Definitely one of the best I've heard (and I basically listen to them all). Fantastic job boys, and the wonderful WOXY. Watch the really frickin' cool video, and download the whole thing while you are at it! Catch Jukebox The Ghost at Union Hall February 9 with Mason Proper. I'll be djing! (And not smoking).
woxy.com presents Jukebox the Ghost from Soft City Lights on Vimeo.
DOWNLOAD: Jukebox The Ghost Lounge Act
Find single tracks over at WOXY's blog, The Futurist.
[ed note: Today is my final day smoking cigarettes. I've been told it's good to write a farewell letter to them (not my idea) and I thought that I would publish it here on my blog so that everyone can hold me too it, and maybe get a little bit of a chuckle out of it too (not my idea, either). So wish me luck!
Dear Parliament Light,
I'm sorry to have to do this to you, but I hope that you have seen it coming. While I've thoroughly enjoyed our seven years together, everything good must come to an end. I know that it's going to be hard, more so for me, but this is something that must be done. It's cliche, but true—it's you, not me.
We've definitely had our moments. I'll miss our coffee breaks in the morning, waiting for the bus, and that time that I had to pay a $50 fine because I needed to talk to you while waiting for a subway in Brooklyn. What can I say? You have had an effect on me. You were always there to get out of awkward situations, to make the work day go quicker, and for those drunken conversations. You always knew the right things to say.
I know we'll see each other a lot over the next few weeks, but please don't take it personally when I ignore you completely. You are my greatest weakness, and while now be my greatest accomplishment. But trust me, it won't be easier. Now that I am bidding our final adieu, I thank you for our time together. It's been fun. But it's totally time to move on.
Sincerely,
Rachael
I just squealed in glee.
This Thursday, January 10th - Jukebox The Ghost 2:00
This Friday, January 11th - The Muggabears 1:00
Wednesday January 16th - Mason Proper 3:00
Wednesday January 30th - Ra Ra Riot (special evening session) 7:30
It was an interesting year. I always am keen to the discovery of new music, which is why most of my top albums are debuts from unsigned or relatively new bands. There's nothing like that first try, and when succeeded, it will always be how they will be remembered. So without further adieu, my top 20 albums of the year, with a brief one-sentence recap, and a zip file of a selected track from each album below. See you in '08!
01. Port O’Brien – The Wind And The Swell
Never have I had such a visceral reaction to an album, where its lo-fi screams and yelps from start to finish prove this young band has so much more to give.
02. Radiohead – In Rainbows
A combination of its execution and actual sound, Radiohead's latest album marks revolution in the music and its most melodic effort to date.
03. White Rabbits – Fort Nightly
A late-night booze brawl, complete with a piano and dueling guitars, is what best defines White Rabbit’s debut Fort Nightly—the strong debut from this clean-cut six piece teeters between innocence and mystery with the slight tweak of a minor chord.
04. Ra Ra Riot – Ra Ra Riot EP
Ra Ra Riot's long awaited EP breathes new life into a sound that is attempted upon by so many bands, but never sounds as polished as each song this rowdy six-piece creates.
05. Tim Williams – When Work Is Done
Confidence shouldn't be a worry for this young troubadour, as his second effort is as thoughtful and honest as his previous one, but for the first time the songs are full of hopeful resolution.
06. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
An orchestra masterpiece from beginning to end, Arcade Fire prove once again why they have become one of the more important acts of our generation.
07. Kate Nash – Made Of Bricks
The quick witted Nash brings a dark side to pop music, seamlessly combining cocky lyrics with playful tunes.
08. Jens Lekman – Night Falls Over Kortedala
Thanks to Pat, this album demanded repeat listens, as Lekman delves deeper into story-telling arrangements with his classic vocals.
09. Tegan And Sara – The Con
Pure pop perfection from start to finish, the Canadian twins do it again with their more complex and rash fifth album
10. A Brief Smile – Now We All Have Horns
This band never ceases to amaze me, as they seem to have found their stride—and epic sound—on their self-produced and self-released LP
Best Of The Rest:
11. Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
12. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga
13. Georgie James – Places
14. Kanye West – Graduation
15. Wakey!Wakey – Silent As A Movie
16. Ryan Adams – Easy, Tiger
17. Los Campesinos! – Sticking Fingers Into Sockets
18. Coconut Records – Nighttiming
19. Interpol – Our Love To Admire
20. The Shins – Wincing The Night Away
DOWNLOAD: Underrated Top Twenty Albums Of 2007 [zip]
Thanks to TV Squad for this video. Tim Kring presented this at the Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival of Los Angeles, which includes scenes from episode 12 and 13 which were shot before the strike. And holy crap!! Sylar is ready to kick some ass next season. Please end the strike so I can get back into my TV obsession. Please?
I have had this list decided upon for some time now, but the thought of rehashing every detail about why these songs are great didn't seem worth anyone's time. In the end, they are good songs and deserve a listen, so I attempted at one-liner summations. Instead of featuring an MP3 for each song, I gave them all the merit they deserve, by providing a zip file at the end. Enjoy!
01. Jukebox The Ghost – Good Day
Yes, its true—every time I listen to this song, I seem to automatically have a good day.
02. Ingrid Michaelson – The Way I Am
Old Navy sweaters or not, Michaelson's sweet romantic song is cozy enough for repeat listens.
03. Mika – Grace Kelly
I had a bit of an obsession with this song when it first came out, and for good reason—the Freddy Mercury-esque stylings of Mika are both nostalgic and impressive
04. Rhianna – Umbrella
Any time you can get "ella ella ella" stuck in your head for all of eternity is a success in my book.
05. Wakey!Wakey! – Clinton Street Girl
I was one block away from pretending this song was about me, but nonetheless its a heart-on-your sleeves tune and ode to the greatest neighborhood of New York.
06. Feist – 1, 2, 3, 4
I don't think there is anyone in the whole world—thanks in part to Apple—that didn't fall in love with this playful ditty.
07. Justice – D.A.N.C.E.
Bringing in the best of old and new dance techniques, Justice's song complemented the mainstream fans and hipsters alike.
08. Kaiser Chiefs – Ruby
This chorus became part of my regular vocabulary for a long time.
09. Ra Ra Riot – Suspended In Gaffa
For some reason, this Kate Bush cover became an immediate favorite—highlighting singer Wesley Miles' impressive falsetto and the stomping orchestral talents of this young band.
10. Vampire Weekend – Oxford Comma
For a band who has jumped into the limelight so quickly, this song shows exactly that reason why.
11. Fujia & Miyagi – Collarbone
I heard this song having no idea who it was, and yet sung it in my head for months afterwards...try sitting still, I dare you.
12. M.I.A. – Paper Planes
I'm not totally sold on Kala, but this powerful and innovative dance number makes the whole disc worthwhile...gun shots and all.
13. Sia – The Girl You Lost To Cocaine
Sia's back with a vengeance with one of the tracks off her impressive new disc, a favorite to belt out when no one else is around.
14. Rilo Kiley – The Moneymaker
I wasn't keen on this side of Miss Jenny Lewis until I saw her perform it live—she owns up to every purr and rasp on the risky tune.
15. Architecture In Helsinki – Heart It Races
Thanks to Pat, I was introduced to this highly intoxicating number, where a simple "bum" will get you moving.
16. Tim Fite – It’s All Right Here
As someone who isn't a fan of hip hop, I have to say I'm quite taken by Mr. Tim Fite and his sarcastic rhymes.
17. The Diggs – Careen
Local boys the Diggs never cease to amaze me, especially in this emotional track off their upcoming sophomore album.
18. Datarock – Fa Fa Fa Fa
There are certain songs I want to turn up really loud and dance like a maniac....this is one of them.
19. White Stripes – Icky Thump
The album wasn't the best, but this track still shows that the White Stripes have something worth holding on for.
20. The Fratellis – Flat Head
There's a certain charm about Scottish boys and this song is quintessentially charming.
DOWNLOAD: Underrated Top Twenty Songs Of 2007 [zip]
This year turned out to be a quality year all around in both TV, music, and film. I wish that films weren't as expensive (or someone would like to hook me up with my screenings, hint hint) because there's so many I haven't had the chance to see yet, and are just waiting to become available on Netflix. Regardless, I think the 10 below were all worthwhile investments of the ones I did get out to the big screen to enjoy. Keep close watch here, as Top Songs and Top Albums are still yet to come!
01. Juno
Having just seem this film on Friday, it may be considered a bit quick to put this at the top of my list. But when you put the genius that is Ellen Page on screen with some of my favorite Arrested Development-ers (Michael Cera and Jason Bateman), and throw in some great tunes from Kimya Dawson, there's really no doing wrong. In a understated tale of a women going through some, er, changes Juno plays at every emotion in the most genuine way. I wanted to be Juno throughout most of the film, and yet also identified with her misplacement among a suburban world. Every actor (yes, even Jennifer Garner) played their characters in the most un-stereotypical way, and yet even invoked a kind of familiar laugh. I'd like to see this film again, not only for the free orange tic tacs at the end, but for the heart, and music that feels so inviting.
02. Lars And The Real Girl
Ryan Gosling is, hands down, one of the most talented actors of our generation. Ever since Half Nelson I've looked at this Canadian as a breath of fresh air into a somewhat mundane collection of young talents. Lars And The Real Girl showed Gosling at his most vulnerable. Somehow, some way, this film turned a perverse subject of a blow up doll as a girlfriend, into something heartwarming and purse. Gosling's every facial expression invoked a new emotion, and it was an absolute pleasure to see him, as Lars, working through his mental state on screen. Often times hilarious, this emotionally driven ensemble piece is one that shouldn't be overlooked by prejudgment. Now Mr. Gosling, I'm rather curious to see how you will manage to top this.
03. Control
This film left me speechless. And now, almost two months later I still don't know how to put into words the experience of seeing Control. Directed by the fabulous Anton Corbijn, and staring newcomer Sam Riley, the film tells the tale of the infamous Ian Curtis, however it isn't a typical biopic. The film is mostly from the perspective of his wife Debroah (and based off her memoirs) and the always wonderful Samantha Morton plays the role with such force and apt that you feel physically uncomfortable at numerous times during the film. Paying homage to the music, and with a tasteful, yet horrifying take on Curtis' eventual demise, Control is a film worthy of high praise, personally putting it up right against Sid And Nancy in top musical films.
04. Waitress
It's no shocker that I'm a huge Keri Russell. She was my hero growing up, watching her on the Mickey Mouse Club and finding solace in our shared curly hair. Felicity may have been my biggest obsession to date—all I'll say is MTV's FANatic— and while watching Mission Impossible III last week, I couldn't stop asking Pat if Felicity was going to come back to life. Needless to say, I was excited about her latest project Waitress a dark comedy about a lonely housewife who becomes pregnant and yearns for a new life. Russell is at her top game here, playing with fellow castmates emotions, doing what Jennifer Aniston should have done in The Good Girl and she does it with grace. Equal parts humorous and heartbreaking Waitress is one of those rare film gems, where you are happy to escape to someone else's world—which may or may not be better than your own—just to root for the protagonist. Plus, it never hurts to have Six Feet Under's Jeremy Sisto in the mix.
05. Knocked Up
As a huge fan of Freaks And Geeks, I basically adore everything Judd Apatow has a part in. Although still a bit hesitant of casting Izzie, I mean Katherine Heigl in the lead female role, Knocked Up was a hodgepodge of familiar faces, grotesque laughs, and water cooler moments. Personally I think the relationship between Paul Rudd and Apatow's real-life wife Leslie Mann stole the show, but each character and scene was perfectly pieced together for an almost realistic view of the worst fear of a one-night stand. Seth Rogen did a stand up job altering his character throughout the film to show a genuine growing up, while still keeping it light and fresh. And let's be honest, any chance to have Martin Starr in a film, is a-okay with me. Give that guy a leading role already!
06. Wind That Shakes The Barley
I actually saw this film two summers ago in London, but it was released in the US here, so we'll stick to that release date. I'm not a huge fan of historical flicks, but this one seemed to successful portray a real life event with a compelling tale. A sympathetic look at Republicans in early 20th century Ireland, two brothers, played brilliantly by Cillian Murphy and Padraic Delaney are torn apart by anti-Brit rebellion over the years. I'm not one to get super emotional during films—okay, kind of a lie—but watching it with my mother, who knows first-hand the after-effects of this time, was a bit surreal. Played by real Irish, the tale will leave you stunned and shocked, in an un-traditional film with outstanding performances.
07. Superbad
Two things we need to get straight: I am not a 17 year old boy, and I don't typically like gross-out humor. With that said, I throughouly enjoyed Superbad because even in spite of the two previous statements, the quick wit and hilarity of Michael Cera and Jonah Hill's night out is enough for any skeptics to be won over. And sure, I will forever be disgusted at the stain on Hill's pants, and certain crude references could have been left behind, but in the end, I was left satisfied with a film that borders on immature and sophisticated humor the entire length of the film. That takes skill. And it seems like I'm always more of a fan of the b-plot, this flick is no different. Christopher Mintz-Plasse's McLovin deserves a big high-five for the convenience store scene alone, and is only heightened with the addition of director and writer Seth Rogen and his partner in crime SNL's Bill Hader.
08. Ratatouille
I had to keep reminding myself that the rats in Ratatouille were not real. The computer animation in this film are at top-notch, and its ability to write a sophisticated children's story in a way that doesn't have some jokes for adults and some for kids (a la Shrek), instead making a wholesome film that everyone can enjoy. Complete with a great collection of guest voices from less-obvious choices like Patton Oswalt, Will Arnett, and Ian Holm, in the end, it's not the most hysterical film ever made, no, but it is one of the more entertaining ones. And that, I think, always should win out in the end.
09. Hot Fuzz
Pat introduced me to the wonder that is Shaun Of The Dead earlier this year, so I was pumped to catch the second coming off the duo, this time as police officers heading to a strange town in Hot Fuzz. While it did not live up to the former, it did have its moments—the usual homage to classics with smart one liners and clever references. The film succeeded in both working as a action film and as a comedy, which is hard to come by these days.
10. The Simpsons Movie
The Simpsons Movie wouldn't stand up to some of the episode greats of the iconic television series, but seeing our favorite yellow family on the big screen was enough to warrant this movie a favorite. From the opening scenes, of seeing the entire town of Springfield, to the classic story line of Homer screwing up and then trying to make right, the film was a nice celebration of what we've come to expect—unexpectedly sophisticated story telling and a moral to every tale. It was a long time coming, and well worth the wait, and I have a sneaking suspicion this film, like most Simpsons episodes will stand the test of time.
curated by the people behind:
themusicslut . batteringroom . disconap . earfarm . ryspace . irockiroll . musicsnobbery . merryswankster . softcommunication . theunderratedblog . sitdownstandup . watercoolergossip . bumpershine . themodernage . productshopnyc . yetidontdance . slapyouinpublic . subinev . punkphoto . poptartssucktoasted . stereoactivenyc . fingeronthepulse
for more information, please email:
booking: booking@afterthejumpfest.com
charity: charity@afterthejumpfest.com
sponsors: sponsors@afterthejumpfest.com
publicity: publicity@afterthejumpfest.com
Heroes' Milo Ventimiglia isn't sitting still during the writer's strike, instead, he's out promoting AE Winter Tales a strange off-beat clamation series that tells true-life tales of the actor's life. Co-star and Miss Veronica Mars herself Kirsten Bell, alongside Pete Wentz, Lil John, and Friday Night Lights' Adrianne Palicki narrate the five shorts that are available now at AE.com (yes, American Eagle Outfitters). After watching the first one, entitled "Home for the Holidays'" where Ventimiglia recounts a flight from hell, I'm surprised at the level of wit and sarcasm coming from a sponsored-project. The Gilmore Girls referenced-line "'Why did you grow your hair out so long, Jess? Was it because Dean made fun of your pompadour 'do?" was enough to win me over.
Check out the first one here:
I cannot wait until this show comes back. Check out the trailer for Season Four; it's a nice little recap with a couple upcoming shots. February cant come soon enough!
Another one:
And while we are at it, check out the trailer to J.J. Abrams' Cloverfield. I hope two hours of hand-held cameras wont make me nauseas.
