A true myth of his own making, Don Van Vliet created a true eccentric and mysterious musical persona in Captain Beefheart. Armed with a strong penchant for word-play and an impressive multi-octave vocal range, he conducted his merry band of sonic pranksters and musical deconstructionists, The Magic Band, with an iron fist and was able to provide a short-lived portal into his own musical psyche. An alternate dimension where the accepted rules of music did not apply. A realm that frequently sounded like what music would sound like, if it was made in an alternate universe; one where the same natural laws didn't exist. A visionary, iconoclast and genius in truest sense of the word. A singular artist.
To honor the recent passing of this musical giant, I've decided to post...
This banned TV commercial original produced to promote the album "Lick my Decals Off, Baby" in 1970 is one of the best summations of what the artist was all about. Pure dada weirdness at its finest.
A truly tremedous and rare version of the the original "Orange Claw Hammer", accompanied on guitar by his buddy Frank Zappa. From a radio show originally broadcast in 1975.
Beefheart live on German TV (Beat Club) 1972. At some of his bluesiest and best. Watch Rockette Morton Dance!
A classic heavy guitar track.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Films to look out for...
This is something I've wanted to do for a while. This is film related however. It's a post that features films which are on the horizon and have the possibility to be good and/or interesting. They may or may not turn out to be good, but they've at least piqued my interest for one reason or another. There are links to the films listing on imdb. As I write this its in the middle of the winter/holiday season and the big award season films are coming out and/or have already been released. This will have to be updated...
2010
SOMEWHERE (Dec 22) imdb
The newest effort from Sofia Coppola, and hope she can recapture the spirit of "Lost in Translation".
TRUE GRIT (Dec 22) imdb
This not a remake, so much as a re-adaptation...supposedly. But any new effort from the Coen Bros. is an exciting day for me. Plus...Jeff Bridges.
THE ILLUSIONIST (Dec 25) imdb
The second animated feature directed by Sylvain Chomet, of "The Triplets of Belleville" fame. Based on an un-produced script of the late great Jacques Tati.
BIUTIFUL (Dec 29) imdb
The latest effort from Alejandro Gonzalez-Inarritu, starring Javier Bardem.
THE WAY BACK (Dec 29) imdb
First Peter Weir film in seven years. Adventure epic. Enough said.
BLUE VALENTINE (Dec 31) imdb
This romantic drama, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, has been getting some good early press and interestingly enough, an NC-17 rating.
2011
BARNEY'S VERSION (Jan 14) imdb
Based on an acclaimed novel that I've never heard of. It stars Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman as his father, and seems to be a quirky character study.
THE COMPANY MEN (Jan 21) imdb
A recession era family drama, stars a bunch of people.
HESHER (Jan ?) imdb
Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Natalie Portman. Got good press at Sundance 2010.
SANCTUM (Feb 4) imdb
Small buget cave-diving adventure/thriller, produced by James Cameron.
THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (Mar 4) imdb
Based on a Phillip K. Dick short story. A sci-fi thriller starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.
RANGO (Mar 4) imdb
A quirky western/adventure CG animated film. Starring the voice of Johnny Depp as a Gecko. Directed by Gore Verbinski of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series. Trailer looks weirder than one would think.
PAUL (Mar 18) imdb
Written by and starring the comedy duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (who starred in "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz"). Scifi-comedy directed by the Director of "Superbad". Also stars the voice of Seth Rogen.
LIMITLESS (Mar 18) imdb
A thiller with sci-fi elements. Starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro. Directed by Neil Burger, of "The Illusionist" (Edward Norton film) fame.
THE BEAVER (Mar 23) imdb
This strange dramedy stars Mel Gibson as a man who goes around only talking to people via a hand puppet of a beaver. Co-starring and directed by Jodie Foster.
SUCKER PUNCH (Mar 25) imdb
Looks to be another over the top cg driven action film, from Zack Snyder ("300" and "Watchmen"). This one seems to be an outrageous fantasy. Let's see if he can actually com up with some visionary ideas.
MIRAL (Mar 25) imdb
Newest film from artist/filmmaker Julian Schnabel. Was originally supposed to be out in at the end of 2010, but was pushed back. This historical drama, stars Freida Pinto of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame.
SOURCE CODE (Apr 1) imdb
Director Duncan Jones'("Moon") second film. Sci-fi thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (Apr 15) imdb
Period drama, set in the world of the circus. Cast includes Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz ("Inglorious Basterds").
THOR (May 6) imdb
Based on the Marvel comic character of the same name. Directed, oddly enough, by Kenneth Branagh. Cast includes Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins as Odin.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (May 20) imdb
Fourth film in the series. I don't have high hopes since all of the sequels were underwhelming. Plus its directed by Rob Marshall ("Chicago","Nine"). But anything is possible.
THE TREE OF LIFE (May 27) imdb
The fifth film from acclaimed filmmaker Terrence Malick ("Thin Red Line","Days of Heaven"). Looks insanely epic in scope and is one of my most anticipated films of the year. Stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.
SUPER 8 (Jun 10) imdb
The cryptically titled film is the newest effort from J.J. Abrams, who is writing and directing. Looks to be in the a monster-scifi genre.
THE GREEN LANTERN (Jun 17) imdb
Based on the DC comics character of the same name. I honestly don't have very high hopes for this, after seeing the trailer. Stars Ryan Reynolds. Directed by Martin Campbell ("Goldeneye", "Casino Royale").
RISE OF THE APES (Jun 24) imdb
This is a prequel to the "Planet of the Apes" series. Stars James Franco and features an all star ensemble cast that includes Andy Serkis doing a motion capture performance as an intelligent Ape. Skeptical but interested.
LARRY CROWNE (Jul 1) imdb
Dramedy about a middle-aged man who goes back to college. Starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Co-written and Directed by Tom Hanks.
CAPTAIN AMERICA (Jul 22) imdb
Continuing the super-hero summer comes another Marvel Studios production. Very skeptical about this one, but will wait for the trailer. Stars Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving and Samuel L. Jackson.
CRAZY STUPID LOVE (Jul 29) imdb
Family dramedy starring Steve Carell. Cast includes Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon and Marisa Tomei. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa("Bad Santa", "I Love You Phillip Morris").
THE DARKEST HOUR (Aug 5) imdb
This is an alien invasion film set in Russia. Stars Emile Hirsch.
30 MINUTES OR LESS (Aug 12) imdb
Adventure comedy from the director of "Zombieland". Stars Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride and Nick Swardson.
CONAN (Aug 19) imdb
I don't have high hopes for this new version of Conan (The original is one of my all time favorites). I do love good sword and sorcery movies though. Directed by the man who has given us such gems as "Texas Chainsaw Massacre (remake)", "Pathfinder" and "Friday the 13th (remake)". Cast includes Ron Pearlman and Rose McGowan.
WARRIOR (Sept 9) imdb
This is a mixed martial arts drama, starring Tom Hardy, who I've been a huge fan of since "Star Trek: Nemesis". Nick Nolte co-stars.
NOW (Sept 30) imdb
Written and directed by Andrew Niccol ("Gattaca", "The Truman Show"). Its a sci-fi film set in a future where time is currency. Starring Cillian Murphy and...Justin Timberlake?
WANDERLUST (Oct 7) imdb
The latest Judd Apatow production. Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd become hippies.
REAL STEEL (Oct 7) imdb
Rock Em' Sock Em' Robots... the movie? Watch the trailer and decide for yourself.
HUGO CABRET (Dec 9) imdb
Scorsese does a family film? Includes a truly all-star cast.
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN (Dec 23) imdb
Steven Spielberg brings the beloved Tintin Sersies to the big screen in this animated feature. Includes the voice talents of Jamie Bell, Simon Pegg, Daniel Craig and Andy Serkis. Co-produced by Peter Jackson.
2010
SOMEWHERE (Dec 22) imdb
The newest effort from Sofia Coppola, and hope she can recapture the spirit of "Lost in Translation".
TRUE GRIT (Dec 22) imdb
This not a remake, so much as a re-adaptation...supposedly. But any new effort from the Coen Bros. is an exciting day for me. Plus...Jeff Bridges.
THE ILLUSIONIST (Dec 25) imdb
The second animated feature directed by Sylvain Chomet, of "The Triplets of Belleville" fame. Based on an un-produced script of the late great Jacques Tati.
BIUTIFUL (Dec 29) imdb
The latest effort from Alejandro Gonzalez-Inarritu, starring Javier Bardem.
THE WAY BACK (Dec 29) imdb
First Peter Weir film in seven years. Adventure epic. Enough said.
BLUE VALENTINE (Dec 31) imdb
This romantic drama, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, has been getting some good early press and interestingly enough, an NC-17 rating.
2011
BARNEY'S VERSION (Jan 14) imdb
Based on an acclaimed novel that I've never heard of. It stars Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman as his father, and seems to be a quirky character study.
THE COMPANY MEN (Jan 21) imdb
A recession era family drama, stars a bunch of people.
HESHER (Jan ?) imdb
Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Natalie Portman. Got good press at Sundance 2010.
SANCTUM (Feb 4) imdb
Small buget cave-diving adventure/thriller, produced by James Cameron.
THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (Mar 4) imdb
Based on a Phillip K. Dick short story. A sci-fi thriller starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.
RANGO (Mar 4) imdb
A quirky western/adventure CG animated film. Starring the voice of Johnny Depp as a Gecko. Directed by Gore Verbinski of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series. Trailer looks weirder than one would think.
PAUL (Mar 18) imdb
Written by and starring the comedy duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (who starred in "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz"). Scifi-comedy directed by the Director of "Superbad". Also stars the voice of Seth Rogen.
LIMITLESS (Mar 18) imdb
A thiller with sci-fi elements. Starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro. Directed by Neil Burger, of "The Illusionist" (Edward Norton film) fame.
THE BEAVER (Mar 23) imdb
This strange dramedy stars Mel Gibson as a man who goes around only talking to people via a hand puppet of a beaver. Co-starring and directed by Jodie Foster.
SUCKER PUNCH (Mar 25) imdb
Looks to be another over the top cg driven action film, from Zack Snyder ("300" and "Watchmen"). This one seems to be an outrageous fantasy. Let's see if he can actually com up with some visionary ideas.
MIRAL (Mar 25) imdb
Newest film from artist/filmmaker Julian Schnabel. Was originally supposed to be out in at the end of 2010, but was pushed back. This historical drama, stars Freida Pinto of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame.
SOURCE CODE (Apr 1) imdb
Director Duncan Jones'("Moon") second film. Sci-fi thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (Apr 15) imdb
Period drama, set in the world of the circus. Cast includes Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz ("Inglorious Basterds").
THOR (May 6) imdb
Based on the Marvel comic character of the same name. Directed, oddly enough, by Kenneth Branagh. Cast includes Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins as Odin.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (May 20) imdb
Fourth film in the series. I don't have high hopes since all of the sequels were underwhelming. Plus its directed by Rob Marshall ("Chicago","Nine"). But anything is possible.
THE TREE OF LIFE (May 27) imdb
The fifth film from acclaimed filmmaker Terrence Malick ("Thin Red Line","Days of Heaven"). Looks insanely epic in scope and is one of my most anticipated films of the year. Stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.
SUPER 8 (Jun 10) imdb
The cryptically titled film is the newest effort from J.J. Abrams, who is writing and directing. Looks to be in the a monster-scifi genre.
THE GREEN LANTERN (Jun 17) imdb
Based on the DC comics character of the same name. I honestly don't have very high hopes for this, after seeing the trailer. Stars Ryan Reynolds. Directed by Martin Campbell ("Goldeneye", "Casino Royale").
RISE OF THE APES (Jun 24) imdb
This is a prequel to the "Planet of the Apes" series. Stars James Franco and features an all star ensemble cast that includes Andy Serkis doing a motion capture performance as an intelligent Ape. Skeptical but interested.
LARRY CROWNE (Jul 1) imdb
Dramedy about a middle-aged man who goes back to college. Starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Co-written and Directed by Tom Hanks.
CAPTAIN AMERICA (Jul 22) imdb
Continuing the super-hero summer comes another Marvel Studios production. Very skeptical about this one, but will wait for the trailer. Stars Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving and Samuel L. Jackson.
CRAZY STUPID LOVE (Jul 29) imdb
Family dramedy starring Steve Carell. Cast includes Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon and Marisa Tomei. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa("Bad Santa", "I Love You Phillip Morris").
THE DARKEST HOUR (Aug 5) imdb
This is an alien invasion film set in Russia. Stars Emile Hirsch.
30 MINUTES OR LESS (Aug 12) imdb
Adventure comedy from the director of "Zombieland". Stars Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride and Nick Swardson.
CONAN (Aug 19) imdb
I don't have high hopes for this new version of Conan (The original is one of my all time favorites). I do love good sword and sorcery movies though. Directed by the man who has given us such gems as "Texas Chainsaw Massacre (remake)", "Pathfinder" and "Friday the 13th (remake)". Cast includes Ron Pearlman and Rose McGowan.
WARRIOR (Sept 9) imdb
This is a mixed martial arts drama, starring Tom Hardy, who I've been a huge fan of since "Star Trek: Nemesis". Nick Nolte co-stars.
NOW (Sept 30) imdb
Written and directed by Andrew Niccol ("Gattaca", "The Truman Show"). Its a sci-fi film set in a future where time is currency. Starring Cillian Murphy and...Justin Timberlake?
WANDERLUST (Oct 7) imdb
The latest Judd Apatow production. Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd become hippies.
REAL STEEL (Oct 7) imdb
Rock Em' Sock Em' Robots... the movie? Watch the trailer and decide for yourself.
HUGO CABRET (Dec 9) imdb
Scorsese does a family film? Includes a truly all-star cast.
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN (Dec 23) imdb
Steven Spielberg brings the beloved Tintin Sersies to the big screen in this animated feature. Includes the voice talents of Jamie Bell, Simon Pegg, Daniel Craig and Andy Serkis. Co-produced by Peter Jackson.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tom Waits - Chocolate Jesus
This is my first post in a long while, but its quality.
Tom Waits is one of my favorite musicians, and this video really sums him up as an artist very well. Completely unique, idiosyncratic and brilliant. A true artist. It is remarkable in a positive way, that Letterman would have any old schmuck or manufactured cultural product - like say Britney Spears - on the show, and then the next day audiences would get to experience this.
Watch out for that wordplay!
Tom Waits is one of my favorite musicians, and this video really sums him up as an artist very well. Completely unique, idiosyncratic and brilliant. A true artist. It is remarkable in a positive way, that Letterman would have any old schmuck or manufactured cultural product - like say Britney Spears - on the show, and then the next day audiences would get to experience this.
Watch out for that wordplay!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
MC5 on Beat Club
MC5 were one of the greatest unsung American bands of their generation. While a majority of the American youth was under the influence of flower power, these guys were barreling forward with their own style of high octane Rock N' Roll. While they were fairly (or rather unfairly) neglected in their own time, they have along with their contemporaries The Stooges, become considered the very pinnacle and definition of the Detroit Rock sound and have been heralded as godfathers of Punk.
Towards the very end of their unfortunately short career, the band went on a tour of Europe in first part of 1972. At some point in the tour, their original bassist Michael Davis left the band and was replaced with Steve Moorhouse, who is seen here. As part of the tour the band stopped off in Germany and were featured on an episode of the "Beat Club".
Unlike many of the music performance shows in the US, where the artist lip-synced and looked like morons, Germany's "Beat Club", which ran from 1965-1972, featured artists actually performing the music live, in an intimate and relaxed setting (see the first clip for evidence). It was in many ways a forerunner to the quality music programs that followed in it's wake such as "The Old Grey Whistle Test", "The Midnight Special", "Rockpalast" and much later "Later...With Jools Holland".
This post features as many clips as I could find of these sessions. Their many be others that I haven't found (alert me in the comments if you are able to find others). These are the original pre-air clips that feature the band playing behind a blue screen. When the clips would later go to broadcast, they would be filled with a cool psychedelic style light show.
Some of these clips are higher quality than others. Click on the clips to view each on youtube for higher quality resolution and/or widescreen, when available.
Ramblin' Rose
This classic cover was a staple of the band's live performances since at least 1968, features guitarist Wayne Kramer on lead vocals and was the opening track on the band's 1969 live debut album, "Kick Out the Jams". Here its played slightly slower and groovier than normal.
Tonight
From the band's second album 1970's "Back in the USA". This is the best version of the song I've heard live or otherwise and is exponentially better than the studio recording. Here we can really see the band in full flight and epic jam mode. In the extended boogie section in the middle, there's a vamp that sounds a lot like ZZ Top's classic "La Grange". Also of note is the fact that you can witness the brilliant interplay and musical chemistry between guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith, and understand why they are considered, to this day, to be one of the greatest guitar duos in history.
Back to Comm
This was a track from the early days of the band.
The Motor City Is Burning
This is a cool blues number that was also originally on their debut.
Kick Out the Jams
I've posted two versions of this, the band's most well known song. The first is a great full extended version, with the band getting in some great jamming. The second is a much shorter alternate performance, that was the one they chose to actually broadcast. As you can see it features the background projection, comes in as the band is in mid jam and features some classic stage antics from Kramer and Smith. Kick ass.
Towards the very end of their unfortunately short career, the band went on a tour of Europe in first part of 1972. At some point in the tour, their original bassist Michael Davis left the band and was replaced with Steve Moorhouse, who is seen here. As part of the tour the band stopped off in Germany and were featured on an episode of the "Beat Club".
Unlike many of the music performance shows in the US, where the artist lip-synced and looked like morons, Germany's "Beat Club", which ran from 1965-1972, featured artists actually performing the music live, in an intimate and relaxed setting (see the first clip for evidence). It was in many ways a forerunner to the quality music programs that followed in it's wake such as "The Old Grey Whistle Test", "The Midnight Special", "Rockpalast" and much later "Later...With Jools Holland".
This post features as many clips as I could find of these sessions. Their many be others that I haven't found (alert me in the comments if you are able to find others). These are the original pre-air clips that feature the band playing behind a blue screen. When the clips would later go to broadcast, they would be filled with a cool psychedelic style light show.
Some of these clips are higher quality than others. Click on the clips to view each on youtube for higher quality resolution and/or widescreen, when available.
Ramblin' Rose
This classic cover was a staple of the band's live performances since at least 1968, features guitarist Wayne Kramer on lead vocals and was the opening track on the band's 1969 live debut album, "Kick Out the Jams". Here its played slightly slower and groovier than normal.
Tonight
From the band's second album 1970's "Back in the USA". This is the best version of the song I've heard live or otherwise and is exponentially better than the studio recording. Here we can really see the band in full flight and epic jam mode. In the extended boogie section in the middle, there's a vamp that sounds a lot like ZZ Top's classic "La Grange". Also of note is the fact that you can witness the brilliant interplay and musical chemistry between guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith, and understand why they are considered, to this day, to be one of the greatest guitar duos in history.
Back to Comm
This was a track from the early days of the band.
The Motor City Is Burning
This is a cool blues number that was also originally on their debut.
Kick Out the Jams
I've posted two versions of this, the band's most well known song. The first is a great full extended version, with the band getting in some great jamming. The second is a much shorter alternate performance, that was the one they chose to actually broadcast. As you can see it features the background projection, comes in as the band is in mid jam and features some classic stage antics from Kramer and Smith. Kick ass.
Maiden Voyage
This is the maiden voyage for me in the world of blogging. I've been an avid reader of blogs and have been amazed at what can be done and imparted... especially in the world of music. I can't tell you how many times I've discovered wonderful and obscure little jems that I would have never otherwise have known about. If I can impart and share with people, even a fraction of what I gotten over the years, it will be worth it. This little blog about my two biggest passions, the moving image and music - as well as the intersection of the two. I hope to post a combination of live performance videos, music reviews and maybe some other things including film reviews.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
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