Speakeasy Entertainment's Staff Picks Blog
Put a little spring in your step with Speakeasy Entertainment's staff picks
By Speakeasy Entertainment Section, Compiled Story
May 23, 2008 | 8 p.m.
Today's American culture is permeated with programming, ideas and people created simply for entertainment -- and your friends here in Speakeasy's Entertainment Section are eating it up with a spoon. But entertainment consumers beware: overconsumption kills, and we're here to guide you.
Sure, Speakeasy Entertainment loves spring quarter's fresh air and scantily clad babes sunbathing in highly public locales (of course, they would never be seeking attention from passersby). But you know what we love even more? Our spring quarter staff picks. You might, too. Enjoy -- we insist!
Flight of the Conchords' new album, unoriginally named Flight of the Conchords
Cute boys with cute accents who play cute songs and possess awkwardly cute senses of humor -- I think you can see where I'm going with this. The Kiwis of "New Zealand’s fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo-a capella-rap-funk-comedy-folk duo" (or so they say) released their first full-length album April 29, much to the giggly enthusiasm of Conchord fanatics who watch the hilarious YouTube videos daily. Not that I am one of those Conchord fanatics or anything. Honestly, that's why I invested in the DVD set of the first season of the band's hilarious HBO sitcom. At a mere $20 at Best Buy, it was a no-brainer.
Bonus: The new album, which features different versions of almost every Conchords' original from the first season of "Flight of the Conchords," includes a poster-size illustration of Jemaine (no, that's not a typo) and Bret. Now I can stare into the bespectacled eyes of the cartoon version of sexy, super-nerd Jemaine every night before bed. -Jill Mapes, Entertainment Editor
"The Room," undeniably the best worst movie of all-time
I've seen my fair share of cinematic fiascos, sure, but independent director/actor/producer Tommy Wiseau's $6 million joke, a.k.a. "The Room," is so bad that it's actually pretty good, in a hilariously earnest sort of way. The 2003 film chronicles a dramatic love triangle between clueless protagonist Johnny, his skank-a-rific fiancée Lisa and Johnny's beefcake best friend Mark.
Cue the cheesy '90s R&B and accompanying half-dozen sex scenes, all of which were shot with a god-awful diffusion filter that adds a dreamy softness to the sickeningly gratuitous nature of the intercourse footage. Honestly, there is no chance of arousal on the part of audience members. The actors are all too unattractive for that to happen. We've established that the film's love scenes are disturbing, but there is so much more to highlight, such as Wiseau's humorously stiff script.
The acting would not even cut the mustard for a film school production, but it is the dialogue that is so unrealistic, ultimately proving highly quotable and laughable. For example, every character prominently greets one another upon entrance in a scene, with raven-haired Wiseau himself uttering a drawn-out "oh haiiii, (insert character's name here)" in a perplexing accent. Wiseau simultaneously channels Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Seagal, Christopher Walken and your creepy uncle (don't deny it) in his performance.
"The Room" is too horrific and too enjoyable for words. Catch the film at one of its free monthly screenings in Lindley Hall, normally held the first weekend of each month. Expect tons of audience participation, as the film has grown to a cult status comparable to that of "Rocky Horror." -Jill Mapes, Entertainment Editor
Vice Magazine's Global Trend Report '08
Call me a vapid hipster if you will, but there's something inexplicably satisfying in reading about which threads the hippest kids across the world are currently donning. Even more entertaining, of course, are Vice's biting critiques of said kids and their duds.
The trend report covers every plausible fashion capital in the world, including staples such as New York City and Paris, while also stretching as far into obscurity as Helsinki and Antwerp. By the way, did you know that guys in Vienna have finally fallen victim to the skinny jeans trend?
"Basically boys are looking like they raided their little sisters’ closets. They’re still doing the zany old-man hat thing, which will not die no matter how hard we try to kill it."
Now THAT is content worth reading, yeah? Not only that, but each city's report is accompanied by pictures of real-life specimens straight from the heart of that particular city, all of which perfectly embody trends that are at times adorable yet sometimes entirely insane. So head on over to Vice and check out the “Global Trend Report '08.” If you can't manage to pick up any fashion tips, at least it'll provide a few hearty laughs. -Jen Kessler, Assistant Entertainment Editor
A Softer World
Sunday mornings no longer hold the climactic value they once did for the weekly plethora of comics that only the Sunday papers used to master. With the growing popularity of Web comics, and of "A Softer World" particularly, printed comics are a dying outlet, replaced instead by the indie-pop brilliance of artists like Joey Comeau and Emily Horne.
Combining Comeau's quirky and vague one-liners with Horne's photographs-turned-comic squares, ASofterWorld.com redefines the term "comic" with its universal truths, hilarious predicaments and aesthetic appeal. If the vintage practice of comic strips are not your style, A Softer World is also an outlet for Horne's photography via her Flickr account and Comeau's short stories, appealing to the photographer and novelist in each of us. -Krisi Nehls, Entertainment Senior Writer
Mi and L'au
It began like a fairytale: a romance that blossomed in Paris between a Finnish model (Mi) and French musician (L'au). The two Europeans run away together to the refuge of the Finnish forests, locking themselves in a cabin buried in the woods, only to emerge with music that most surely redefines modern-day folk.
With contributions from members of Akron/Family, Mi and L'au's self-titled album could not more accurately reflect the environment in which it was made. The album is woody and pure, rich and austere, unique in its personable-ness and gentle approach. Mi's vocals may as well be whispered in the ears of their listeners, except for the fact that such an effect would risk the chance of drowning out the adorable (and really, there is no other word to describe it) little acoustic melodies and piano chords. Diana Cluck and Akron/Family fans should not miss out on this charming little duo.
Fun Fact!: Devendra Banhart's "A Gentle Soul" from Oh Me Oh My was written for L'au after the two meandered around Paris and made lovely music together. -Krisi Nehls, Entertainment Senior Writer
Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture)
Featuring a medley of mega-stars, the musical sensation “Hairspray” swept the nation in summer 2007 with its huge hairdos and peppy '60s-style music. And while I can’t relive the feeling of watching for the first time as an overweight, optimistic Tracy steals the show from prissy Amber, I can listen to the soundtrack for a pick-me-up.
Something about spring has given me the urge to scroll to “Good Morning Baltimore” on my iPod each time I leave my dorm in the morning. I have to restrain myself from opening the door with a flourish and belting out the lyrics. I think the people walking past me are bemused by the girl with huge headphones pretending that she’s not singing along. It’s enough to make me wish the rats danced around my feet to say “Michelle, it’s up to you!”
Rough day at work? Fight with your boyfriend? Screwed up that big midterm exam? Just pop in the soundtrack from “Hairspray” and you’ll be dancing along in no time! Keep your eyes peeled because you might just see me tapping my foot on the escalator in Baker. Bee-bop ba-ba-ba-bee-bop. -Michelle Davey, Staff Writer
Food Network
Sure, saying I'm crazy for the Food Network may be like Jessie Spano from "Saved by the Bell" telling us that she is "so excited," both delusional and somewhat perplexing. But what other TV channel can offer competitions based on the multiple uses of tomatoes, a reality show about a bakery and a sexy Italian woman attempting to explain how to pronounce the word bruschetta to stay-at-home moms?
Although MTV can attempt to convey all of these things in a special airing of "Spring Break 2008 -- Live From Wherever," it is nearly impossible to duplicate the overwhelming popularity that the Food Network has gained since coming onto the air more than a decade ago.
Like any other Food Network lover, I obviously have my favorites. I make it a point to watch "Ace of Cakes" whenever I can simply for the enjoyment of watching the combination of Chef Duff's blockheadedness (thank you, Lucy from "Charlie Brown") and Sous Chef Geoff's witty antics. Aside from that, the fact that Food Network has been able to make a reality show out of a bakery in Baltimore entertaining is enough for me.
In addition to the folks at Charm City Cakes, I receive great enjoyment from watching any of the following: "Good Eats" with Alton Brown, "Barefoot Contessa" with Ina Garten, "Everyday Italian" with Giada De Laurentiis (sigh...) or an occasional sighting of Paula Dean utilizing GALLONS of butter, y'all. As long as it's not that annoying Queen of Convenience, Rachael Ray, I'm usually OK with it. Honestly, she buys pre-chopped onion -- who the hell does that?
The Food Network has done for food what ESPN has done for sports or what Fox News has done for angry right-wingers: It has given an audience a place to see all of the splendors they could hope for in their secret obsession. -Max Bonem, Staff Writer
The Parlor Mob
This brilliant pack of rock-‘n’-roll newcomers is perhaps best described as the talented love child of a beautiful affair between Kings of Leon and Jet. The Parlor Mob looks and smells like good old soulful rock, and believe me, that’s exactly what it is. With each chorus and verse, the wind is knocked out of me as the raspy lyrics and harsh instrumentation mingle together perfectly. As lead singer Mark Melicia poignantly wails lines such as, “You goootta take/The bullet out/The gun,” a great deal of Wolfmother’s Andrew Stockdale can be heard in his voice. In some notable songs such as “Bullet,” “Tide of Tears” and “Hard Times,” the band’s signature thick guitar riffs accompanied by raucous percussion and piercing vocals keep my blood pumping and without doubt, my ears are open to more hits from these rock renegades. -Courtney Baldasare, Staff Writer
Incubus’ "Look Alive" DVD
I will forever be an Incubus devotee, even when I am old and gray and unquestionably deaf from overexposure to unreasonably loud music. When I first saw "Look Alive," I felt the urge to dive right into the television screen and join the band in its inexplicably fulfilling world. This DVD portrays the band's music and lives as it takes viewers to various culturally enriching cities around the world to Incubus' epic live shows and intimate practices, and most enjoyably, to private playtime and bonding moments as a band.
For those who already feel they understand the wonder that is lead singer Brandon Boyd, you do not. Not, at least, until you watch “Look Alive.” As he rambles off witty commentary to lighten his otherwise intensely passionate monologues (all while wearing Ray-Ban Wayfarer shades), you fall slowly but surely in love with Incubus, perhaps like me, all over again. -Courtney Baldasare, Staff Writer
HBO’s "The Wire"
If you’ve never seen an episode of "The Wire," maybe you have friends who are more enlightened than you, friends who have hopefully filled you to the breaking point with praise for the show. If neither you nor your friends has any idea of the sheer brilliance found within this HBO drama, then sit down, my dear -- it’s time to learn a little something.
“The Wire” is the kind of show that simultaneously entertains, educates and heartbreaks with each episode, ultimately making you realize just how bad everything else on TV is. “Law and Order” and “CSI” look like caricatures in comparison -- images of police justice as drawn by a blind, deaf and mute person who has never left his house. Does anybody even earnestly watch those shows anymore?
The greatness of "The Wire" extends to just about every aspect of production, from writing to casting to story, offering a glimpse of a world that lies at the heart of every major American city. In a tiny, condensed nutshell, “The Wire” is about a police wiretap unit in Baltimore, but what it really is about is a slice-by-slice look at the socioeconomic conditions of crime and punishment from the point of view of both cops and criminals.
Each season of 12 episodes follows a single case from start to finish but also focuses on one specific aspect of life in the urban world: the school systems, the politics, the decay of blue collar jobs and in the case of the recently concluded series finale, the media and press.
Yes, you have to keep track of a cast of 30-something people, and yes, their various names/positions/contributions can become quite muddy, but the overall effect is intoxicatingly orgasmic. God forbid I use a literary analogy, but it’s like completing a 500-page novel each season, as it’s that dense. It can be overwhelming at first, but soon enough, the opening chords of the show's theme song (Tom Waits’ “Way Down in the Hole”) will have you salivating like a Pavlovian puppy in heat. Yeah, it’s that good. -Nick Knittel, Staff Writer
Priscilla Ahn
Normally my musical tastes run closer to the loud and obnoxious end of the spectrum, rather than the soft and the pretty, but my newest musical obsession, Priscilla Ahn, might just be changing all of that. Her self-titled EP was released in 2006, while her major label debut is due out June 10. Ahn's song "Dream" was featured in the movie "Disturbia," but don't hold that against her.
Her clever lyrics, simple melodies and beautiful, almost hauntingly clear voice have more than earned her spot as "the next big thing." The best part is that she does not seem to care. Steering clear of radio-friendly hooks and yet still making enjoyable, accessible music, Priscilla Ahn is worth checking out. -Taryn Lentes, Staff Writer
LittlePaperPlanes.com
LittlePaperPlanes.com sells T-shirts, bags, accessories, prints and jewelry all designed by independent artists across America. The shirts and bags feature prints of artwork created by one of these artists, while all other products are either simple and graphic, or light and pretty in mood. The tote bags are perfect alternatives to wasteful grocery bags! There are also really interesting and funny interviews with the featured artists. -Kelly Vormelker, Staff Writer
Vampire Weekend
When my cousin recommended this band to me, I immediately pictured long, black trench coats, screaming emo lyrics and dark makeup. Sorry to be so stereotypical about the word "vampire," but imagine my surprise when I looked them up and found a bunch of prep-punk guys singing light, cheeky, happy songs complete with an orchestral background. Long story short, I present my new favorite band, Vampire Weekend. -Kelly Vormelker, Staff Writer
“Peace: The Biography of a Symbol” by Ken Kolsbun
I will not apologize for the fact that I still totally dig the peace sign. It pisses me off that people find it cheesy, played-out or trendy. For me and for thousands of others, the peace sign symbolizes an idea both very real and very important. The peace symbol can be cool for more people than just those of the hippie generation. “Peace: The Biography of a Symbol” traces the history and origins of the peace sign in a highly visual and surprising manner. Yet another excuse for me to proudly display my beloved peace signs! -Kelly Vormelker, Staff Writer
TLC's "Jon and Kate Plus Eight"
If your life is ever feeling overly hectic and stressful, TLC’s current reality series featuring the Gosselin family will definitely provide a comforting reality check. With a set of twins followed four years later by sextuplets, life with the little ones makes for an entertaining viewing experience that will make chaos in your own life seem like a distant memory.
The mother Kate is a complete control freak while Jon, the nonchalant and low-key father of eight, balances her intensity. The tiny munchkins are ridiculously adorable, but the whines and cries of a Gosselin that has missed his or her nap is, in my opinion, the most effective form of birth control today’s media has to offer. -Lindsay Rice, Staff Writer
Blur
While the urge to expose some up-and-coming, super-trendy rock band is strong, I swatted that away in favor of my initial inclination: '90s Britpop four-piece Blur. I’m sure most are well aware of the band’s mainstream success in the late '90s, as its explosive popularity peaked in both England and America with the 1997 single “Song 2” and again with 1999’s “Coffee and TV.”
While “Coffee and TV” is an excellent example of encompassing the band’s style, it does not accurately reflect Blur’s more recent material. In 2003, the release of Think Tank welcomed very high reviews from NME Magazine and Pitchfork Media but marked the departure of Blur's guitarist, Graham Coxon.
Think Tank boasts its share of ballads (“Good Song,” “Battery in Your Leg”) as well as energetic, punk-inspired rock and roll (“We’ve Got a File on You,” “Crazy Beat”). However, the album’s progression toward a more electronic-influenced sound is clear. More than anything, this album is just a red flag of Damon Albarn’s transition toward abandoning Blur for Gorillaz.
Everyone has his or her British pop staple. I recommend you ditch that sobby Radiohead (Editor's Note: Bashing Radiohead is NOT cool.) and heroin-induced Oasis for some mad talented, thoughtful rock and roll. Oh, and be sure to snag Think Tank from the nearest possible location, preferably a record store. -Dani Purcell, Staff Writer
Maury YouTube video clips
Honestly, the West Virginia jokes have gotten old. But one part of my stereotypically “trashy” home state remains steadfast: I enjoy Maury, probably too much. I recently have taken to watching a boatload of Maury clips uploaded onto YouTube. It’s mindless entertainment, and while I prefer an intellectual challenge in terms of literature or music, I don’t expect such in mass media.
This clip holds true to the typical Maury stint and fits into the former of two categories: “I have a young, out-of-control child desperate to become a mother” or the infamous “Who’s the daddy?” paternity test episodes.
The sheer absurdity of these concepts is revolting but equally amusing: If your daughter sincerely needed counseling or psychological assistance, or your supposed “dignity” was in question concerning the true father of your children, would you seek assistance from a talk show host?
Despite how ridiculous these clips may be, the entertainment value is damn near unquestionable. Because really, who doesn’t enjoy entertainment revolving around revealed bastard children or scripted prostitution plans on occasion? -Dani Purcell, Staff Writer
Facebook's Bumper Stickers Application
If there were every any single Facebook application to be obsessed with, it has to be Bumper Stickers. Can't find the right words to tell your best friend she's more like a sister? There's a sticker for that. Feel the need to tell the world about your obsession with Tony Danza? There's a sticker for that. Can't get enough of the LOLCats (who can)? There are TONS of stickers for that. And if there's not, there's always the option to upload it yourself.
The occasional glitches and error messages are frustrating but not problematic enough to turn the most die-hard sticker givers away. Because of these glitches, it has a user rating of 2.2 out of 5, but 1.4 million users are sticking their friends daily. It's an addiction, and I'm sure there's a sticker for that, too. -Melanie Barnes, Staff Writer
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