the state of

This weekend marks the release of Days of Abandon, the-state-of's new album. I've been listening to them for some time now and really admire the dynamic between Steph Taylor's piano/lyrics and Nabedi Osorio's drum work. Right now they've been drawing from covers and Steph's material, particularly the Between Ground and Sky album, which itself has great tracks ("Collide", "Helmet and Sword", "Anything for You", "My Love"). I think the reprise for "My Love" was a very special touch. "Helmet and Sword" is my favorite. 'Looking forward to the new album.

Marrow

The dosage entered the bloodstream.....it started with Landmines....then What Me Worry?....pretty soon I couldn't end my daily trek home without hearing We Put a Pearl on the Ground. Then, like a cigarette habit, I had to at least hear The Apocalypse Song at least once when I'm driving anywhere. I tried to mix in Marry Me for a little kick up. Alas, another dosage is necessary. At first try of the Actor album, it seemed that there was no kick...but then I left the player running...then it suddenly.....sank....and all made sense. The dosage is now again running fine in the bloodstream. The Party is leading the way.....Marrow is not too far behind....The Neighbors, too.......and Black Rainbow, yes......Laughing with a Mouth of Blood, absolutely.......like the Marry Me album, Actor is meant to be consumed as a whole. See you on the other side.....maybe.

Diane in Texas

As they continue to play No Country for Old Men on cable, I can't help but continue to admire Kelly MacDonald's performance as Carla in the film. For a Scottish lass, she does that country accent in a really lovable and warm way. She's done a lot of films but my lasting memory of her will always be Diane from Trainspotting ;).

(Carla and Llewelyn on the phone)
Carla: "you're hurt aint cha"
Llewelyn: "how can you tell?"
Carla: "i can hear it in your voice"
Llewelyn: "You meet me in El Paso.....I'm puttin' you an a plane"
Carla: "oh, Llewelyn i can't just leave you in the lurch..."

Pooopulaaahhhh

I've been replaying Ratatouille the past couple of weeks and just can't get enough of Anton Ego's "special moment". It was excellent casting to have Peter O'Toole do it. Jeneane Garofalo also did Collette very well. Had I not checked, I would never have known it was her throwing that French accent (like Kevin Kline....she did refer to his portrayal in French Kiss as a reference).