eager to please. Just typing that, I realize that is an hilariously shitty statement to make. Oh, sorry the man asked you if you wanted water or more AC or to control the radio. You bitch.
Anyway, got to Mohawk Bend late because of something called traffic**, but once there, met with Alan, Graham, John (a friend from high school I haven't seen in almost twenty years), Autumn and Luke. Good times. Lots of synergy. And hard pineapple cider. Afterwards, Alan and his lady friend took me home. Think I might make a pilgrimage to Mohawk Bend August of every third year, just to make it a tradition.
Sunday was some rehearsal which resulted in Alex weeping. In a good way. Then, I took in Graham's new horror film, The Mind's Eye.
So. Much. Blood.
So. Much. Fun.
If you like blood and fun, you need to see this film.
At the moment, I'm sitting in a place called Cheesewright Studios as things are built around me. We are here for three days, then two days on a soundstage in Anaheim, then Saturday off, then the final day of shooting, this Sunday. Then, 3 am car to LAX to catch my 6 am flight. Legitimately grateful for the early ass schedule I've been on so that, when I return to New York, I won't be suffering from Temporal Shift Sickness***.
Now...well, they don't need me yet, sooooo how's things with you?
Oh, shut up, never mind, I know...so, after talking at length with our 2nd AD, James about noise and experimental and Coil and all typesa shit, he made me a NON mix CD. I've got to dig deeper here...there is some fabulously weird and deep shit going on.
Another thing that's been knocking around in my head is how often I'm immersed in deep, meaningful conversations about stuff when, suddenly, I'm whisked away for hair or wardrobe or blocking, never to finish my thought or reach that revelation I was so close to... It's kind of cool and kind of frustrating.
As of now, I know everyone's names and have had some sort of exchange with everyone. I think I'm going to address that in a wrap up or something, so you've got something to look forward to and live for.
* Might be kidding, might not, guess you'll have to see the film...
** Not sure if I'm using that word correctly.
*** Or the Time Lord's Malady, as it is more commonly known.
8.04.2016
East Coast, West Coast, Everyone's A Killer: Hot. Sex.
Have you ever *line from that song from Pocahontas that I can't quite remember right now and am too lazy to look up*? Then, my churlish chap, then...THEN...you be an acting person.
Yesterday was a big day...our first official day with Sally Mom, who should be in a failed franchise with Nic Cage because she is a national treasure. Also...my very first sssssssexxxxxxxxx sssssscene..... Viewers are going to get up close and personal with my Slender Gent, especially if you are lucky enough to see this film in IMAX. #NightmareMonsterCock
Honestly, it was nothing. The room was 5000 degrees, there were a dozen people and I had just rubbed one out in the bathroom, just in case my Gent forgot this was a movie.* Right before one of the takes, Hillary said, "Think of Phil and Will seeing this." We almost had to stop because I was snickering so hard.
And speaking of hard: the hardest thing I had to do yesterday was put on a sweaty shirt while covered in sweat. Fucking heat. Fucking sweat. Fucking porous skin. Jillian, Dawn and Rebeca (wardrobe and hair and make up respectively) have made a special project of keeping me sweatless.
Yesterday was also the eighth day of our sixteen day shoot! Halfway through and things are still moving incredibly smoothly. Most of the ridiculously demanding scenes are over, leaving only the pretty pony stuff. And the singing. Or fake singing. Whatever.
I am officially missing Mother Feather tonight, and I'm boiling over it. There have been no fuck ups on this shoot. Everyone has been super professional and has done their jobs in an exemplary fashion. But. I hate that a shot will take forty five minutes to set up, only to be used for two minutes of shooting. Film acting is stupid. Just think of the proportions: three weeks = ninety minutes. We're here from 10 am to 10 pm, and might get less than ten minutes of footage. In. Sane.
Anyway, lunch is over and I've still got five fucking hours of shooting left, then, our 3 pm to 3 am the next day. Oy. But, on the bright side, I've inspired Sally to move forward with this ingenious animated series she's been incubating for years; we're doing it together, or not at all.
I also have a VO lined up for the day after my return: it will take two hours, be fully air conditioned, and net me about 3/4 of my fee for this whole project. VO is the kind of insane I can get behind.
Bruh.
* SO TOTALLY KIDDING.
8.02.2016
East Coast, West Coast, Everyone's A Killer: Uber Alles
I'm writing this from the back of an Uber drifting through Pasadena. My driver's name is Yang and he is, blessedly, silent. Now, why would I comment on the reticence of my Uber driver? Strap in.
First off, light day, wrapped at noonish. Headed home and then out to get my beard trimmed. Had a little wander, went to the Apple Store, talked myself into then out of purchasing a new iPad and iPhone, although the total would have been around $3000 which is d-u-m, although all that new tech felt so sexy...
Debated seeing the new Jason Bourne movie then decided not to, as I have pirated the last four. Don't want to break the streak. And I don't want to Moby in a movie theater, thank you very much. Also, the tagline from the new one, "you know his name", is a little too close to "You Know My Name" from Casino Royale. Stop being cheeky, you will never be Bond, even after the pratfall that was Spectre.
Now, I am freshly shorn and riding dirty with Yang.
Ah, yes, my Uber driver..
So, I took an Uber earlier from set in Glendale to my place in Altadena. Everything was going okay, my guy asked why I was here and, after I told him I was shooting a film, he wanted to only talk about celebrities, so I made some shit up about talking to Nic Cage about Superman and seeing Brad Pitt across an abandoned restaurant dining room in Asbury Park, where we exchanged nods of mutual respect and existence.
Then, with about five minutes left to go, he says, "I used to be an atheist, now I believe in God."
All the flags turned red.
"Oh...?" I responded.
Because what else do you say?
Here are some potential responses which probably would have gotten me a one star review:
"God is a construct of man."
"Fuck your God."
"God is dead, and no one cares."
"Trent Reznor is God."
"I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me."*
But, I didn't say any of those, I said, "Oh...?"
So he followed up with, of course, do you believe in God?**
I figured, fuck it, it beats talking about Trump or the weather, so I told him my thoughts. He was not interested in my thoughts. He was interested in talking about how saints have superpowers, and that God is really awesome and that I should watch these weird movies on YouTube about the saints.
Then, we arrived at my place and I wished him a great day.
Yeesh.
Might just wear headphones from now on.
Like, forever.
* My iPad appears to believe in God, as every time I type the word, it capitalizes it. Hm.
** Since me and Mr. Third Uber Driver Since I Got To California are such lifelong friends. I call him "Tuds" for short.
East Coast, West Coast, Everyone's A Killer: Dreams
Have you ever gone to sleep with more than an hour of sun left in the sky? Well then, my friend and secret confidant, you are...........an Actor!*
5 am alarm this morning. Worried that I wouldn't hear it as I sleep with earplugs**, so I kept waking, checking the time then falling back asleep. Because of this, I had several dreams...
The first involved me in some NBC show, whether real or imagined, in a scene with Kristen Schaal and Colin Quinn. He could not remember his lines, somehow struck by stage fright. He said "Eunid States" instead of "United States", "thanking. You." instead of "thank you", then, placed a bagle on his head, rather than his hat.
The second featured my friend, Bill Kates showing up at my childhood home in New York with a bunch of actors to give them some sort of lecture. I was handed a huge tome written by Tony Danza. I could not tell you what it was about. These were some of the most obnoxious actors I have ever had the displeasure to dreaMeet.
Third was pretty focused on me trying to figure out how to get tickets to a Nine Inch Nails concert supporting their new album. The site had rehearsal footage, pictures and whatnot. There was a song playing in the background on the website as well and it wasn't great.
The final dream, or the final one I can recall, was a bawdy college campus comedy starring Chad Radwell from Scream Queens. It was basically a National Lampoon origin film for Chad and I would pay folding money to see it in its entirety.
In ten minutes or so, I'm heading out to Glendale for some scenes, then, I'm wrapped, an early one for me. Plans for Saturday are moving forward, and, soon, I shall take zee Gaza Strip.
AGAIN, if you've got eyes and like using them for pictures, follow @YouAndMeMovie on The Social Network. You might see a picture of me and freaking Sally Struthers.
* Or a toddler. Or both!
** To keep Ol' Scratch from putting his bifurcated penis in my ears, natch. ;-)
5 am alarm this morning. Worried that I wouldn't hear it as I sleep with earplugs**, so I kept waking, checking the time then falling back asleep. Because of this, I had several dreams...
The first involved me in some NBC show, whether real or imagined, in a scene with Kristen Schaal and Colin Quinn. He could not remember his lines, somehow struck by stage fright. He said "Eunid States" instead of "United States", "thanking. You." instead of "thank you", then, placed a bagle on his head, rather than his hat.
The second featured my friend, Bill Kates showing up at my childhood home in New York with a bunch of actors to give them some sort of lecture. I was handed a huge tome written by Tony Danza. I could not tell you what it was about. These were some of the most obnoxious actors I have ever had the displeasure to dreaMeet.
Third was pretty focused on me trying to figure out how to get tickets to a Nine Inch Nails concert supporting their new album. The site had rehearsal footage, pictures and whatnot. There was a song playing in the background on the website as well and it wasn't great.
The final dream, or the final one I can recall, was a bawdy college campus comedy starring Chad Radwell from Scream Queens. It was basically a National Lampoon origin film for Chad and I would pay folding money to see it in its entirety.
In ten minutes or so, I'm heading out to Glendale for some scenes, then, I'm wrapped, an early one for me. Plans for Saturday are moving forward, and, soon, I shall take zee Gaza Strip.
AGAIN, if you've got eyes and like using them for pictures, follow @YouAndMeMovie on The Social Network. You might see a picture of me and freaking Sally Struthers.
* Or a toddler. Or both!
** To keep Ol' Scratch from putting his bifurcated penis in my ears, natch. ;-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)