Bombay Talkie

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Chillin Jack

Really gorgeous day in Fort Worth today. Wanted to post the new Kanye bonus track, "See Me Now," but I didn't like any of the versions on youtube (still working on a media player for the blog) and I refuse to put up an ad-sponsored clip for AT&T to precede a music video. Won't do it. So, here instead is one of my fav. Cudi songs, ft. Chip Tha Ripper. Just smooth and slow...

Paved Roads

Eliot Kalmbach

 Below is a picture of myself and Eliot Kalmbach, on the last night of our NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) outing in Patagonia. We'd be in the Chilean bush for three months (on separate teams), but had managed to bond quite a bit over the course of the semester. Eliot was one of the brightest, most intelligent people I will ever meet. He was a Princeton graduate and had story upon story about his experiences around the world. He was the epitome of a well-traveled & educated man; but, there was also a warmth to him that isn't easy to come by in most people.  I remember being enamored by his wealth of knowledge. But more importantly, his genuine gentle spirit seemed to transcend any conversations we had about life, religions, spirituality, politics, etc, etc.  On this particular night, it was the first time I had ever heard "Late Night in Zion" by Matisyahu and I remember getting up every 3 minutes to press 'play' again. How fitting of a moment in time and how fitting of a song to remember it by. Talking with Eliot deep in to the Chilean night over hot Yerba was like being in my own personal Zion. It was an unforgettable experience and I am glad I have the photo that captured it.

Eliot died in a mountaineering accident in September of 2009. I don't have much else to say about it, other than I know he was doing something he loved when it happened.

I'll never forget one of his favorite quotes from T.S. Eliot - "Only those who risk going to far, can possibly see how far one can go." This epitomized Eliot Kalmbach.

                             

And here it is, "Late Night in Zion" by Matisyahu.

Comforting Sounds

This is a truly incredible and ultimately underrated song. I first heard it this season on the 2nd to last episode of Eastbound & Down. Kenny, Stevie Janowski and his new bride -- are taking off for America -- leaving Mexico behind. The scene features the instrumental part of the song (about 3:30-5:30, give or take) and it is incredible! I'm doing a project on the show for a final presentation and was reading an interview about some of the music that is used in the show. Pretty marvelous. Anywho, this is one mighty song. Won't let you down. Great for speeding in to the sunset or taking the iPod on a sprint through the city...Enjoy.

Light It Up (as a conversation piece)

Here is one more clip from Waking Life.

Puppet Here, Puppet There

Below is a clip from the film Waking Life. It is a film that can be debated and discussed endlessly as it deals with dreams, consciousness, situational politics, culture and human interaction. There were a few other segments from the film that I really enjoyed, or really made me think critically - but this was one that stuck out in my mind. I really stay away from political discussions (unless it is about assassinations, because those are fascinating) because for lack of a better word... well let me just let radio show host Alex Jones, via Waking Life, tell you why. (One quick note: For all you Austinites - this scene was filmed in downtown Austin. You will see South Congress. Do remember that this film was shot digitally so that a multitude of artists could go back and give it the look that it has now, so nothing is precisely distinguishable.)

Co-Op

A buddy of mine mashed up "Skinny Love," and this is what resulted. Check him out on youtube @: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/Dr9Ninety9

I might be more partial to this one than the Das Kapital Rerub. I've asked him to try and mash some more of Bon Iver's work. We'll see what transpires. Happy Humperdink Day.

SuperNovaScotia

Absentee Ballot

I Wish You Had Created Me So I Could Die

Narrated By Werner Herzog

Voodoo & Black Magik

Love for Granted

Today in one of my classes we discussed how in France - 40% of the music on the French radio has to be French, 30% has to be new age French, and the rest can be from the USA, UK, etc. My teacher then said, "But, French music sucks anyway."

The only thing I know about French music is that I don't know much. But, I do know that Spurs Point Guard Tony Parker had a run at making a French rap career. It's been some time since I've heard it, but what I remember about it is what you would expect. Junk.

Nevertheless, I retorted my teacher's claim and said, "Well, France does have Phoenix." I was disappointed immediately thereafter that nobody in my class knew who Phoenix was. Really, guys?

Over the course of the past few years, Phoenix has exploded. Musical festivals, Cadillac CTS Commercials, and concerts that sell out in minutes. Yes, they are so. right. now. But let's take it back to Old School Phoenix for a moment. It's a wonderful song entitled, "Love for Granted." It's smooth and melodic. Lots of harmonies. And the beauty comes from the snap-count and piano, which both work together to navigate this song over the waves and in to the clouds above the Atlantic. Enjoy.

Cheese & Rice

This is a picture of me before I slid down a snow-face in Patagonia, sometime in late November, 2007.

Today, I have a final (the professor has given us absolutely zero direction in this class).
Wednesday I have a paper due.
And Friday, I have 3 papers and a presentation due.

Hm....

Kay Jewelers, Again.

Every Kill Begins with K. Creep.

AdTrash in 2010.

Debussy

I love this song. Remember the last scene in Ocean's Eleven  . . . ? After they complete the heist, the gang watches the water fountains in front of the Bellagio. Pretty cool. This arrangement below is rich. Fun to watch. And might help induce a nap.

Goosebumps Via The Man In Black

Goosebumps. Hair on the neck. Chills all about. This collection of images and videos of Johnny Cash from over the course of his famed life are compelling. I wish I could preface this better, but - as is per usual in the case of art - the work does the talking, not the critic.

Infectious Wind-'Struments

Most of you may very likely hate this; but, if you go back and watch Taxi Driver - - it might infect you, like it has me. This 8:00 number by Bernard Herrmann epitomizes the telling nature of the movie. It is back and forth, menacing one moment - - and then smooth, Apple street jazz. And vice versa. There is one scene in the film, that I may post another time, in which Scorsese mounts a camera on De Niro's cab. It shows the beauty of New York City, as the car drives through a busy sector of the city on a slick & rainy Manhattan evening. Ah to Hell with it. Words can't do the scene justice. Check it out sometime and just see for yourself. Til then, get infected.