Hi all; a good christmas rock song is hard to find. Here's my rock collection so far. Please let me know if you have some more hidden gems!
Father Christmas, The Kinks
Advice to Young Mothers To Be, The Veils. Technically, not specifically christmasy but there is both mention of snow and being cold and vague, Jesus allusions; it's all very Mary.
The Entire Low Christmas EP is amazing; here's Just Like Christmas:
My very favorite version of Silent Night (by Elvis!). Yeeah. It's not very Rock n Roll. But it's Elvis.
Martha Wainwright does Christmas Wrapping! I like this version better than the original.
And her brother Rufus (Wainwright) sings Spotlight on Christmas starting at about 40 seconds. I have always wanted to go the the chrismas concert he does with his family, A Not So Silent Night. One day.
Hurray! It's Florence of Florence and the Machine with Billy Bragg doing Fairytale of New York:
And because once can't get enough Florence: Last Christmas. Excuse the really terrible sound, but isn't this a great cover? Yes. It is.
My favorite off of the wonderful Sufjan Stevens holiday album: Sister Winter
The Flaming Lips, Christmas at the Zoo (my favorite Flaming Lips xmas song is "A Change at Christmas (Say it isn't So)is unavailable in video form! Boo!)
Ok. So this is more xmas Dance time:
It Doesn't Always Snow on Christmas, Pet Show Boys
There will be more, don't fret!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The first Brand New (classic) Christmas album recommendation of 2010!
I have not been uncovering much of exciting value and delight in my very scientific vetting of my Pandora Xmas stations but I have JUST NOW found an incredible album: The 25th Day of December by The Staple Singers. This is a rich, soulful album from 1962 with some incredible covers like "The Virgin Mary Had One Son" and "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." Now, as I constantly emphasize, I am not a religious thinker and comfortably identify as atheist but I almost wholeheartedly embrace non-secular music during the holidays because I think singing is more fun than concerning myself with gods.
The song below is amazing and sadly, not on the album I recommended so it seems to me that one should probably track down ALL the Staple Singers music for good measure.
And this 1971 performance in Ghana is fantastic (though not holidayish!).
The song below is amazing and sadly, not on the album I recommended so it seems to me that one should probably track down ALL the Staple Singers music for good measure.
And this 1971 performance in Ghana is fantastic (though not holidayish!).
Monday, November 8, 2010
Let's watch movies of the Thanksgiving Persuasion!
Holiday Hero ENGAGE! Here we are, in my favorite time of the year! Now I will share with you the whys and hows!
Halloween came and went, I celebrated my anniversary sans costume but saw many folks in great regalia. My favorites were Kick Ass, Wonder Woman, Ringo, my own brother and his girlfriend looking incredibly post-apocalyptic in their home-made Road Warrior costumes, sexy Abraham Lincoln, sexy Jesus, and Starbuck.
And now Thanksgiving is on the horizon; although it may seem that xmas is my favorite (and maybe it is? I am not ready to make that final call), I continue to give Thanksgiving, in all its family and food splendor, the top spot. I think. Besides the facts that I love eating all manner of vegetable, baked, and sauced good, and love seeing my loved ones, I also really, really love autumnally inspired films. Looking at the fall is one of my eyes’ favorite activities and fall movies additionally affirm my penchant. So, below I have put together a near-exhaustive Thanksgiving movie list for you to peruse.
My favorites (just happen to all be dysfunctional family films):
-Home for the Holidays
My love for this film is unconditional. Every actor (Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr, Anne Bancroft, Charles Durning Steve Guttenberg, Cynthia Stevenson, OH, and David Strathairn as the glum Russell Terziak) delivers superb, heartfelt performances, the direction has that same love and kindness exuding from it that all Jodie Foster-directed pics have, and I never stop loving the look of it. It’s like when you watch an old Nora Ephron film and remember that the reason you love her movies so much is all the kitchy, interior, detail. I mean, Meg Ryan’s kitchen in Sleepless in Seattle is one of my favorite set pieces ever. So, it’s a great film about the dysfunctions and love that bring families together and keep them apart. Get in there if for some reason you haven’t watched this movie every year since it came out in 1995.
-Pieces of April
This film is a surprise. I did spend a lot of time watching Dawson’s Creek back in it’s hey day and I never loved Katie Holmes but I absolutely love her in Pieces of April. Again, a conflicted family comes together despite their differences, and finds some acceptance for each other.
Patricia Clarkson is heartbreaking as the angry, sad mom fighting breast cancer, Oliver Platt is great as the put-upon father trying to balance everyone’s neuroses, and Katie Holmes really does pull out a decent performance as the quirky, angry bohemian trying to make it all work for herself in the big city.
-The Ice Storm
I think this may have been the first Ang Lee film I ever saw, and I also think I saw this at the tail-end of my Elijah Wood crush era; so, special times. It’s great (as you probably already know) – sad, introspective, excellent looking.
We’re moving from the more tender, bond-inducing thanksgiving films to the darker, more tragic end of the fall spectrum so, watch this when you’re feeling contemplative and are looking for some vintage sweater inspiration. Or are thinking about the possible consequences of hosting a key party.
-House of Yes
How can you get through Thanksgiving without the interpretation of the most important of American dynasties as seen through the eyes of an insane, incestuous family? Classic Parker Posey, classic Tori Spelling. Also, this is a mood-altering film so if you haven’t seen it, don’t throw it on and expect a heart-warming experience. This movie is black and strange but definitely worth repeat viewing!
The Honorable Mentions:
-Wonder Boys
This is one of my favorite films – I think part of it is that I fetishize the college professor/author lifestyle but also, I think the Robert Downey Jr/Katie Holmes/Tobey Maguire casting makes me think of fall now. Also, Wonder Boys features a lot of great sweaters, boots, and interiors.
Wonder Boys, the Ice Storm, Pieces of April and Home for the Holidays all also feature complex older women struggling with various levels of crisis and/or tragedy, which I appreciate. And apparently this is a filmic quality I enjoy associating with the holidays! Speaking of:
-Hannah and her Sisters
I have a conflicted, usually distaste-filled relationship with Woody Allen’s films (and his existence) but I like the women of this movie and their portrayal of women’s relationships. Mia Farrow is Hannah, Barbara Hershey and Dianne Wiest are her sisters, and Carrie Fisher is great in a supporting role (similar to her role in When Harry met Sally). I love New York movies set in the fall and this one is particularly satisfying since it’s also got all those great mid 80’s fashions; oversize coats, scarves, etc.
-Dutch
I recently rewatched this movie; I remember seeing it as a pre-adolescent and enjoying it and it totally stands the test of time. What do we call those two-opposites-forced-to-road-trip-with-each-other movies? Well, it’s one of those, which seems to also be a holiday film tradition. Ed O’Neill is great, little Ethan Embry (then known as Ethan Randall, I believe, who is another holiday film veteran: All I Want for Christmas? Anyone?) is also fantastic as a spoiled, angry, too-smart-for-his-own-good brat. Try it if you go in for male bonding/alternative father-son relationship-building/road trip/class clashes/blue collar-bootstrap pride films. Make sense? Sure it does!
-In America
I love this movie and I distinctly recall a Halloween scene and not so distinctly think there may also be a thanksgiving scene. Either way, it hits a lot of those necessary-for-me-to-love elements: it’sa uniquely American, immigrant, bohemian family story, it’s ALSO set in New York with hints of bootstrap success, and showcases some excellent acting. I’m pretty sure there’s some good sweaters and boots in there too.
-Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Another film I recently rewatched that was not as fun as I remember it, mostly because I tend to want more silliness from Steve Martin and don’t love it when he plays straight but it is possibly the originator or the holiday two-opposites-forced-to-road-trip-with-each-other movie trend so it’s got to get some props; and it’s John Hughes-directed so this could be the film we either blame or celebrate for his Home Alone trend. Oh wait – pretty sure we have European Vacation to blame/celebrate for the beginning of the trend. Also, like any good John Candy film, it makes you sad he’s dead.
-Funny People
Remember how there’s a thanksgiving scene in this movie? Well there is!
-Curly Sue
Curly Sue is fun for a number of reasons – it’s a John Hughes family film, great, throwback pseudo-orphan/makeover film, you have to give props to a successful precocious performance by a child actor, there’s plenty of scene-setting and city-features, and look out for a very early Steve Carell cameo!
Movies I have to rewatch but, according to the internet and my own vague recollections, have thanksgiving elements:
-Scent of a Woman, 1992
-Alice’s Restaurant, 1969
-Addams Family Values, 1993
-Sleepy Hollow, 1999
-Son In Law, 1993
-Avalon, 1990
Movies that I have not seen but that the internet promises contain the appropriate thanksgiving themes:
-What’s Cooking? 2000
-The Big Chill, 1983
-By the Light of the Silvery Moon, 1953
-The Doors, 1991
-Broadway Danny Rose, 1984
Let us conclude with this disgusting, Grindhouse, faux movie trailer for Thanksgiving from Eli Roth. Or, if you don’t want to spoil the food/sweaters/family dysfunction/cuddle vibe established by the films I have described, DON’T watch this!
Halloween came and went, I celebrated my anniversary sans costume but saw many folks in great regalia. My favorites were Kick Ass, Wonder Woman, Ringo, my own brother and his girlfriend looking incredibly post-apocalyptic in their home-made Road Warrior costumes, sexy Abraham Lincoln, sexy Jesus, and Starbuck.
 |
| From bits and things |
And now Thanksgiving is on the horizon; although it may seem that xmas is my favorite (and maybe it is? I am not ready to make that final call), I continue to give Thanksgiving, in all its family and food splendor, the top spot. I think. Besides the facts that I love eating all manner of vegetable, baked, and sauced good, and love seeing my loved ones, I also really, really love autumnally inspired films. Looking at the fall is one of my eyes’ favorite activities and fall movies additionally affirm my penchant. So, below I have put together a near-exhaustive Thanksgiving movie list for you to peruse.
My favorites (just happen to all be dysfunctional family films):
-Home for the Holidays
 |
| From bits and things |
My love for this film is unconditional. Every actor (Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr, Anne Bancroft, Charles Durning Steve Guttenberg, Cynthia Stevenson, OH, and David Strathairn as the glum Russell Terziak) delivers superb, heartfelt performances, the direction has that same love and kindness exuding from it that all Jodie Foster-directed pics have, and I never stop loving the look of it. It’s like when you watch an old Nora Ephron film and remember that the reason you love her movies so much is all the kitchy, interior, detail. I mean, Meg Ryan’s kitchen in Sleepless in Seattle is one of my favorite set pieces ever. So, it’s a great film about the dysfunctions and love that bring families together and keep them apart. Get in there if for some reason you haven’t watched this movie every year since it came out in 1995.
-Pieces of April
This film is a surprise. I did spend a lot of time watching Dawson’s Creek back in it’s hey day and I never loved Katie Holmes but I absolutely love her in Pieces of April. Again, a conflicted family comes together despite their differences, and finds some acceptance for each other.
 |
| From bits and things |
-The Ice Storm
I think this may have been the first Ang Lee film I ever saw, and I also think I saw this at the tail-end of my Elijah Wood crush era; so, special times. It’s great (as you probably already know) – sad, introspective, excellent looking.
 |
| From bits and things |
-House of Yes
 |
| From bits and things |
The Honorable Mentions:
-Wonder Boys
This is one of my favorite films – I think part of it is that I fetishize the college professor/author lifestyle but also, I think the Robert Downey Jr/Katie Holmes/Tobey Maguire casting makes me think of fall now. Also, Wonder Boys features a lot of great sweaters, boots, and interiors.
 |
| From bits and things |
Wonder Boys, the Ice Storm, Pieces of April and Home for the Holidays all also feature complex older women struggling with various levels of crisis and/or tragedy, which I appreciate. And apparently this is a filmic quality I enjoy associating with the holidays! Speaking of:
-Hannah and her Sisters
 |
| From bits and things |
-Dutch
I recently rewatched this movie; I remember seeing it as a pre-adolescent and enjoying it and it totally stands the test of time. What do we call those two-opposites-forced-to-road-trip-with-each-other movies? Well, it’s one of those, which seems to also be a holiday film tradition. Ed O’Neill is great, little Ethan Embry (then known as Ethan Randall, I believe, who is another holiday film veteran: All I Want for Christmas? Anyone?) is also fantastic as a spoiled, angry, too-smart-for-his-own-good brat. Try it if you go in for male bonding/alternative father-son relationship-building/road trip/class clashes/blue collar-bootstrap pride films. Make sense? Sure it does!
-In America
I love this movie and I distinctly recall a Halloween scene and not so distinctly think there may also be a thanksgiving scene. Either way, it hits a lot of those necessary-for-me-to-love elements: it’sa uniquely American, immigrant, bohemian family story, it’s ALSO set in New York with hints of bootstrap success, and showcases some excellent acting. I’m pretty sure there’s some good sweaters and boots in there too.
-Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Another film I recently rewatched that was not as fun as I remember it, mostly because I tend to want more silliness from Steve Martin and don’t love it when he plays straight but it is possibly the originator or the holiday two-opposites-forced-to-road-trip-with-each-other movie trend so it’s got to get some props; and it’s John Hughes-directed so this could be the film we either blame or celebrate for his Home Alone trend. Oh wait – pretty sure we have European Vacation to blame/celebrate for the beginning of the trend. Also, like any good John Candy film, it makes you sad he’s dead.
-Funny People
Remember how there’s a thanksgiving scene in this movie? Well there is!
-Curly Sue
Curly Sue is fun for a number of reasons – it’s a John Hughes family film, great, throwback pseudo-orphan/makeover film, you have to give props to a successful precocious performance by a child actor, there’s plenty of scene-setting and city-features, and look out for a very early Steve Carell cameo!
 |
| From bits and things |
Movies I have to rewatch but, according to the internet and my own vague recollections, have thanksgiving elements:
-Scent of a Woman, 1992
-Alice’s Restaurant, 1969
-Addams Family Values, 1993
 |
| From bits and things |
-Son In Law, 1993
-Avalon, 1990
Movies that I have not seen but that the internet promises contain the appropriate thanksgiving themes:
-What’s Cooking? 2000
-The Big Chill, 1983
-By the Light of the Silvery Moon, 1953
-The Doors, 1991
-Broadway Danny Rose, 1984
Let us conclude with this disgusting, Grindhouse, faux movie trailer for Thanksgiving from Eli Roth. Or, if you don’t want to spoil the food/sweaters/family dysfunction/cuddle vibe established by the films I have described, DON’T watch this!
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