The Rearview Mirror: 2009 and all it's contributions

A friend of mine posted his top 10 favorite albums of 2009, and I WAS going to do something similar (I swear) but he beat me too it. It's a good list. You can read it here. However, in the interest of all things media related, I thought I would take it a step further and cover video games and movies as well. I think I may have done something like this at the end of last year, but I am too lazy to go check. Also, in the interest of brevity, I will narrow it down to top five. Again, this all heavily opinionated, and if you don't agree, you're just wrong. Get over it.

First, we will start off with the top five best Video Games released this year.

5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

-Admittedly, I have not played this game, nor do I own it. So why did it make number 5? Because no one will shut up about it, AND I just wanted to be the first to create a list in which COD:MW2 scored lower than Super Mario Bros. Wii.

4. Fallout 3: Point Lookout

-Okay, so this is not technical a full game, but it certainly is some kick-ass DLC. With Fallout 3 easily being the best game of 2008, this expansion brings the intensity to a whole new level and is essential for any fan of Fallout 3.

3. New Super Mario Bros. Wii

-Challenging, innovative, and a blast to play, this next installment in the platforming world of Super Mario Bros. is a great treat for both new gamers and seasoned veterans alike. Play solo, or with up to four people if you really want to have some fun.

2. Dragon Age: Origins

-Bioware has done it again. And by done it again, I mean graced the shelves with yet another deeply involved RPG. The game has everything you'd expect from a BioWare game. Good story, good setting, and fun engaging gameplay. If you haven't tried it yet, pick up a copy. I doubt you will be disappointed.

1. Borderlands

-My personal favorite game of the year. Borderlands is probably the best game that a lot of people didn't play. It perfectly combines RPG and FPS elements to create an experience unlike any other. BUT it's main strength is in the online co-op play. Get a couple of your friends together and play through the main quest as if you were doing it by yourself. With advanced difficulty and more loot, Borderlands is definitely better with a group.

Moving on to the top Movies of 2009. Take a look.

5. Where the Wild things Are

-A heartwarming story of a young boy and the monsters in his imagination. Good soundtrack, great production and a well- loved story make for a good movie, but not good enough for me to go out and recommend to people. In a few short months, this movie will probably be forgotten about completely.

4. New Moon

-As a closet Twilight fan, this movie had to make it somewhere on the list. It wasn't the best movie (lengthy, cheesy, poor acting) but for some reason, it resonated with me and therefore earned a spot on the list.

3. Up

-Just when you think Pixar has run out of original ideas, they release UP. Another totally original totally creative instant classic on par with the likes of Finding Nemo, Toy Story, and Wall-E. Go see it for yourself.

2. Avatar

-To think, at the beginning of the year, people were more excited about Watchmen then they were about Avatar. Now where are you Watchmen? That's right. No one cares about you anymore. Sure your effects may have been cool and your naked blue man shocking, but the blue men in this movie makes your movie look like crappy claymation. Avatar is a visual masterpiece and nothing like it has been done before. However, where it excels in graphics, it lacks in story and plot. While not bad, the plot is canned and predictable.

1. Star Trek

-Move over Avatar. My favorite movie of the year goes to this masterpiece. Star Trek. Sporting a phenomenal cast, a zealous director, and awesome visuals, Star Trek did not disappoint on any level. Even the Trekkers were impressed at how much justice this movie did to the critically acclaimed franchise. Whether you are a long time fan, or a newbie to the universe, The Star Trek movie is an awesome film for both.

HONORABLE 2009 MOVIE MENTIONS:

-Coraline

I definitely like Coraline better than Where the Wild Things are and New Moon combined, but I don't feel like deleting and re-writing stuff. Last but not least, Music. What a good year for music.

5. Fever Ray - Fever Ray

For fans of The Knife, or the dark electronica genre, then you will enjoy Fever Ray. I found this gem later in the year, but I still like it enough for it to make the list at the last minute. Favorite Tracks: Dry and Dusty, Seven, and I'm not done.

4. Moby - Wait for Me

I hate that I'm a Moby fan. If you ever listen to his political rants, you get the idea that not only is he an idiot, but an annoying idiot whose complaints only hold validity with people who wear bamboo shoes and faint at the sight of a hamburger. BUT, to his credit, he does make some pretty kick-ass music and his latest album Wait for Me is one of his best showcases of musical genius. Don't speak Moby. Just make more music. Favorite Tracks: All of them

3. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

I hate being cliché, but this album is so good. It's one I've found myself listening to over and over again, and just enjoying it more each time. It's creative and spontaneous and just a good listen overall. Favorite Tracks: My Girls, Summertime Clothes

2. Arms and Sleepers - Matador

Another late discovery brought to my attention by a very dear friend, Arms and Sleepers has taken this year's spotlight for new artist that I've added to my library. It's melodic ambience, and epic guitar sounds make it one of those not-quite- instrumental, not-quite-vocal masterpieces. Combining sounds like Radiohead, Sigur Rós, and Moby, Arms and sleepers is in my opinion, a great candidate for second place. Favorite Track(s): Helvetica

1. Lights - The Listening

This album is by far my favorite of 2009. I have known about lights for quite sometime, but her debut LP shot her up to being one of my all time favorite artists. She's electro-pop, but done in such a way that makes all other music in the genre sound liked canned beats. She uses the synthesizer and computer in a way that I have not heard before, and she carries herself like an indie artist, and not a pop-star. Give it a listen. I think you'll be surprised.

Favorite Tracks: Savior, Drive My Soul, The Last Thing On Your Mind, Face Up, Up Up and Away.

HONORABLE 2009 MUSIC MENTIONS:

Muse - The Resistance

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Company of Thieves - Ordinary Riches

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

Bat For Lashes - Two Suns

Looking back on this list, I'm not sure I did this right. I might like Muse's 'The Resistance' a little more than I like Fever Ray, and might like Moby a little more than Animal Collective, but Alas, what's done it done. All of the artists I mentioned have great music to offer, and truly, every album deserves it's own full length blog entry. Good job everyone. Fuzzy navals are on me.

Yes, its been a good year friends. I already know some items I'm looking forward to for next year *cough* Mass Effect 2 *cough*

Stay safe at your parties, don't drive drunk, and most importantly, don't make any resolutions because you'll forget it by March. Happy New Year everyone!

Artist Spotlight: Arms and Sleepers

Ignoring the fact that it's been a month since my last post (and the encouraging feedback that anonymous haters leave) I've decided that today is as good a day as any for a new blog post. I've had material to blog about for quite some time, and just never got around to writing about it. I want to blame it on all the important stuff I'm doing, but I can't because I haven't been doing a lot of important stuff.

Anyway, a good friend of mine who always has something cool to show me introduced me to this new band called 'Arms and Sleepers' and they are quite fantastic. The reason I like them so much is because they are a perfect combination of all kinds of other music I like. When listening to them, you'll hear a little bit of Moby, Radiohead, Sigur Rós, Múm and Mogwai. Their resonating ambience mixed with the epic sounding guitar effects makes their music powerful and beautiful.

But you can't really describe a sound now can you? No, you can't. It's like describing smell to a blind person. IMPOSSIBLE.

Pay no attention to the static album-cover image of this video I am about to show you. It's more the music that I want you to hear.

Shoot 'em up: Borderlands

It certainly has been a while since I've posted about a video game. I believe my last one was regarding LEGO Star Wars. As fun as that game is, c'mon. It's LEGO Star Wars. We can do better than that here.

Over the long weekend, I went to one of my favorite places. A place where I am accepted, and my tendencies to freak out over nerd things is completely normal and in fact, encouraged. It is a haven for all those who would rather sit and stare at a television than go to work, school, or even socialize with friends. I am of course speaking of the local Game Stop. Perhaps that build up was a bit much. Anyway, I'm at Game Stop, and I found a used copy of the Halo 3 collector's edition. It was the same price as the normal Halo 3 used copy. I lucked out big time. Anyway, I go up to pay for it, and I am informed that if I were to buy two used games, then I would get the third one free. Well, I couldn't pass this up, so I began to scan the shelves for two more games that looked remotely entertaining. I picked up a copy of Fable 2 (collector's edition as well....far out!) and this game called Borderlands, which I had heard many good things about.

I'm guessing the reason I had heard so many good things about it is because...well...it's awesome. It is a very well made RPS (Role Playing Shooter) with many selling points that will keep you wanting more. The first thing people will notice is the extremely artistic styling of the graphics. It's right in the middle of real-looking, and cel-shaded. It reminds me of that one movie with Keanu Reeves and Robert Downey Jr. and confound it all, I can't remember the name right now. If I think of it later, I will put a in a hyperlink.

Another thing that is really cool about this game is the simplicity of the story. While there is a main plot, the amount of side-missions is very high and it gives you a lot to do. The only thing more numerous than the side-quests is the amount of weaponry available to you. Seriously. There are a TON of different guns in this game. It's tempting to get attached to some weapons that you really like, but eventually you have to let it go. Don't worry. The only reason you would let it go is because you found a weapon that was even better, perhaps one whose bullets can set people on fire or maybe blow them up into tiny tiny pieces.

The other selling points are the RPG elements. I already mentioned the quests and missions that are recorded in your 'journal' but you also gain XP by killing enemies and you level up. Like all good RPGs, leveling up gives you the opportunity to kind of customize and tweak your character however you would like. This is done by adding skill points to different categories. If I would rather be a better doctor than shooter, I can add points one of the medic skills. However, I prefer to add all my points to the skills in the 'bad ass' category. No, it's not a real category, but it should be.

I could go on and on about how it reminds of other great games like Fallout 3 and Bioshock, but I won't go into that. I will give it a 9 out of 10 and recommend to almost anyone because it is just a lot of fun to play and very well made, and any gamer can appreciate that.

Hey, who turned out the: Lights

I checked my inbox this morning only to discover about 100 unread messages from Blame it on the Media subscribers and they were all very cross with me about the lack of new posts. Don't believe me? Just check how many angry comments I got on my last post about the Avatar movie! Oh wait, I must have accidentally deleted them all. I swear there were at least 70 something comments! Now you probably all think I'm lying to you. Oh dear, what am I ever going to do to gain back your trust.

I know! I'll ask you to take a leap of faith by telling you to check out a female electro-pop artist! No no no! Don't walk away! She's actually really really good, and I can't believe I haven't told you all about her already! She's not one of those sellouts, creepers, sex symbols, or generally annoying bad musicians! Why am I using so many exclamation points! That should have been a question mark!

Anyway, she calls herself 'Lights' and she makes all her own music and writes all her own lyrics. Her LP entitled 'The Listening' was released this year and ever since hearing her EP last year, this was one of my personally most-anticipated albums of 2009. It didn't disappoint me either! A solid album from start to finish. I generally try to be as critical as possible, but there is nothing about her or her album that I could possibly say anything bad about. She's cute, witty, and talented. She'll win your heart if you give her a chance. As always, I won't just ask you take my word for it. I will include a music video and a live video for your viewing pleasure. No, you know what? Make that two live videos. I'm feeling generous today.

Heck Yes: Avatar

I ignored watching the trailer for this new movie Avatar because I was under the impression that it was going to be a movie based off of that anime-wannabe nickelodeon series. Boy I could not have been more wrong. Turns out this film is actually a BIG deal. It's directed by James Cameron (Terminator, Terminator 2, Titanic, Aliens) and the visual effects alone are going to be worth it. Unlike that giant disappointment whose name I won't mention, this film looks (and by everything I've read on it) sounds like it's going to be one of those revolutionary films that is going to set the bar even higher for special effects and filmography.

The film is about a marine who is in a wheelchair, and gets stationed on the jungle moon of Pandora. Then he....well I'll just post the trailer. Aren't I a great friend? Yes sir I am. Prepare to be utterly dazzled by the visual effects. With a track record like James Cameron's, I don't think the plot will suck either. Sure, it might be predictable once you see the trailer, but I think you willl agree that this is going to be a movie that is certainly worth watching. So sit back and enjoy Avatar, and don't forget to thank me for posting it.

Oh, before the Trailer, I will say that in reading about this, I discovered that the anime-wannabe nickelodeon series IS going to be made into a film. Sleep in fear.

Artist Spotlight: TV on the Radio

I keep forgetting that I can blog about whatever I want to. It doesn't have to be new, or original, or anything of the sort. Hell, I'm still not convinced this gets read half the time, so what the hell do I care what I put up here? This is supposed to be a therapeutic outlet dammit, so I'm going to make it just that.

Sorry, I think someone laced my morning granola bar with PCP and we all know I'm allergic to nuts. Kidding. About the nuts thing.

ANNNYWHO, one of my recent favs in the music world has been this wonderful band called TV on the Radio. I know they've been around for a while, and I had their album 'Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes' sitting in my itunes library for quite some time before I gave it a real honest listen. Even then, I didn't find anything all that great about them. It wasn't until a good friend of mine recommended I pick up a copy of their latest album 'Dear Science' that I really began to dig their sound. Dear Science really began to grow on me, so I started listening to their older stuff and by this time, they had already received mention in several facebook status'. That's how you KNOW a band is good. So late one evening, I was having a Youtube night with me, and I decided that I would see what they were like live just for giggles. I found them preforming their song 'Wolf Like Me' on David Letterman, and was blown away. I officially loved these guys now. After watching, I purchased 'Return to Cookie Mountain' (the album that 'Wolf Like Me' was on) and haven't looked back since.

TV on the Radio remains one of my favorite bands and I hope you will enjoy them as well.

Here is the fateful clip that boosted them into 'favorite' status with me.

My cereal is dead: Dexter Season 4

If you're not already an obsessed Dexter fan, than I suppose it's time you run out to Blockbuster and rent the first three seasons so you can get caught up for season four. If you're already a Dexter fan, that it is without a doubt you know that the fourth season starts in just over a week on Sunday September 27th on Showtime.

Personally, I thought the ending to the last season was a little weak, but as a whole, I enjoyed it very much. Well-written, as all the seasons have been, I have no doubt that the fourth season will be even better and more exciting than all the other seasons thus far. I'm still really mad Doakes is gone, though. I don't know if I can forgive Showtime for that one. Oh well.

Here is a preview of Season four, and as you can see, it looks like it'll be quite the ride. I can't wait.

The Resistance: Muse's latest musical musings.

One of the greatest modern rock n' roll bands of this era is undoubtedly Muse. Muse blends modern rock with classic symphonies, and new age electronica to create a sound worthy of the label 'progressive rock' because it is most certainly progressive. Muse isn't afraid to explore and experiment and their sound is unique and easily recognizable. An asset to any music snob's library, Muse can rock hard, or play it soft, ripping at your emotions like a riptide, or gently plucking the heart strings. Whatever the case, Muse's music will always be a potent vibe in the ears, and the power trio re-defines the limits of what one band can achieve in their style and sound.

So then WHY is it that I'm not overly impressed with their latest work? I'm not saying it's bad or painful to listen to, but it just didn't deliver the same knock-out punch to the brain as past albums have. At least initially. I've owned the CD for about an hour now, and am on my third listen, and while some elements of a few songs are quite creative, I feel like it's not covering as much new ground as I've come to expect from a Muse CD. So, in the back of my mind, I am a little disappointed. I still think Absolution was their crowning jewel though.

Yeah, it's worth having a copy, because it's Muse and Muse is an awesome band, but the CD doesn't stand by itself. The opening track and first single 'Uprising' is actually a little annoying and isn't a song that I want leading the way into new Muse territory. Also, the closing of the CD is quite weak and after hearing the ending song of Black Holes and Revelations, I've automatically been expecting a killer closing song, which didn't happen with this one.

By the way, if you don't click my hyperlinks, you are missing out on some of the best tidbits of blog, and you're also making me angry.

Oh well. Maybe next album.

New Moon: Sadly looks entertaining.

The Twilight Series. If you've spent any time here on earth, you've most assuredly heard the name, and if you're an american teenage girl, you know the names Bella Swan and Edward Cullen like they're your relatives. The Twilight Saga has re-ignited the vampire craze in america especially among adolescent females. Over a year ago, the first book in Stephenie Meyer's cult series was made into a movie that exploded in the box office, but was sadly, a terrible movie as far as production value goes. It also didn't follow the book as closely as I had hoped (Yes, I read the book. And the second one. I'm in the middle of the third right now...) and I was disappointed in some of the Director's choices.

Then I saw this brand new trailer for the New Moon movie. It looks exponentially better than the first film. The production value, the acting, everything just looks so much better. I am actually looking forward to seeing it. I won't be in line the night before dressed as a werewolf, but I do plan on going eventually.

Less talk more Rokk right? Here's the Trailer

LEGO Star Wars: Blow you to pieces

I haven't posted about a video game in a long time. Probably because I haven't been an avid gamer until a few months ago playing games like Fallout 3, Halo Wars, Star Wars the Force Unleashed, and one of my all time favorites, LEGO Star Wars. That's right. LEGO Star Wars.

This game has been out for a good while, but I hadn't picked it up until a couple of weeks ago when my friend and I were looking for a good co-op game to play. I had seen LEGO Indianna Jones being played once, and I figured that the gameplay would be similar, minus being chased by giant boulders and adding a more PEW PEW PEW. I will go on record right now and say that LEGO StarWars (and judging by the game play, all the games in the LEGO series) is the best co-op game I have ever played. Seriously. It's a game that is fun and it draws you in, yet not in the cinematic over-theatrical games like those in the HALO series (even though I love games with huge long dramatic cut-scenes). LEGO Star Wars is very clever and tasteful and it's flaws are outnumbered greatly by it's selling points.

First of all, the game has tons to do. You don't just play through the stages and then throw it in the pile of junk to take to Disc Replay (you know, like all your games from the Crash Bandicoot series). No no no. There are multiple different things to accomplish in each level that you most likely won't get the first, second, or even third time through. You can achieve 'True Jedi' for each stage (which is obtained by getting a score of at least 100,000), you can find minikits (10 are well-hidden in each level), find the Red brick (which unlocks bonus features) and more! Everything in this game is fun, so even if you're stuck and can't figure out where to go, exploring the area to find out where to go is fun, as opposed to frustrating. So if you're looking for a game that is fun and engaging, yet not overly serious and dramatic, pick up a copy of LEGO Star Wars. Even better yet, play it with a friend because whether you have second player or not, there will be a second character that follows you around regardless.

Here is a Trailer from before its release. The narrator sounds like he's going to announce the new episode of That 70's show, but it's a good trailer.

This is the Cat's Pajamas

I haven't blogged since July. I'm pretty sure all the potential posts that have been building up in my head have formed some sort of cancerous tumor on my frontal lobes, and I will probably die here very shortly. No sympathy for the devil.

I was stumbling around the dark corners of cyberspace when my browser (The U.S.S. Firefox) landed on a strange unexplored world where I found a very cool animated short. It is called 'The Cat Piano' and is beautifully written (it's one big poem), narrated (the guys voice is like an afternoon love-making session), and the artwork is unique and eye-catching. It's only eight minutes, so that means let this buffer while you check your facebook in a new tab or new window and then come back in a few minutes to enjoy 'The Cat Piano'.

As for more posts coming soon, I'm not going to promise anything, but I think that I have forgotten how much fun it was to blog, and now that I am re-igniting the flame, you may see more to come in the future. Anyway, enjoy!

The Cat Piano from PRA on Vimeo.

No Thank You Jacki Chan.

I love Arcade Fire. I love asians. Not so much together though.

As much as I'm appreciative that asians exist and provide us with such commodities like Poky and giant fighting robots and best of all, drivable toy cars, I don't think it is necessarily wise for them to attempt to cover great american indie-rock bands.

I have to say a few words on how I feel about watching an Asian band covering Arcade Fire. You'll see that this could never be made to sound good right from the get-go when the singer begins to sing. And by sing, I mean open [his] mouth and try to sound like someone who has his nuts stuck in bicycle spokes. I don't know if any of you are familiar with the song, but its not supposed to be sung like that. I apologize if this is, by some chance, the first you've heard it.

So let's see. We start off nice and slow. 'This is how Ahhcade Fi-oh do i' right?' Yes. You've seen Arcade fire's frontman. The Elvis wannabe in the blue jumpsuit? You've got the look down great!

Oh, and look at that. We got mom and sisters to play the violin(snicker). Yes, we need all four violins to sound just like Arcade Fire. Here, I printed you out some sheet music. Don't bother listening to the song first, just read your music. Maybe if Mom and Sisters would have listened to it, they would have tried to stop the poor boy from gettin the band together and trying this song.

3:45. That's my favorite part in the video. ]

Also the Epic Ending.

A Letter to the Developer: Updates and sweet releases from Bioware

Dear Bioware,

First, I would like to let you know that you never cease to amaze me. Why it doesn't seem that long ago that I picked up a copy of Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic and fell in love with you and your style of game development. Then not long after, my brother got a copy of Jade Empire and he too, became a loyal fan. You've blessed us with so many great and wonderful things, and yet, you're not through.

It wasn't long ago that I first saw your E3 trailer for Star Wars: The Old Republic and then your other E3 trailer for the latest developments for Mass Effect 2. I must say, well done my friend, well done. As usual, I was blown away at the quality of the graphics, intrigued at the complexity of the plot lines, and bedazzled at the promise of the gameplay. Bioware, if you were a person, and a female person, I would ask you to marry me. But since you're not a person, and a corporation of many many men, I most likely won't.

A few issues though. Why are you only releasing the Old Republic only on PC? Don't you realize half (or even more) of your followers are young adults who have realized that PCs are pieces of garbage and have made the conversion to Mac?

Also, as a personal preference, I would have much rather seen another RPG as opposed to an MMORPG.

Good work on Mass Effect 2. It looks like it's going to be one hell of a sequel.

And Mass Effect 2

A New Moon Movie: Not vampires or Werewolves

I've got a treat for you. A film called 'Moon' (not to be confused with that next chapter in the Twilight saga) will be hitting theaters sometime in July of this year. It is in an independent film that has already been presented at many film festivals and the plot revolves around a young man who works on the moon gathering energy or cheese or something like that. The film was shot in 33 days, and for an independent film budget, the effects look pretty good. They have a very cool web-site that will tell you all about the film in better detail than I could. Mainly because I am too lazy to keep switching tabs back and forth and copying down information that you could obtain by simply clicking here. Cool right? I wish I could insert hyperlinks into a spoken conversation. Talking would be a lot more fun.

As always, a trailer.

A sad Day: Independent Legend of Zelda film

Sometimes, I wish all my favorite video games were made into feature length movies. So far, the ones that have are just...not good. Tomb Raider, Resident Evil....I'm sure they are tons more, but I just don't feel like looking them up right now.

The game I have been waiting the longest to see adapted for the big screen is one of my all time favorite video games 'The Legend of Zelda.' Seriously, if done right, this would make a very good watch. They key phrase there being 'if done right.' Well ladies and gentleman, I've got some good news, and I've got some bad news. The good news is that there has been a feature length Zelda film made! The bad news? It sucks. 

BMB Finishes is an independent film company that decided it would be a great idea to take one of my favorite franchise's and shit all over it. I had been following this project online for quite some time, and the first trailer made me curious (but for some reason, there was looming doubt that this film would be worth watching). So today, I went back to the official site of the unofficial movie and much to my surprise (horror) they had a brand new trailer! After watching and cleaning up the pieces of my shattered hopes, I decided that Blame it on the Media needed to blame someone, and who am I blaming? All of you people who voluntarily wasted their time to produce a shitty movie that is a disgrace to every Zelda-lover out there. 

As you can see, it is...not all that promising. In fact, I think I would rather watch every Bernie Mac film back-to-back than even pretend I saw this.

Yes Yes Yes: It's Blitz

Time for a little music children! Today I just obtained a copy of 'It's Blitz' by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and I'm already loving it. It's one of those CDs that you can just tell you're really going to enjoy as soon as the first song starts to pick up, then you tilt your head to one side with your mouth open in kind of a half smile and you say to yourself 'Huh, I think I'm going to like this.'

Then the next song plays and you're not disappointed. And the next, and the next. It's a hit ladies and gentlemen. 'It's Blitz' is something you should get a copy of as soon as you can. Seeqpod.com is currently out with Swine Flu, so I'm back to using youtube to show off my muscial musings. 

YEAH YEAH YEAHS - ZERO

To Boldly Go: Star Trek

It was on Monday that I stepped into a brave new world, and that world was Vulcan. So to speak. It was that fateful Monday that I made my first honest venture into the Star Trek universe.

I went to go see the Star Trek movie after hearing enough positive things about it from people I trusted. I hadn't heard much about it before and from the trailers, it just looked like a lame-ass attempt at making a really good movie. Well I was certainly disappointed, because I was expecting a lame movie and instead had my mind blown. Director J.J. Abrams (responsible for that TV series everyone else knows and loves, Lost)...(and also that terrible movie Cloverfield) combined with the writers of the wonderful Transformers movies (the new one, and the one that will be released next month :D) made one hell of a film. The plot was good and relatively believable, the dialogue wasn't chessy, and the characters were well developed.  On top of all that, the graphics were sweet too. I would give it an 8 out of 10 and highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't gone out and seen it yet. 

I know. I really wanted to write a blog about how much this movie blew and make fun of all the Star Trek followers, but I can't. It was too good. 

Live long and prosper. 

Wait, who was the guy that played luke again?

I found this funny and thought I would share it with you all

Mirror Noir: Creative, Original, Arcade Fire.

Everyone should listen to Arcade Fire, its just that simple. They are a wonderfully creative band and this was confirmed as fact in my mind when I recently ordered their DVD entitled 'Mirror Noir.' It is a wonderfully put together film that pieces together small segments of their whole 'Neon Bible' tour and it is done in a way that is both original and innovative.

When I first put the DVD in and fired up the xbox, I expected what you normal got from a band's DVD. A live show and maybe some interviews and backstage footage and all of that good stuff. Instead, I was greeted with something totally unexpected. The DVD was, instead of just being a live performance, a compilation of many different songs from many different performances, as well as its fair share of backstage footage and other random pieces that all fit together wonderfully. It was more sort of a documentary meets an art film that happens to revolve around a band and that band is Arcade Fire. 

However, even though I really liked, I think it may be one of those things were you already have to like the band in order to appreciate it. My thoughts are that if someone who had no interest in the Arcade Fire would see it as trash. But those people's opinions don't really matter for much of anything so I'm not to concerned what they think. They're probably the same people that put Barack Obama in office. Damn! I'm sorry liberals! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings!

THE VIEWS IN THE THIS BLOG ENTRY DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THOSE AT BLAME IT ON THE MEDIA AND ANYONE WHO TAKES OFFENSE SHOULD GET A QUATER AND CALL SOMEONE WHO CARES.

So this is what a nerdgasm looks like...

I just saw the new trailer for Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen and I just peed myself a little from excitement. As cool as it looks visually, something inside me tells me the plot won't be as good as the first one. I'm going to go see it (hopefully opening night) no matter what, but I just have to get it in my head that it won't be as good as the first one. That way, I won't be disappointed no matter the outcome.

UPDATE: This movie is one of the worst pieces of shit I have ever seen. A major disappointment.

The Diving Bell and the IRS.

I hate the IRS. I hate the government. I hate the fact that the money in my pockets is susceptible to the sticky fingers of Uncle Sam and yet, the common folk get put in jail for stealing. Don't steal boys and girls, the government REALLY hates competition. Why is it that a percentage of my paycheck goes to pay some brief case carrying bastard who already had enough money to go to school and get a job in which he learns to take more money!? Get a real JOB! 

Hmph. It really sours my mood when I get a letter from the IRS telling me they lost my payment and now I owe them more money. Of course, they don't actually SAY they lost my payment. I believe their words were, 'it was late.' Um, first of all, it wasn't. Second of all, even if it was, YOU STILL GOT YOUR MONEY! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!

And now on to the entry. Thanks for listening to me ramble. I don't really feel any better and kinda want to go down to Kansas city Joker style and make a mess of things. But alas, I don't have a purple suit, or the scars so I'll just sit here and blog instead. The topic today is the french film called 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.' It is a true story about a man who was in a very good position in life with lots of things going for him when all of the sudden he suffered from a stroke which paralyzed his entire body. When he awoke from the coma, he couldn't....well, I don't wanna spoil the whole thing for you. I know my description doesn't make you want to run out and see it, but if you trust me at all, it is worth seeing. The cinematography was really well done and even though it was a slower movie, it moved along nicely. 

As always, a little something to spark your interest.

No thank you Tom Cruise: Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds

See? I told you I had some post ideas stored up in my brain.

This is probably one of the coolest thing I've been introduced to in a good while. Its a musical adaption of War of the World's, and while it is rather old (late 1970's) its still new to me, and its good, which means no matter how old it is, it will remain good. That's what I believe about music. Once good, always good. That doesn't mean I'm always in the mood to listen to it, but its still jolly good.

Okay where was I? Oh yes, Jeff Wayne's musical adaption of War of the Worlds. It isn't a musical in the sense that there are a bunch of really weird people in funny costumes on stage that explode into song and dance at every key moment. That would be odd for WOTW (War of the World's for you slower people) since the story revolves around martians coming down from space and kicking the crap out of humanity. That would make an odd musical. This musical was a touring live performance with an orchestra and a narrator and a few other actors, but like I spent this whole paragraph explaining, it wasn't your typical musical. *sigh* I am going to include a Youtube clip of the show (youtube clip is worth a thousand words) so that will make all of this explaining a lot easier.

Someone here at the office had the 2 Disc set, so I borrowed it and slapped it on the ol' hard drive. It didn't take long before I really enjoyed it. It is much different than just music, and it sort of plays like the soundtrack to a musical. Ugh. This is so hard to explain. Anyway, it goes through the entire book (by H.G. Wells, a master of the written word and way ahead of his time as far as science fiction goes...no pun intended) and the whole thing is very well done.

I say that a lot. 'Well Done.' Its not a steak, but oh well. This youtube clip should help explain things. The CDs are worth checking out too if you can find them. 

Very Cool Animated short

I have a blog? Oh yeah, hah silly me. Sorry about the lack of posts lately. I've been very busy and distracted by the frivolous and also the meaningful things that life has to offer. I hope to be more prominent about posting in the future, and I have a lot of post ideas that have built up in my crowded brain during my absence from Blame it on the Media.

Today I stumbled upon a very cool animated short film involving a crow and a scarecrow. It was done in black and white (so obviously its older and been around since the 50's or so) but still, even though its an apparent classic, it is very well done with kind of a cool theme.

Here, I provided it for you so that you may watch.

THE END
Uploaded by Premium-films-Tv

Man I could use some of that: Sleep Dealer

Brain dead and tired, I decide to blog. How thoughtful of me. Could it be that I'm posting twice in the same week? Could things be really turning around for me? 

Yeah, I should've just stopped after brain dead and tired. That would've explained everything.

So what do I have in store for you today? An independent film! Interested? Care to know more? Than keep reading. It's called 'Sleep Dealer' and rather than tell you all about it, I'll simply put up the trailer and you can decide whether or not you'd like to see it. It comes out this April and I for one think it looks entertaining enough to go see. And hey! It won some sort of award, so that has to count for something right? I mean, crappy movies just aren't given awards right? 

April Fools Day and mindless blogging

My last post was over a week ago and I'm starting to feel like my blog hates me. Blogs are like friends. They need to be nurtured, and cared for. If it's left all alone, it will die.

This is usually how the blogging process goes for me. I keep my eyes and ears open for something juicy in the music/movies/video games world, and then I hop on my laptop and begin to either praise it, or tear it apart. For the past few days, my mind has been shooting blanks. Either I've been walking around with my head in my ass (so THAT's where I put my wallet) or there has been nothing to blog about. It's more likely the first. I've felt completely disconnected from society.

Meanwhile, Blame it on the Media has had no where to point the finger, and its many followers began to lose faith in the fearless LSDiesel.

So, I thought I would give you all some April Fools Day news and end it with a playlist of random songs that I think you guys might enjoy. Sound Fair?

1st. True Blood WILL be returning with a second season sometime this summer.
2nd. Robert Downey Jr. will be starring as Sherlock Holmes in the movie 'Sherlock Holmes' scheduled to hit theaters Christmas Day.
3rd. I'm wearing a blue button-up today.

And now for the playlist.

SeeqPod - Playable Search

Electronic music that sounds pretty sharp: The Knife

My post titles are really starting to get lame, but at least I'm trying to be clever and that's all that really matters right? 

Some of you electronic enthusiasts out there may be already well aware of The Knife and how awesome and inspirational they are when it comes to making kick ass electronic music. The swedish electronic duo consists of siblings Karin Dreijer Andersson and Olof Dreijer. Together they make The Knife and together, they are awesome. 

I bought the album 'Silent Shout' on a whim and didn't know exactly if I liked it or not for the first couple of listens. Each time though, it grew on me at a rapid pace and now here they are on the blog. So if you are any sort of interested in very good electronica, I strongly suggest you check out The Knife and maybe put their CD next to your Spoon CDs and who knows? Maybe a band called 'The Forks' will arise in the near future and then you can have an entire collection of silverware. 

The band has an attitude problem, which makes them even more awesome in my book. Up until recently they never made any public appearances including live shows. They kind of give a big middle finger to all things mainstream and keep to themselves. Yes, its cute and somewhat stereotypical, but we all know its just because they want attention. Well, after listening to the tracks I have graciously provided below, perhaps you will aid in giving this wonderful band the attention they crave. 

Instead of doing lame Youtube clips, I will be using the option to embed seeqpod playlists which we here at Blame it on the Media are very grateful for. 

SeeqPod - Playable Search

Atmosphere: Rap without the 'C'

Rap Music. Some wouldn't call it music at all. Others are under the saddening delusion that is the only kind of music out there and that other styles are boring. Rap is probably the most 'love it or hate it' kind of music next to country. So in short, the first Country-Rap artist is going to have a huge following and also a large amount of people that want to kill him.

All this to say that in my tireless search for new music I ran across a Rap (well, technically Hip-Hop) artist whose music and lyrics I really enjoy. They are called 'Atmosphere' and they're not your typical sex, drugs, and killing policemen rappers. Their music is actually...music. Not some hommies in large headphones that sit at turntables pressing buttons that will blow out your sub-woofers. Lyrically, they sing about the honest truth of the way things are in this world and not about dance floors, getting head, booties, or how many fancy things they own. They bring us back to the roots of rap music, which started in the inner city and dealt with the hardships of inner city life.

But don't take my word for it. If you're feeling adventurous click on the video below. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

RTS, MMO, RPG, WTF: Halo Wars

The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. I'm still here, I just haven't posted in a while.

So without further ado, here's the hot topic!

Halo. It is easily on of the most popular and most easily recognizable titles in the gaming world today. If you've heard of video games, you've heard of Halo and if you're like me, you've been to the 20 people LAN parties with greasy food, foul language, and hot geeky man-on man action (and by action, I mean standing up and screaming something to the effect of 'BOOM HEADSHOT'). Or maybe you don't know what that's like and God bless you for it.

Most people know the Halo series as a FPS (first person shooter, for those of you who would rather do something productive with your lives) but a few days ago (March 3rd) a game came out that re-defined the Halo series. It's called Halo Wars, and it is a RTS (Real-time strategy) game that looks very well done. If I had all the money in the world, I would run out and buy it right now then let you know how I like it, but instead, I've provided a trailer that will make you wish you had an xbox 360, as well as 60 bucks to go out and blow on it.

You're welcome.

Tyler Perry goes to Jail, and not just because he's...

Okay, I've said many times before that Hollywood is rapidly running out of good ideas. In fact, one of their worst ideas was to let Tyler Perry keep making Madea movies. I was horrified today when I saw that the number one movie in the box office this weekend was Madea goes to Jail. Granted, there aren't (that m)any good movies out at the moment, but MADEA!? That's just wrong in more ways than one. I mean, it's a story about an old black woman going to Jail (or at least, that's what I got judging from the title, maybe she doesn't go to Jail, but than that would be more like an M. Night Shayamalan film) and that's about it. I'm sure it may have one or two clever parts in it, but you could probably get the same (if not more) entertainment from putting a kitten in the dryer. 

Tyler Perry needs to give it up already. It's not funny anymore. No one is laughing because you can dress up like a fat-ass black woman. Well, maybe some people are, but no one with a taste in movies, that's for sure.

Yes, you're right. This is an angry Monday. 

Meters and Celsius: Metric

Helloooo Cheeeeldren and welcome back to Blame it on the Media, where dreams come true and are then falsified by the whole waking up thing. 

Sorry, rough night.

I just got a hold of a copy of the CD 'Grow up and Blow Away' by Metric. I've heard of/seen/been told of/whatever, I know of their existence but never got curious enough to ACTUALLY look them up, which is sad, considering the speed at which one can own something these days. Anyway, I'm listening to the CD right now, and I have not heard one song I haven't liked. 

So if you're in need of something new to check out and have not checked out Metric, it would do you well to do so. 

I'm not going to leave you hanging. Here are some samples. You're welcome.

Coming Soon: Mass Effect 2

If you've played games like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, or Mass Effect, than you already know that Bioware is (of course, in my opinion) one of the best game developers out there right now. Bethesda Softworks is a close second, gracing our gaming world with The Elder Scroll series (Morrowind and Oblivion) and most recently my current favorite Fallout 3.  Anyway, the game Mass Effect easily took the cake (and muffins too) for game of the year 2007. It is a beautifully designed game complete with a GREAT story, solid characters, and a fun real-time fighting style. But I think what makes a game like this really great is (drum roll....) all of the work and creativity that went into creating the mass effect universe.

One of the things that makes me a total dork is I like living in worlds that other people create. Mass Effect is a game (well, soon to be series) that takes every little detail and expands on it in the codex. The codex is basically a journal of sorts that lets the player in on the details and all the nerd-age that went into developing such a vast and complex universe. For example, if you wanted to know how your weapons work, it's in the codex. If you want to know more about an alien species, it's the codex. If you want to know about planets, systems of government, currency, weapons, technology, it's ALL in the codex.

You'd think this entry was about the codex. I'm just saying, this is a very well developed game, and if you decide to buy a copy (Currently for 360 or PC) you will NOT be disappointed. 

All this to say that Bioware has announced the release of the sequel (called Mass Effect 2....yay!) and the unique thing about this sequel is it will (this is still rumor, but a pretty confident one) take your save file from the first game and pick up where you left off in the second one. Mass Effect is one of those 'choose your own path' sort of games and the decisions you make in the first game (who lives, who dies, that sort of thing) is said to directly effect the story in the second game. Pretty neat-o huh? I think so. If you just buy the second game without playing the first, you will be brought up to speed on the events in the first game. This is really lame, and most of you should probably just buy the first game and play it and see what the hype is all about.

Here's a teaser, just to wet your pallet.

Caroline: and the Revenge of the dyslexics

Animation over the past several years has really taken off into several different styles and....ugh. I feel like I'm writing for a friggin magazine. This isn't a magazine. This is a blog damn it. 

I went to go sit in on a film class yesterday which happened to be seated in the middle of a movie theater with a movie playing. How distracting when I'm supposed to be learning something. I decided that I should just watch the movie and about halfway through the film I realized that the movie was the class. Interesting. The whole experience was far more enjoyable after I wasn't scared of being scolded by the teacher for paying attention to the movie instead of his class.

See? This is why I don't drink coffee in the morning.

The movie was Coraline and it was very beautifully animated. The style was Tim Burton-esque but was not (to the surprise of many) Tim Burton. It was, as my friend skippy simply put it 'more colorful' then most of Tim Burton's work. It was directed by Henry Selick and for this project, he used the good ol' stop motion method. I thought it was CG but I just researched it (you're right, I have the Wikipedia tab open) and it wasn't. For more info on the nerdy stuff, I suggest you visit the Wiki yourself. This is one Movie I have to say everyone should see. The plot isn't what you're there for, it's the magic and wonder and all the pretty colors. Oh, and see it in 3-D. It would make a HUGE difference in your experience. 

I've heard of them: Mates of State

You know those bands that you hear about over and over (and over and over) again but you never make it a point to check them out because you already think you kind of know what they sound like because of all the bands they're associated with? Well I have that problem too, and because of that, I miss out on some really great music. Lucky for all of you Blame it on the Media followers, you have me, the fearless LSDiesel, who makes the voyage into the realms of the unknown, the obscure, and the dangerous to let all of you back at home know what's worth checking out and what is just...crap.

I had a very long and exhausting weekend, and I thought that I would come out on the other side with nothing to show for it. Well, besides a headache and swollen lymph-nodes (don't ask) I was told by a good friend Stephanie to check out this band called Mates of State. LastFM had beaten Stephanie to the punch, but like with all music recommendations, I waited until I heard about them at least a hundred times before I actually decided to go and give them a listen. I need to be less lazy when it comes to exploring new music fronts. In fact, I should probably be less lazy with all things that require only a computer and fingers that are able to type.

I also have a new resolve to let you (the reader(s)) know what you're getting in to before you just take my word for it and run out and buy (or torrent) the music I recommend because I know that my word is at least bronze to most of you. Mates of State has a similar sound to Stars, Eisley, Rilo Kiley, and The New Pornographers so if you enjoy those bands, I think you'll enjoy this one. And please, do us all a favor and at least listen to the thirty second previews on itunes. Don't assume that you know what any band sounds like because you could be missing out on your new favorite.

Thank you Stephanie for the tip.

I like my Cabaret Dark: Amanda Palmer

Every once in a long while, there comes along an artist who sets the bar just a tad higher. Someone who takes things to the next level. In this case, I am talking about the one and only Amanda Palmer from the Dresden Dolls.

Her look, her attitude, and most of all, her music, makes her stand out from the rest of the wannabe dark-cabaret artists out there. There isn't much to be said, and she's one of those artist that you'll either love or hate. You will either think she is artsy, out there, and totally bad-ass or you'll think she's a man trying very hard to be a lesbian. Again, in the interest of not just TELLING people about music, I am going to graciously include a few videos from her CD entitled 'Who Killed Amanda Palmer?'

Also, her web-site is very well done and worth your while to check out.
Click the HYPER LINK! for direct access.

And now....some videos.

Guitar Hero


Leeds United

Thanks again goes to Sydney, for always keeping me hip and trendy.

Dragon Ball Evolution: Lookin Good in the Neighborhood

So if you've been on the internet at all within the past few months, you may have heard somewhere (maybe even from Blame it on the Media? Huh? Huh?) that there has been a Dragonball moving in the making. Up until now, there hasn't been a decent trailer, meaning that all the trailers so far made the movie appear to be just...meh. But THIS trailer makes me want to run out and see it. I'm serious. Even if the plot sucks, the movie itself still looks incredible as far as special effects go.   

Don't believe me? Well see for yourself.

How ironic I would post this considering my previous entry...

Fan of Foreign Films? Let the Right One In!

I love Vampires. In fact, I go to bed every night just wishing I'll wake up to the sun burning my flesh and then immediately running to the basement and spending my days in solitude and my nights roaming for victims. You think I'm kidding, but I have it all planned out in case it ever happens. Now all I need is someone to turn me so if any of you know of any vampires living in the area please call me. No joke. I want to be immortal and drink people's blood.

While I'm waiting for my dreams of undead goodness to come true, I usually immerse myself in as much vampire related media as possible (so that when I get turned, I'll know what to expect...duh) and was REALLY glad when I found this Movie. It's a Swedish film that translates to 'Let the Right One in' and is based off the novel of the same name. I enjoy it because it is a very original and unique take on vampires. It's not a fast-paced exciting movie, it's actually rather slow and subtle. I like foreign films because they're usually a tad more realistic than  most American movies  that just stuff a film full of as many special effects as they can and cast really bad actors (Keanu Reeves, Hayden Christiansen, and what have you) into their films. This movie is story driven, and to someone who only watches awful movies like 'The Fast and the Furious' it would be boring. This movie isn't fast or furious but it is good. Especially if you're a tasteful individual.

Yeah, I basically just said if you don't like this film, you have no taste. What of it?

 

Metronomy: The study of Metro...or something like that

I'm not generally a fan of Music Videos. Most of them are lame or an obvious attempt for shameless promotion of the band (or the record label, or even the director of the music video) and it really makes me angry sometimes. So when I DO find a good music video, I'm inclined to share it. Not that my opinion is golden, but maybe another precious metal of slightly lesser value. 

In short, this is one of the most original music videos I have seen in quite some time. It's by the band Metronomy and the song is called 'A Thing for me' and while the song isn't mind-blowing, the video is definitely  (20 years old, and I still have to use spell check to spell definitely) worth watching. If not, you get your money back. Just kidding. I'm taking your money and moving to Mexico.

Thanks to my wonderfully beautiful friend Sydney, who is always showing me something cool.

Welcome Back: The Blink 182 Reunion

Ahh, reunions are so lovely. A time for coming together and catching up on the past, a time for sharing personal growth, a time for burying the hatchet, and for the members of Blink 182, a time for bringing the ol' band back together. That's right folks. The Blink 182 hiatus is officially over. The three members of one of the world's most well-known punk rock groups has announced that they have began talking again and hanging out, but more importantly, they're back in the studio making music again!

Okay, so while they're music isn't the most complex or even sophisticated, I think the fellow Blink fans will agree that their music has had a huge influence on that whole music scene. Now, the fans are all eagerly awaiting the return album from the trio.

The official announcement was made at the 51st annual grammy awards. The band came out together on stage for the first time in four years and told the audience that they would be playing music together again and they cannot wait to start recording and touring the world just like old times. Then they handed Coldplay the grammy for the best rock album of 2008. That kind of ruined it for me. Love Coldplay, but seriously? Best Rock album of 2008? I would've picked Kings of Leon over them, but that's just my personal opinion.