Hello, this is your friendly neighborhood pop*creep dropping by for what has turned out to be one of my very rare visits. The rarity of said "visits" may in fact be a gift bestowed upon you, dear (and likely to be singular) reader by the Internet Gods.
Be that as it may, I have decided to crawl from beneath the protective covering of my favorite red hoodie, cuddle deep within the cushions of my couch, crack open some containers of delivery curry, and present to you the First Ever pop*creep Year End Best Of.
____________________________________________________
Let's start this thing nice and easy with:
The Written Word
I didn't read many books in 2007, and the books that I did read were published before 2000. That said, there shall be no "best book" this year.
I did however read Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season 8 religiously this year. It may not have been the Snooty McSnooterson Best Comic EVER, but it has consistently been enjoyable, most notably a four issue series written by Y's Brian K. Vaughn (he also writes for Lost). The series may not be 100% enjoyable for non-Scoobies, but it is certainly worth a peek.
I spend a lot of time waiting for phones to ring at one of my jobs. This means I spent a lot of time on the internet reading blogs (which, unlike pop*creep are generally updated on a daily basis).
These were the blogs I visited most frequently in 2007
Jezebel
Go Fug Yourself
Defamer
The A.V. Club
Idolator
Yes Gawker Media, you win again.
Webcomics of Note
Married to the Sea
Questionable Content
American Elf
Best Tribute Video
Film
I see a lot of movies. I mean, a lot. Usually about two a week. The fact that 2007 was an exceptional year for film doesn't make narrowing things down all that simple.
Let's go by genre:
Drama
Atonement: This adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel is nothing short of haunting. It is sexy, gorgeous and brooding. Actually, no... that's just James McAvoy. Let's face it, no one could quite match his brood-osity this year (seriously, here he is in Becoming Jane ... I watched so you didn't have to). You've come a long way, Mr. Tumnus. I digress. I DID enjoy the film for non-McAvoy reasons. Joe Wright is able to turn a brief tryst in a library into the hottest love scene of the year - even though Mr. McAvoy has gone on record as saying it was the most uncomfortable sex scene he'd ever filmed. Ah, celluloid... how you make the lies so very pretty.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford: Another adaptation done astoundingly well. The film stars Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck as the titular assassinated and assasin respectively. I actually saw this film twice - all 160 minutes of it. Everything is just spot on, and I really can't say enough about this film. You need to see it, if only because Nick Cave has a hilarious cameo...
Control: A fine film about Ian Curtis and Joy Division rendered in marvelous inky black and white. Heavy, poetic, and redolent of sorrow. Tough to watch if you've lost someone to such circumstances.
Comedy
Lars and the Real Girl: When I first read that this film was being made, my jaw hit the floor. I have a strange fascination with Real Dolls, and I have for a few years now. I couldn't believe that someone had written a screenplay on the topic, let alone that people seemed to be taking it SERIOUSLY. When the film finally opened in Boston in October what I saw was by far one of the most touching stories of the year. If Ryan Gosling isn't nominated for an Oscar for this film, it is a damn shame. His portrayal of Lars is nothing but sensitive and genuine.
Juno: A lot has already been made of Juno. I know that it will inevitably become dated and over-quoted, but for now let's just enjoy it for what it is: A great, hilarious comedy about what it is like to be 16, cynical, and knocked up. Finally, there's a teen girl in film I can relate to ( at least the cynical part) - too bad she popped up a decade too late. Yes, a lot of the film is "precious", but it is worth seeing just for how it portrays aging gen-Xers.
Documentary
SiCKO: Oh Micheal Moore... there you go again with the provocation and the selective fact-sharing. Except for this time you're doin' it for a good cause. We all know that the American healthcare system is nothing short of a joke, but you've made it more apparent, and more urgent. Good on you. Keep it up.
The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters: This is actually probably my favorite film of 2007. I don't really care about arcade games... but I care about Steve Wiebe. This film did not make the shortlist for the Oscars. Seriously, what is the Academy smoking?
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Sunshine: Danny Boyle is a genre-hopping genius. Some folk had bones to pick with this somewhat flawed film. Yeah, the science wasn't sound. There were plot holes. But fucking hell, what a gorgeous film. Underworld did a wonderful job with the score as well. I am looking forward to the DVD release so I can figure out how the hell the FX were pulled off.
The Golden Compass: You know what? It wasn't that great... but I loved every second of it. It is a shame that the Church had to go and get up in everyon'es grill about the God stuff... we all know they're just not down with Phillip Pullman's outspokenness on his atheism. Whatever, Fun movie. Will look great next to my Narnia special edition.
Bad FIlms
La Vie En Rose: Over-rated crap-fest of a movie. BORING.
Interview: Painful to watch, horrid characters. Let's hope Buscemi's next effort is more appealing.
I Am Legend: I got food poisoning and almost passed out half-way through the film. I chose to blame it and not the broccoli I consumed beforehand.
The Ten: Really just not that funny. I expected more from you, Paul Rudd and former cast members of the State.
Spider-Man 3: Oh, that one just hurt.
Evan Almighty: I saw this on a bus. 'Nuff said.
Music
Albums
1. Arcade Fire Neon Bible
2. Blonde Redhead 23
3. The National Boxer
4. Nine Inch Nails Year Zero and Year Zero Remixed
5. Patrick Wolf The Magic Position
6. Modest Mouse We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
7. PJ Harvey White Chalk
Live
Arcade Fire: Boston, Orpheum
Neil Young: Boston, Orpheum
Aqueduct: Cambridge, Middle East Upstairs
Modest Mouse/Man Man: Boston, Orpheum
Sxip's Hour of Charm (week two): Cambridge, Zero Arrow Theater
Mew: Boston, Paradise
And: I assume that the Decemberists would have been fucking incredible. I had tickets to both nights of the Long of it and Short of it tour, but it was canceled due to illness. I hope that whoever was ill is on the mend.
TV
I do not have cable - I have rent! I did however get some television viewing in before the WGA strike.
-Heroes sort of blew this year, but Tim Kring (creator) agrees, and he promises to try harder next time. Yay!
- PBS's The War was pretty awesome. Not that anything Ken Burn's does is short of awesome. Except for his hair. Seriously.
-Remember when Lost was on? You know, aside from that whole fertility plot line, it wasn't that wretched.
-You know what show was amazing? Andy Barker, P.I.. Obviously it was destined for cancellation from the get-go. Come on, anything produced by Conan O'Brien and starring Andy Richter is way too good to be true. Let's hope for a DVD release.
That, thankfully, is all I've got dear exhausted reader. Hopefully 2008 will bring me more time for writing projects like this one.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
How the hell are ya?
Ahem...
Well this place has fallen into disuse...
My only excuse is that I currently work three jobs and tend to be so tired by the time I limp home at night that I am just too far gone to write in this thing. That said, here is a massive update:
You probably don't know who this is, but I can assure you, he is 100% awesome. This is Steve Wiebe. He is a junior high science teacher from Washington. I don't actually know him, but if I ever meet him, I am going to give him a firm handshake and a pat on the back. You can learn all about Steve and one of the greatest rivalries of all time by catching a showing of "King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters". This is a film about video games, the people who play them, and above all, human nature. It'll warm your heart and split your sides. It is easily the best film I've seen this year, no lies.
Hey, did you know that On The Road is 50 years old as of about a month ago? You did? Alright then. Well, I somehow managed to get through high school and college without ever reading it. I'm currently in the middle, and I guess I understand the hype. Kerouac had this crazed, stream of conscious as-it-happens style which can both grate and delight. I actually haven't decided which side I'm on. I do know that, every time someone catches me reading the book at work they have something to say about it. That could be because I live in Massachusetts and Jack lived in Lowell. Hometown heroes and all of that. I keep thinking "this defined a generation? Ok..." We'll see how I feel at the end of it all. I'm sure it will end up being a lifelong favorite. Maybe.
Avacado sandwiches. Oh man.
How to make the best avacado sandwich evar:
1 ripe avacado
2 slices of swiss cheese
2 slices of focaccia bread
2 tbs of Newman's Own Honey Mustard
whole leaf spinach
1/2 ripe tomato
optional: two slices of tofurkey
Alright... I think you can figure out how to construct a sandwich...
This is Louis Theroux.
I'm basically in love with him.
Yes, he's a British documentarian. You can see a great example of his work here: The Most HAted Family In America
The subject matter is close to my heart as the Phelps family actually wrote horrible things about my late friend Corey on their website and threatened to protest at his funeral in March of 2006. I digress... that isn't the reason I'm in love with Louis. Come on, look at the guy. And watch his work. DROOL. He's like British Colin Meloy... except for being lead singer of British Decemberists he's...uh...
Fuck, I'm twitterpated.
And finally:
Alright, a part of me hates to see summer end... but that part of me is easily silenced by the part of me that LOVES autumn brews, my favorite of which is Sam Adams Oktoberfest. Yes, this brew basically tastes like the smell of fall. Smooth, woody, with a nice hint of pumpkin.
That's all I got, kids.
pop*creep recommends
gofugyourself: This is my current guilty pleasure blog.
well, that and
Jezebel: I admit it, I like me some celebrity and fashion gossip now and then, and I defiantly prefer it from these ladies. They might be 100% against airbrushing and unrealistic ideals... but they aren't too proud to admit it when they see a cute pair of shoes.
Well this place has fallen into disuse...
My only excuse is that I currently work three jobs and tend to be so tired by the time I limp home at night that I am just too far gone to write in this thing. That said, here is a massive update:
You probably don't know who this is, but I can assure you, he is 100% awesome. This is Steve Wiebe. He is a junior high science teacher from Washington. I don't actually know him, but if I ever meet him, I am going to give him a firm handshake and a pat on the back. You can learn all about Steve and one of the greatest rivalries of all time by catching a showing of "King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters". This is a film about video games, the people who play them, and above all, human nature. It'll warm your heart and split your sides. It is easily the best film I've seen this year, no lies.
Hey, did you know that On The Road is 50 years old as of about a month ago? You did? Alright then. Well, I somehow managed to get through high school and college without ever reading it. I'm currently in the middle, and I guess I understand the hype. Kerouac had this crazed, stream of conscious as-it-happens style which can both grate and delight. I actually haven't decided which side I'm on. I do know that, every time someone catches me reading the book at work they have something to say about it. That could be because I live in Massachusetts and Jack lived in Lowell. Hometown heroes and all of that. I keep thinking "this defined a generation? Ok..." We'll see how I feel at the end of it all. I'm sure it will end up being a lifelong favorite. Maybe.
Avacado sandwiches. Oh man.
How to make the best avacado sandwich evar:
1 ripe avacado
2 slices of swiss cheese
2 slices of focaccia bread
2 tbs of Newman's Own Honey Mustard
whole leaf spinach
1/2 ripe tomato
optional: two slices of tofurkey
Alright... I think you can figure out how to construct a sandwich...
This is Louis Theroux.
I'm basically in love with him.
Yes, he's a British documentarian. You can see a great example of his work here: The Most HAted Family In America
The subject matter is close to my heart as the Phelps family actually wrote horrible things about my late friend Corey on their website and threatened to protest at his funeral in March of 2006. I digress... that isn't the reason I'm in love with Louis. Come on, look at the guy. And watch his work. DROOL. He's like British Colin Meloy... except for being lead singer of British Decemberists he's...uh...
Fuck, I'm twitterpated.
And finally:
Alright, a part of me hates to see summer end... but that part of me is easily silenced by the part of me that LOVES autumn brews, my favorite of which is Sam Adams Oktoberfest. Yes, this brew basically tastes like the smell of fall. Smooth, woody, with a nice hint of pumpkin.
That's all I got, kids.
pop*creep recommends
gofugyourself: This is my current guilty pleasure blog.
well, that and
Jezebel: I admit it, I like me some celebrity and fashion gossip now and then, and I defiantly prefer it from these ladies. They might be 100% against airbrushing and unrealistic ideals... but they aren't too proud to admit it when they see a cute pair of shoes.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Good Movie/Bad Movie
On Sunday I saw two limited release films.
The first was the new Danny Boyle science-fiction feature Sunshine
I could talk to you about special effects (they are present and fantastic) or acting (formidable) but really I am just going to express my love for the sounds in this film. Many reviewers will tell you that Sunshine is a feast for the eyes, but this one will tell you that the sounds are "where it is at". Underworld supplies some great electronic blips and scratches here and there that perfectly compliment the bombastic sounds of metal expanding and contracting and... well... human screams.
This is a film to see on the big screen not simply just because it is visually stunning (it is) but for the sound. The explosions in this film rattle the entire theater.
OK, yes, there are plot holes, and not enough exposition... but there is no drippy love story. No exploitative sex. Nothing that generally mars most decent action films.
Sunshine is currently only showing on 10 screens in America. Good luck finding it before it disappears. Cambridge is the only place in New England currently showing it.
OK, now for the Bad Movie.
Oh Steve Buscemi, how I love you. How I wanted to love your latest foray into directing. How you failed me.
Interview is a depsicable film about despicable people. I don't understand how this has been getting good reviews. Alright, I do. Steve Buscemi is in it! We love him! He's swell.
Guys, Steve Buscemi's presence does not a good movie make. Ask Adam Sandler.
I see what he was trying to make: an in-depth character study. Yes, yes. Very nice, sir.
But what I discovered while watching this film is that Steve Buscemi and Sienna Miller are to "character study" what Steve Vai is to "subtle guitar solo".
This is character wank.
Perhaps this film would have been better had I given a shit about either one of the horrid people depicted... but I didn't. Couldn't stand them. They made my skin crawl. And not in an amusing way. In the "boy am I ever glad that that I work here and didn't have to pay for this ticket" way.
Man, I feel guilty even writing bad things about such a beloved guy, I do.
Sorry Steve. Your film blows. No one wants to watch Sienna Miller fake-cry, or you try to have sex with her. Ew.
EW.
--------------------------------------------------
pop*creep recommends:
1.The Gill Aharon Trio
These guys are swell. I saw them play on Saturday at the lily pad in Inman Square (aka "my 'hood"). Yes, Brian Viglione of Dresden Dolls plays drums, and that is their main selling point, but come on. Gill plays the piano in the most innovative way I have seen in the past few years.
2. Let It Blurt by Jim DeRogatis: Yup, good ol' Jim is a total tool, but his biography of Lester Bangs has kept me steadily amused for the past two weeks (what, between two jobs and having a life, I don't get much time to read). Sure, I haven't finished it yet, and it is currently making a somewhat decent couch-coaster for my half-empty can of Coke... but I KNOW I'll finish it. And for me... that's saying something. This is a horrible review,
3. Letting someone else tell you the ending of the last Harry Potter novel. Because really, I don't give a shit, but I know what happens. And I'll save you the $20.
4. Woodchuck hard cider on draft at Charlie's kitchen: Oddly pleasant.
5. Mehron Starblend face makeup: SOOOOOO much easier to use than the greasepaint I've gotten so used to. And it doesn't smudge.
6. 3AM frisbee: I am horrid by day, and worse by night. Much much worse in sprinklers during the wee hours.
The first was the new Danny Boyle science-fiction feature Sunshine
I could talk to you about special effects (they are present and fantastic) or acting (formidable) but really I am just going to express my love for the sounds in this film. Many reviewers will tell you that Sunshine is a feast for the eyes, but this one will tell you that the sounds are "where it is at". Underworld supplies some great electronic blips and scratches here and there that perfectly compliment the bombastic sounds of metal expanding and contracting and... well... human screams.
This is a film to see on the big screen not simply just because it is visually stunning (it is) but for the sound. The explosions in this film rattle the entire theater.
OK, yes, there are plot holes, and not enough exposition... but there is no drippy love story. No exploitative sex. Nothing that generally mars most decent action films.
Sunshine is currently only showing on 10 screens in America. Good luck finding it before it disappears. Cambridge is the only place in New England currently showing it.
OK, now for the Bad Movie.
Oh Steve Buscemi, how I love you. How I wanted to love your latest foray into directing. How you failed me.
Interview is a depsicable film about despicable people. I don't understand how this has been getting good reviews. Alright, I do. Steve Buscemi is in it! We love him! He's swell.
Guys, Steve Buscemi's presence does not a good movie make. Ask Adam Sandler.
I see what he was trying to make: an in-depth character study. Yes, yes. Very nice, sir.
But what I discovered while watching this film is that Steve Buscemi and Sienna Miller are to "character study" what Steve Vai is to "subtle guitar solo".
This is character wank.
Perhaps this film would have been better had I given a shit about either one of the horrid people depicted... but I didn't. Couldn't stand them. They made my skin crawl. And not in an amusing way. In the "boy am I ever glad that that I work here and didn't have to pay for this ticket" way.
Man, I feel guilty even writing bad things about such a beloved guy, I do.
Sorry Steve. Your film blows. No one wants to watch Sienna Miller fake-cry, or you try to have sex with her. Ew.
EW.
--------------------------------------------------
pop*creep recommends:
1.The Gill Aharon Trio
These guys are swell. I saw them play on Saturday at the lily pad in Inman Square (aka "my 'hood"). Yes, Brian Viglione of Dresden Dolls plays drums, and that is their main selling point, but come on. Gill plays the piano in the most innovative way I have seen in the past few years.
2. Let It Blurt by Jim DeRogatis: Yup, good ol' Jim is a total tool, but his biography of Lester Bangs has kept me steadily amused for the past two weeks (what, between two jobs and having a life, I don't get much time to read). Sure, I haven't finished it yet, and it is currently making a somewhat decent couch-coaster for my half-empty can of Coke... but I KNOW I'll finish it. And for me... that's saying something. This is a horrible review,
3. Letting someone else tell you the ending of the last Harry Potter novel. Because really, I don't give a shit, but I know what happens. And I'll save you the $20.
4. Woodchuck hard cider on draft at Charlie's kitchen: Oddly pleasant.
5. Mehron Starblend face makeup: SOOOOOO much easier to use than the greasepaint I've gotten so used to. And it doesn't smudge.
6. 3AM frisbee: I am horrid by day, and worse by night. Much much worse in sprinklers during the wee hours.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Peaches fans take note
I just saw this on the Av Club news wire.
Seriously Avril... this is the second time in about a month that you've been accused of plagiarism. If you can't write your own songs, maybe you should just throw in the towel.
Seriously Avril... this is the second time in about a month that you've been accused of plagiarism. If you can't write your own songs, maybe you should just throw in the towel.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Welcome/4th of July/Etc.
Hello there, and welcome to pop*creep.
I've been thinking about starting this for quite some time. I finally got a spare moment, so here we go.
I moved to Cambridge, MA from rural Maine about three months ago. So far I have managed to land a quirky but amazingly enjoyable job at a puppet theater and another less-exciting job at a cinema that shows mainly foreign and independent films. When i am not working, I am wandering around the city looking for weird signs, shows, and street performers. I moonlight as a mime and singer-songwriter... so really, I am a busy girl. Why not add a blog to the mix, right?
I recently experienced my first Boston Fourth of July. Rather than braving the 500,000 strong crowds on the Esplanade, I climbed up the back staircase to my roof. Surprisingly, there was no one there. To be fair, it was raining.
I shot this shitty video with my camera phone. The fireworks were MUCH more impressive in person. Trust me.
A few days ago I went to a Polyphonic Spree show at the Avalon (across the street from Fenway Park) it was AMAZING. After the show I found this sign:
I have never seen such a sign. I was told that these are pretty common in the area... but it brings to mind roving see-saws. This is something I never considered when re-locating. Thank goodness I don't drive.
pop*creep recommends:
I've been thinking about starting this for quite some time. I finally got a spare moment, so here we go.
I moved to Cambridge, MA from rural Maine about three months ago. So far I have managed to land a quirky but amazingly enjoyable job at a puppet theater and another less-exciting job at a cinema that shows mainly foreign and independent films. When i am not working, I am wandering around the city looking for weird signs, shows, and street performers. I moonlight as a mime and singer-songwriter... so really, I am a busy girl. Why not add a blog to the mix, right?
I recently experienced my first Boston Fourth of July. Rather than braving the 500,000 strong crowds on the Esplanade, I climbed up the back staircase to my roof. Surprisingly, there was no one there. To be fair, it was raining.
I shot this shitty video with my camera phone. The fireworks were MUCH more impressive in person. Trust me.
A few days ago I went to a Polyphonic Spree show at the Avalon (across the street from Fenway Park) it was AMAZING. After the show I found this sign:
I have never seen such a sign. I was told that these are pretty common in the area... but it brings to mind roving see-saws. This is something I never considered when re-locating. Thank goodness I don't drive.
pop*creep recommends:
SiCKO
Michael Moore may be more famous for his antics and habit of ignoring hard facts in order to tell a more entertaining story... but SiCKO is still a film that every American should see and be pissed off by.
Hazyland Soap Company
Wonderful veggie-based home-made soap from Maine. All natural scents and dyes. They also make unscented and color-free soaps. Cruelty free and fantastic.
Christina's Ice Cream
Located in Inman Square, Christina's makes some awesome ice cream. Generous servings for not-so-much cash. My current favorite is their Fresh Mint.
Michael Moore may be more famous for his antics and habit of ignoring hard facts in order to tell a more entertaining story... but SiCKO is still a film that every American should see and be pissed off by.
Hazyland Soap Company
Wonderful veggie-based home-made soap from Maine. All natural scents and dyes. They also make unscented and color-free soaps. Cruelty free and fantastic.
Christina's Ice Cream
Located in Inman Square, Christina's makes some awesome ice cream. Generous servings for not-so-much cash. My current favorite is their Fresh Mint.
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