Tedeschi Trucks Band/The 17

Before we get to this week's playlist, I'd like to recommend Made Up Mind, the latest release by Tedeschi Trucks Band. I'd never listened to a second of Susan Tedeschi or Derek Trucks, but was very pleasantly surprised to find a soulful and adventurous set of songs. "Idle Wind" prominently features the flute, "The Storm" is a rocking blues-rock jam, "Sweet and Low" sounds like it came out of the sixties, and in many places, Made Up Mind gets the toes tapping. Three songs from this week's 17 come from Made Up Mind, but there are a few more that merit a listen.

Now, for the playlist this week, there were no instrumentals and no electronic songs, no songs about possibly being a king, no songs from Sting... this was a pretty low-key set, especially near the end, but after last week, a less noisy group was called for. 


Lying In The Hands of God (Dave Matthews Band): DMB saxophonist LeRoi Moore passed away on August 19, 2008, so this selection was a bit of a tribute. From the album Big Whiskey and The Groogrux King (and Moore was the Groogrux King), this is DMB's most beautiful song.

　
http://youtu.be/xLEgio0C-Xs


Substitute (The Who): There's a couple lyrics in this song that I've never managed to de-code, but still one of my favorite tracks from The Who.

Santa Monica (Everclear): Got this one free from the Google Play Store. I never got into Everclear, and vaguely remembered this song. Some very cheery lyrics: We can live beside the ocean/Leave the fire behind/Swim out past the breakers/Watch the world die

Oh Dear (Brandi Carlile): Just a haunting song from Giving Up The Ghost.

http://youtu.be/GLwSw3YMuOQ (live version)


That Year (Brandi Carlile): Another song from Giving Up The Ghost, this one has Carlile remembering a friend from high school. Heartbreaking song, really, but Carlile's good at that.

I Found You (The Fixx): An early Fixx song from Shuttered Room, which I think is one of their best.

Idle Wind (Tedeschi Trucks Band): The flute jam!

Something To Talk About (Bonnie Raitt): Hearing Tedeschi's voice reminded me of Raitt.

Mandolin Rain (Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs): I think this is a much better version than the original, and I like the original. Bluegrassy version. These two are on tour with Skaggs' band Kentucky Thunder.

Mellow Yellow (Donovan): Quite right, slick.

Being For The Benefit of Mr.Kite (The Beatles): After the slightly odd "Mellow Yellow", I went for more odd, waltzing horses and all.

Misunderstood (Tedeschi Trucks Band): Another solid groove from Made Up Mind, which is an altogether determined set of songs. Determined to rock, determined soul, and I'm determined to listen again.

Sonnet (The Verve): Ah, yes. An old favorite. Even as the other songs from the Verve have kind of faded in my mind, this one's good for a listen every once in a while.

http://youtu.be/1WmGMdaxQLk

Sweet And Low (Tedeschi Trucks Band): I love songs that sound like they came out decades ago.

Waiting On The Day (John Mayer): One of the few songs that I dug on Paradise Valley, John Mayer channels David Gray pretty effectively.

http://youtu.be/AeatEpPzi-0



Back In Your Arms Again (The Mavericks): The first track from In Time, which right now is my pick for favorite new album in 2013.

http://youtu.be/ypJ3dP7qCpE

　

 

John Mayer- Paradise Valley

John Mayer released Paradise Valley on Tuesday, a little more than a year after releasing Born And Raised, and to me the  difference between the two could not be more stark.

It look me a little time to get to really like Born and Raised, but once I did, I really appreciated the mood that Mayer was trying to set.  The songs really breathe and give a wide open feeling. It's a nice, mellow listen that has some stories ("Walt Grace's Submarine Test, 1967") and contemplative tracks ("Shadow Days", "Born and Raised").  It's probably my favorite in the Mayer catalog for these reasons, and knowing that Mayer is capable of a such a complete set of songs makes Paradise Valley ultimately disappointing.

There are a few tunes worth mentioning on Paradise Valley.  The opener, "Wildfire", is a summery romp.  "Waiting On The Day" reminded me so much of a David Gray song that I can hear David Gray singing it, but that's not a bad thing. I also enjoyed "You're No One 'Til Someone Lets You Down", which is about how a broken heart or broken promise makes one grow in the long run.  Some of the other songs left a bad taste, and as a collection, the set leaves the impression that Paradise Valley is almost a collection of "B" sides.  "Dear Marie" needed a few more bars before launching into the "whoh" section of the song, so the abrupt transition is a little jarring. The second "Wildfire" is under 90 seconds long, features Frank Ocean on vocals, and rhymes "suicidal and Eiffel".  And I know that Mayer is fond of covers (he covered "Crossroads" on Battle Studies), but on such a short release (40 minutes), it would have been nice to hear a Mayer-written song instead of "Call Me The Breeze", which ends abruptly, but at least doesn't end with Mayer and Katy Perry laughing like the excruciatingly repetitive and self-indulgent duet "Who You Love".

Ultimately, there are a few bright spots, but Paradise Valley isn't a memorable or very replayable set of songs.

The 17 (August 15)

The 17 this week brings a noisy middle of the set (a little too noisy, if I'm being honest) and a mellow finish.


Golden Years (David Bowie):  This is turning into my favorite Bowie song.  It's funky, catchy, and just fun. 

This Must Be Love (Phil Collins):  I love Phil Collins' lesser known songs much more than his hits, and this love song from Face Value is one of my favorites.

I Could Be A King (The Dunwells):  The Dunwells are back, and there's something kind of '80s about this track that I like.

Dear Lord (Give Me The Strength) (Preservation Hall Jazz Band):  I dig this gospel tune quite a bit.

Mylo Xyloto (Coldplay):  Sometimes I like me a little short instrumental intro.

Two Step (Bear Mountain):  It's not a cover of the Dave Matthews Band song, but a poppy electronic song. 

You Don't Know Me (Polyphonic Spree):  Another new song, and another bouncy one.

Color Of My Soul (Pretty Lights):  Still like this one that I first heard last week.

Home Life (John Mayer): Mr. Mayer sings about wanting to be domestic and lays down a funky sound.

Bring On The Night (The Police):  Sting always used the first couple verses as an intro to "When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around" in concert, but I like the whole song.

Dance On A Volcano (Genesis):  Once again with Phil Collins, the obscure stuff rules, although the end is a little wacky to me.

Electric Feel (MGMT):  I was introduced to this very danceable song by my brother a couple of years ago, and the excellent music video features the animatronic band from Showbiz Pizza.

Gentle On My Mind (Glen Campbell):  Going in the complete opposite direction, this was the first time I heard this ballad.  Beautiful song.

Long Black Veil (Johnny Cash):  One of my all time favorite songs.  Very haunting.

Heaven On A Sunday (Paul McCartney):  Such a mellow, blissful mood created on this tune.

Under The Skin (Lindsey Buckingham):  For the second straight week, a relaxing song near the end.  This one's a good one for a "chill out" playlist.

It Beats 4 U (My Morning Jacket):  I have an interesting relationship with My Morning Jacket.  I don't get into many of their songs, really, but I love the ones that do reel me in, like this one, "First Light", or "Off The Record"

Movie Corner- Blue Jasmine

Blue Jasmine is the new Woody Allen film.  In it, Cate Blanchett plays Jasmine both before and after her financial life is turned upside down.  Before her world changes, Jasmine lives a life of luxury with husband Hal.  Sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins)  is not quite so fortunate, but after calamity strikes, Jasmine winds up moving in with Ginger in San Francisco, much to the chagrin of Ginger's new boyfriend Chili (Bobby Cannavale). 

The story moves back and forth between Jasmine's old life and new life, and in her new life, Jasmine is an absolute basket case.  She talks to herself, and when she goes completely off the rails, she can't stop talking, often revealing very embarrassing information.  She looks for companionship while reinventing herself as an interior designer.

Blanchett is the highlight of Blue Jasmine, as her unraveled Jasmine is funny and entertaining, yet also mildly disturbing.  Otherwise, there's not a whole lot going on. The film tries to make a statement about class, as Jasmine's sister Ginger is prominently featured, but her subplot revolves mostly around her taste in men.  I'd recommend waiting for the DVD on this one, but do see it for Blanchett's performance.

The 17 (August 9)

Each week, I make a playlist of 17 songs, often with songs that I haven't yet heard or recently just got into. Here's what I listened to this week and some impressions:

August 9, 2013

In Ohio (Joseph Arthur)- short little intro

I Can See For Miles (The Who)- This may be my favorite Who song.

The Great Divide (The Mowglis)- I'm on the fence about this song (free from Google Play Store) Catchy but could get obnoxious

Tennessee (Arrested Development)- first time I've heard this song (also from GPS). Cool song.

Crush (Dave Matthews Band)- classic song from my favorite band.

Doubting Thomas (Nickel Creek)- A tender song about pessimism

Color Of My Soul (Pretty Lights)- first time I've heard this one. Pretty innovative stuff. (from GPS)

The Man Who Wants You (Amos Lee)- new single from Amos Lee. I really enjoyed Mission Bell, but this song is just OK.

Something To Talk About (Bonnie Raitt)- from GPS. I think I've heard this song a million times, but not recently.

Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Tears For Fears)- a song from the 80s that holds up well today. One of my favorite songs in terms of setting a mood (somber but melodic).

Stairway To Heaven (Rodrigo Y Gabriela)

Buster Voodoo (Rodrigo Y Gabriela)- from the excellent 11:11 album

The Riff (Dave Matthews Band)- an adventurous song from their latest release.

Go Insane (Lindsey Buckingham)- Lindsey Buckingham does unhinged very well. This is from his "Live at the Bass Performance Hall". Not as great as the hard to find version from The Dance

I Could Be A King (The Dunwells)- also from the GPS. First listen, and first impression yields a catchy, bouncy tune.

Beg Steal or Borrow (Ray LaMontagne)- one of the few songs I liked from God Willing and The Creek Don't Rise. It has a nice shuffle to it and some jangly slide guitar.

Step (Vampire Weekend)- from the GPS. The only song of Vampire Weekend's that I've heard, and I do like it. Interested in hearing more from Vampire Weekend. I've only seen their appearance on SNL, and they seem quirky to the point of precious, but I do want to give them a listen.

Breathe (Alexi Murdoch)- A quiet song to close it out. This is a good song to play at the end of a stressful day (or in the middle of one).

"Keep your head above water, but don't forget to breathe" 

Movie Corner: Robot and Frank (2012)

Robot and Frank is set in the “near future”, a future in which videochat is routine, the phones are even thinner, and robot assistants are commonplace.  Frank (Frank Langella) has dementia, and his family is growing increasingly worried.  His son Hunter (James Marsden) comes to check up on him once a week, but the distance makes the trip a burden, so Hunter’s solution is to place Frank in a robot’s care.

The robot describes itself as a “health care aide”, and devotes itself to Frank’s well-being.  It wakes Frank early and tries to establish a routine.  Frank develops a routine, but after a trip to a library fundraiser, his old passion is awakened and he wants to start stealing again with the robot’s assistance.

Overall, Robot and Frank is an entertaining film.  It raises questions subtly about the role of robots (present and future) and society’s push toward digital media (the library that Frank visit has a sole worker and the books are being digitized and then discarded).  Frank ultimately is an anti-hero, as once he gets back into thievery, he lets nothing come before that compulsion, and Langella plays him as a towering yet complex character. 

Other than Langella, however, the supporting cast is not noteworthy.  Liv Tyler is quite annoying as Langella’s daughter Madison, James Marsden’s role could be played by anyone, and the library “consultant” played by James Strong reminded me of the villain in Despicable Me for some reason.  Susan Sarandon does add a little soul as the librarian love interest, but Langella’s performance opposite an unnerving robot carries the day here.

Movie Corner: The Squid and The Whale (2005)

 

 

 

The Squid And The Whale features one of the more unlikable movie characters that I’ve ever watched.  Jeff Daniels plays Bernard Berkman, a struggling writer whose marriage to Joan (Laura Linney) is crumbling.  Bernard is hyper-critical of just about anything and anyone, a trait that seems to have rubbed off on his older son Walt (Jesse Eisenberg).   A lot of Bernard, in fact, has rubbed off on Walt, who parrots his father’s views on many issues, including why Bernard’s marriage is failing.  Joan is an uptight mother who has some affairs in her past, and the cracks in the marriage have left scars on Walt and younger brother Frank.

I thought the film did an excellent job portraying a family in shambles from the very start.  The film opens with the four main characters playing doubles tennis, and some of the signature behaviors begin to appear.  Bernard swears every time he misses, which begins to rub off on Frank.  The match culminates with Bernard hitting Joan with a volley and then doing damage control.  Walt emulates his father and appears to be a maddening mini-Bernard, lobbing meaningless criticism and demeaning others.  Frank doesn't seem to feel love from any direction, so he begins experimenting with alcohol on his own (startling because he's eight or nine). 

 

Daniels as Bernard is a towering figure in the film, and I think his character, although unlikable, is a fascinating watch.  The same goes for the entire cast, and I definitely recommend The Squid And The Whale.