Everything is Illuminated

Based on the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, is this endearing film starring Elijah Wood as a "collector" on a "rigid search" for a woman who is ultimately responsible for his existence. At times hysterically funny and at others heartbreakingly sad -- the fact that the characters are so well portrayed and developed truly makes this story come to life. We both will admit to being leery about a film (of this sort) having the potential to drag, however if anything it felt as though it ended all too soon.


[Trailer]

[buy dvd & book]


Since there haven't been any wine oriented posts of late, we thought it was worth noting the Stella Pinot Grigio that we enjoyed while watching the aforementioned movie. We picked it up at our local Trader Joe's for a reasonable $11.99, pairing it with a veggie pizza. As most Pinot Grio's are, it is light and crisp, perfect for the warmer weather that is coming upon us...

Sir Tom

Tom Jones was knighted today -- congrats to our favorite welshman.

[List of Honorary British Knights]

[Mp3] Tom Jones - What's New Pussycat?

Diop Diop!

Today in The Plain Dealer they had a story about how Desagana Diop is coming back to face The Cavs tommorow night (who are only 2 games away from clinching their playoff spot) @ the Q. For those of you that do not know Mr. Diop, he was the # 8 pick overall of the cavs in 2001 NBA draft. This past summer he signed with the Dallas Mavericks and has become and important role player for them. He never had the opporunity to flourish here due to litany of circumstance: lack of experience, being overweight, several injuries and coaching changes. I for one am glad to see him doing well. Back to the article, within it the reporter mentioned that a local Dallas rap group had made a video of Kris Kross's "Jump Jump" and changed the lyrics to "Diop Diop." I was discussing with Mike today @ lunch how cool it would be if this were on youtube and low and behold it is:

Coming Soon: Brick

I was just thinking about how there hasn't seemed to be a movie worth visiting the theatre for in quite some time -- that is, until I was reminded of Brick. This film, directed by Rian Johnson and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, has been receiving tremendous praise ever since its appearance at Sundance last year (winning "Originality of Vision").


[Trailer]

[Official Website]



So, if you are a fan of film noir and psychological thrillers like Jose and I are, then definitely try to catch Brick when it comes to your city:


3/31
New York City - The Angelika
Los Angeles - The Arclight

4/7
Boston - Kendall and Coolidge
Chicago - Century Center Evanston and Downtown
Dallas - Magnolia
Washington DC - E Street
Denver - The Esquire
Minneapolis - Lagoon
Seattle - The Metro
San Francisco - Embarcadero
Portland - The Fox Tower
San Diego - The Hillcrest
Atlanta - Midtown

4/14
Will expand into more theaters in the Bay area, New York, LA and DC.

4/21
Austin - The Arbor
Baltimore
Detroit - Main Art
St. Louis - Tivoli
Indianapolis - Keystone
Milwaukee - Oriental
Philadelphia - Ritzs
Phoenix - Camelview
Sacramento - Tower
Houston - Angelika

4/28
Albany - Spectrum
Charlotte - Ballantyne
Cleveland
Kansas City
Louisville - Baxter
Monterrey
Santa Cruz
Salt Lake City

Redefining noise

Serena Maneeseh are coming this Thursday to the Grog Shop w/ Cleveland's very own The Volta Sound. Serena Maneesh are from Oslo, Norway and spent last fall opening for the Dandy Warhol's throughout their European tour. Their debut s/t album was recorded in Olso, New York and Chicago @ Steve Albini's famed Electrical Audio Recordings. It's also worth noting that Sufjan Stevens was involved with the recording of their album. Sadly, Serena Maneesh are victims of the same circumstance that The Editors experienced, playing shows in the United States without a record release state side.

The sound that Serena Maneesh mirrors most is a combination of My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Primal Scream. It's been said that "[Serena Maneesh] are inspired by southern blues via Neu! to Gershwin." Based on the countless positive reviews, it is clear that Serena Maneesh were well received at this year's SXSW. I discovered this band while reading about their show with Asobi Seksu @ The Mercury Lounge in NYC back in January. Here is Pitchfork's account of that performance. Thanks to Brad from Bradley's Almanac, he has pictures and live mp3's of their most recent Boston show.

(mp3) Serena Maneesh - UnDeux

MySpace Page

Have you got any Soul?

Last night The Editors/Stellastarr* and Mobius Band show was a good time. Prior to the show I was still deliberating whether or not to go see them in C-bus again on the 12th but after seeing all the band's performances, it made it very a easy decision. As it turns out, South is also playing that date, which makes it even better because I have been trying to see them for a few years but keep on missing them. Back to the show, I was especially impressed with The Editors. I thought they had a lot of presence and great energy. They are poised to hit the big time, I imagine this is the last time I will see them in a venue that small. Since I did not have my partner in crime last night I have no pictures from the show, we will be sure to take some when we go to the c-bus show.

On a side note, last night for whatever reason they were playing Otis Redding inbetween sets. I love Otis Redding. This made me happy to no end. When a venue is playing music between bands sometimes it is great and other times it leaves something to be desired. Here is some Otis Redding to enjoy on this lazy Sunday.

(mp3) Otis Redding - These Arms of Mine (Live @ The Whisky A Go Go in 1966)

(mp3) Otis Redding - Dreams to Remember Remember that awkward dance sequence in Dream a little Dream, where Corey Feldman was trying to be Michael Jackson?

(mp3) Otis Redding - I Can't Turn you Loose I love the Blues Brothers

esta noche

Kelly split town again. She is in Oxford seeing friends and her sister. So tonight I will be attending The Editors, Stellastarr* and Mobius Band show @ The Agora with Erin (she has a blog, you can check it out here). I am pretty excited to finally see all these bands, and all on the same bill no less. I never imagined when first hearing The Editors album last spring that 1 year later I would get to see them in C-town.

While we are on the topic of the Editors, this band The Picture has also opened for them and I think you should check them out. The Picture resides in Brooklyn, NY and recently played @ this year's SXSW. They are currently holding down a residency @ Piano's in New York. Tonight they are playing a show in Philly with C-bus's very own The Sun. They display their own take on brit pop and guitar rock while also being discribed as The Jesus and Mary Chain meets The Cure. My own two cents is that at times they remind me of The Dandy Warhols with a hint of Grandaddy and The Killers.

(mp3) The Picture - Sellout

(mp3) The Picture - Blind Side

MySpace Page

Best Album of the Year?

While Jose is enjoying a "decadent" dinner at Bridges Restaurant and seeing his buddy Lebron play at the Q, I thought I would make a quick post before I meet my grandma for coffee. . .

Bring it Back, was finally released yesterday -- although, thanks to a few mp3 blogs (ahem, Kristi) many of us had access to it much earlier. When first listening to Bring it Back, I immediately was drawn in by the infectious energy and catchy melodies. Although very impressed early on, I was still slightly leery of becoming sick of the album from playing it out -- especially since I remember agreeing with something I once read, to paraphrase: "If Mates of State wasn't so damn annoying, they would be really good..."

Well, despite that harsh statement ringing true in the past, I can only say that Mates of State's Bring it Back has (without a doubt) become my favorite album of the year thus far. And, I am really looking forward to seeing them perform with Maria Taylor in a few weeks -- see tour dates here.

Bring it Back's standout tracks:

[Mp3] Mates of State - Fraud in the 80's (repost)
[Mp3] Mates of State - What it Means

[Buy!]

[Mates of State: Official Website]

ps - you can be friends with Lebron on myspace like Jose, check it

Here Nor There

Prior to the Ladytron dj set (which was a great time, btw) we had a drink at La Cav where a flyer caught my attention for an Exhibition at e. gordon gallery for 3 Artists: Amathin, Amy Casey, Liz Maugans. In addition to this one, there are apparently some other notable exhibitions in Cleveland that can be read about in Scene's article here. Hopefully we can be in attendance to support our local artists, especially while the Cleveland Art Museum is closed for its $258 million renovation and expansion.

Meanwhile, on a completely unrelated note, here is a mini playlist of songs I have been into lately:

1. [Mp3] Bishop Allen - Things are what you make of them
2. [Mp3] Fiery Furnances - Waiting to know you
3. [Mp3] Neko Case - Hold On, Hold On
4. [Mp3] Tori Amos - Somewhere Over the Rainbow
5. [Mp3] Cassettes Won't Listen - Lunch for Breakfast
6. [Mp3] The Smiths - Frankly, Mr. Shankly

Also worth mentioning, the back of Jose's head (taking a picture of the President with his camera phone) can be found in newstands across Cleveland on the cover of the Plain Dealer:

Yeah, I drew a circle around his head in case you couldn't tell it was him. . .Jose may or may not write about seeing Bush speak yesterday afternoon, but if interested you can read about it and view pictures.

Bonus: See Jose's Dad on Good Morning America !! [click here] It is near the 1 minute mark.

Murmurs

While browsing Temporary Residence Limited's website last fall I stumbled upon an intriguing musician by the name of Caroline. I downloaded her single (and only song that she had recorded at the time) and instantly loved it -- although, it probably didn't hurt that her delicate vocals sound similiar to Emiliana Torrini's, who I absolutely adore. Caroline's full length debut, Murmurs, has recently been released and she just performed live for the very first time at SXSW last week (I'm looking forward to reading about her set, among many others, in the blogs shortly).

For now you can enjoy this track, highly recommended:

[Mp3] Caroline - Sunrise

[Caroline's Myspace]

[buy Murmurs]

Bonus: Being the first day of Spring, I find this song appropriate...

[Mp3] Emiliana Torrini - Today Has Been Okay

You don't have to spend, you just have to pretend

Yesterday, Team GF (aka Gatta-Feliciano) returned to full strength just in time for the Ladytron DJ set tonight @ B-side. As luck would have it, we had already purchased our tickets -- good thing, because it is SOLD OUT! We hope to see some familiar faces because you know it will be a good time.

Also, yesterday morning Jose attempted to go see Screaming Masterpiece at the Cleveland International Film Festival but this too sold out. We are glad the film festival is drawing well but Jose still wishes he had purchased a ticket in advance like someone advised him to. . .

Today has been a much needed lazy Sunday. We just had a simple yet lovely brunch with our friend Elizabeth @ Civilization in Tremont. Elizabeth was in town for business and trying to encourage us to come to Chi-town for Intonation Festival since we have pretty much vetoed attending Lollapalooza this summer due to our schedules and the lineup (sorry guys!).

Before we head out, we will leave you with a couple fabulous Ladytron tunes:

[Mp3] Ladytron - Playgirl (Felix da Housecat remix)
[Mp3] Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch

Sláinte (redux )

(this is my st. patrick's day post from last year please note the mp3's have been re-upped)

Arg. I already typed this post once but I didn't save and of course blogger had to misbehave and freeze up anyways here I go again:

It is now St. Patrick's Day as I type this, the first time I typed it was not. This morning I am preparing for the day as I listen to the sounds of The Pogues while I watch highlights of the NCAA tournament from yesterday (BC almost ruined my brackets, close one). Sorry no green beer for me, I am going to have a pint of guiness or two in a little bit. I am going to be spending this St.Patrick's Day holdin it down in c-town meanwhile the rest of you will be spending it in other exciting locales such as Dublin, Ireland, New York, Boston and of course Naples, Florida ;)

Speaking of the Pogues, those of you that are going to see them with The Walkmen are damn lucky. I think that the sounds of Mr. Shane McGowan's gravelly yet beautiful voice are perfect for consuming libations on a sunny day like today (where is the snow?). One of my favorite Pogues's songs is the cover they do of "Whiskey in the Jar." I know that many artists have covered this song from Thin Lizzy to Metallica to The Grateful Dead.

(mp3) The Pogues w/The Dubliners - Whiskey in the Jar (for Becky & Paul)
(mp3) U2- Whiskey in the Jar (live)
(mp3) Thin Lizzy - Whiskey in the Jar
(mp3) Metallica- Whiskey in the Jar

Screaming Masterpiece

This week the 30th annual Cleveland International Film Festival gets underway starting this Thursday night and runs through the 26th. I was checking out the lineup to see if there was anything showing that would peak my interest and then I discovered that Screaming Masterpiece is showing. At that point I just about jumped out of my skin because last month when we saw Sigur Rós, Kelly had told me about this film. Screaming Masterpiece, for those of you who have not heard of, is a documentary about the scene in Iceland that features performances and interviews with: Björk, Múm, Sigur Rós, Amina and many others. I never thought that I would get to see it because right now the only place you can buy it from sells it for $40 (here) and frankly I did not think I would ever get to see it in Cleveland. I was even to the point of thinking about coughing up the dough an now I am glad I do not have to. Which brings me to my last point. Since Kelly is out of town who wants to go? I would like to go to 12pm showing on Saturday, so let me know.

Screaming Masterpiece Trailers

Soundtrack (buy here)

Lonesome Microphone

Not to be confused with Field Music, the solo project of Chad Hanson (formerly of Dutch Flat and The Mines) he calls Field Notes is something not to be overlooked. A Brooklyn based musician (by way of Seattle) recorded most of his debut, The Color of Sunshine, in the bedroom of his flat inspiring many to describe this album as an insightful and intimate "portrait of hushing melodies." Needless to say, Field Notes has earned several comparisons: Pedro the Lion, Nada Surf, Matt Pond PA and (of course) Elliott Smith.

Check out these songs, both highly recommended:

[Mp3] Field Notes - Full Circle

[Mp3] Field Notes - Who's Fooling who

Spin's Band of the Day Review: Field Notes

[Buy]

I'm Happy But You Don't Like Me

So, back in '03 I was unemployed and during that time I discovered mp3 blogs because let's face it -- I had alot of time on my hands. The first such blog I happened upon was largheartedboy. The way I discovered that blog was by doing a google search for the Ben Gibbard cover of "Complicated" by you know who. As a result of that blog, it led me to all the New York music blogs and that is how I learned of Asobi Seksu. A few weeks ago we saw that their spring tour was not coming to Clevleand (imagine that?) but luckily they are coming to Detroit on April 8th opening for their local Pas/Cal at the Magic Stick. At first I was somewhat reluctant to go (Detroit is only 3 hours away if that, but it can be a pain sometimes) but Kelly talked me into it. So now I am getting pretty excited to finally have the opportunity to see them.

(mp3) Asobi Seksu - Walk on the Moon (acoustic)

If you like this, find more mp3's to download on Asobi Seksu's website here

Asobi Seksu's Myspace page

Lines of Parallel Minds...

The other day I was at work trying to kill some time and I discovered the group The 303's. The band consits of the duo of Ingrid Dahl and Parixit Davé who hail from New Jersey. Their influences which range from: The Cure to Blonde Redhead to The Album Leaf are evident in the diversity in their sound. Kelly said that they remind her of Sing-Sing while at the same time they remind us of Ladytron, Le Tigre and Chicks on Speed. This quote from their myspace page sums them up pretty well "Fighting and incognizant, erratic and blasé, the music of The 303s creates something new: a balance of collaboration, of sincerity, and experimentation."

Their debut album drops on April 11th on cult-hero records: Pre Order Here

(mp3) The 303s - Beyond The Lines

The 303's myspace page

a little early

Hi. Kelly left a few hours ago to go to Naples, Florida for a weeklong but well deserved vacation. So I will be manning the ship by myself, hence you will notice the grammatical errors in her abscence. On this coming Tuesday I was planning on going to see The Subways but I found out today that the show was sold out (damn OC Fans). It really is not a big deal though because a week from today Ladytron is going to be doing their DJ set @ The B-side. We are both really looking foward to that and hope to see many of you there. Another show I am super excited for is The Walkmen. They just announced their U.S. tour dates and May 30th they are coming to c-town to the beachland ballroom. I actually just bought our tickets today. We last saw them @ Lollapalooza in Chi-town and they ripped it up despite the heat.

Check out this Ladytron DJ set from November 12th, 2005 in Toronto, Canada (real audio required)

(I hate real audio just as much as you, but this is a nice set)

Scotch 101

**Update: We were happy to see us pictured in the Union Club's newsletter, taken during the Scotch Tasting

As mentioned in a previous post, we attended a Scotch Tasting last week and ended up learning a thing or two.

Kelly's notes [above] on Scotches tasted with helpful descriptions [below]

The menu of "courses" paired with each Scotch

TONIGHT!!

Between the Lines

If The Jesus and Mary Chain could be combined with Belle & Sebastian, and actually work -- Sambassadeur would be the result. This fabulous Swedish band with a lo-fi energy is signed to a favorite label of ours, Labrador Records -- where some other great bands on their roster include: The Radio Dept, Acid House Kings, and Douglas Heart. Sambassadeur hasn't had an official US tour as of yet, but hopefully will set one up soon.

For now you can download these standout tracks from their self-titled debut and a couple others on their official website:

[Mp3] Sambassadeur - Sense of Sound
[Mp3] Sambassadeur - If Rain

Befriend them on their myspace

Starts Off with a Bang!

Recently, I have expressed to several friends how excited I am that Mobius Band has been added to the Stellastarr* /Editors tour and somehow they haven't seemed to share in my excitement. This is mostly due to the fact that a lot of people are still not familiar with Mobius Band's work. Unfortunately, the last two times they came to Cleveland Kelly and I misssed them. The most recent time they came (supporting Tom Vek), happened to be the night we went to Pittsburgh to see American Analog Set (check out our post on the show here). This time around, Kelly will once again be unable to attend this show because she will be visiting her sister and friends at Miami and attending a Wine Gala. In her place, Erin will be attending the show with me.

The Mobius Band, for those of you that do not know, provides the backgound music in the most recent New Balance commerical -- go here to check out the running: track add. This advertisement features the song "Starts Off with a Bang" which you can check out the rest of, along with several other tracks, on their myspace page.

Bonus:

[Mp3] Mobius Band - City vs. Country

Annual Ice Wine Festival of the Grand River Valley

Today we will be attending this Ice Wine Festival and be sure to post about it later on this week. . .should be interesting!

Logic will Break your Heart

It seems that whenever you think a band has dropped off the face of the earth, they somehow resurface shortly after you ask someone "whatever happend to [insert band here]?" The most recent example of this would be the The Stills. Kelly and I last saw them back in May '04, where Metric and Sea Ray (rip) opened. Sadly, we missed Sea Ray's set and then they brokeup shortly thereafter. Interestingly enough -- the drummer from Sea Ray, Colin Brooks, is now the new drummer for The Stills.

To read about all the lineup changes and some other info regarding The Stills' new album go here

Which brings us to our dilemma: Do we go see The Stills with Jason Collett on April 9th or do we go see Mates of State with Maria Taylor instead? The biggest surprise is that two quality shows will be happening on the same Sunday Night (in Cleveland no less!). . .which, I guess, is a good problem to have.

Check out their new track:

[Mp3] The Stills - The New Beginning

Which is definitely very different than their prior material:

[Mp3] The Stills - Still in Love Song (remix)

Scotch on the Rocks

This evening we will be attending a Scotch Tasting at the Union Club downtown. Both of us are looking forward to the event, although slightly apprehensive about the strength of the scotch, mainly because some of the scotches are as high as 120 proof! Plus, we are really unsure as to what kind of food will be served -- as far as we know, there will only be a selection of Hors D' Oeuvres made available throughout the tasting. Although, we will fortunately have the opportunity to sober up during the Cavs game, which we will be heading to later on in the evening.

Wish us luck!

[Mp3] Stereolab - Bop Scotch