It seems as I grow older, I start to care less and less about the Academy Awards or all types of self-congratulatory events. Seriously, the Oscars are a joke. It's not even the stuff they nominate (it is a lot of the times though), instead it is the actual ceremony itself. Oh pardon me, I can't believe this thing is actually called a "ceremony." The Olympics, now that's an event, the Oscars are a four hour circle jerk with exceptionally dressed and inexplicably good looking people. Wait a minute, is it really inexplicable? No, not really...it's called botox. Seriously, there's more plastic at these things than there is at a recycling facility. Anyway. I am going off on a tangent here and that's not very nice. My point is well...who cares? Obviously, I do to some degree, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this blog and wasting your time, but I have a few issues I would like to address.
Let me preface this by saying, I do derive some enjoyment from the Oscars. I recall the first time I watched them and that was in fourth grade. My love for movies was sort of starting at this time and well, I couldn't help but be entranced by the gorgeous dresses. I am pretty certain I was the only kid in my grade who watched it, probably the entire school as well. You gotta admit that is sort of impressive, for no other than reason than trying to grasp how an eleven year-old could have the attention span to tolerate this kind of torture? Perhaps it was a propensity for self-loathing and the pleasure that comes with that, anyway, moving on. I somehow was very entertained by the whole thing and as the years went on, not unlike my sexual urges, my interest in it faded. For me, it's all about the host now and sometimes even they don't deliver, yes I am talking to you Billy "Botox" Crystal. My primary problem with the oscars is the very nature of its existence. Why does this matter? Best Picture? Best Actor? Best Actress? Best Director? That's all I hear, best, best, best!!!! What in pluperfect hell does that even mean? I think it's pretty safe to say that no matter what wins best picture, no on will be completely satisfied. I sure as hell won't be. I mean, Crash???!!! Chicago????!!!! Did blind people and/or the hearing impaired vote that year? When you consider the panel of judges are a bunch of 80-year-old white, impotent, and senile men, well, I wouldn't be very much surprised. But enough venting, I apologize to all the old, white, impotent and senile guys who may be reading this. My beef with the Oscars is why take something subjective and make it objective. My philosophy in regards to art is very simple and frankly I think rather effective. Simply put, there is no "best" in art, no matter how much you'd like there to be and that's why I abhor the word like I do hipsters. The word you are looking for is "favorite." Unfortunately, people seem to loathe that word, not to mention "best" suggests a certain level of importance, arrogance and boldness that "favorite" lacks. I laugh when I hear celebrities getting mad over the fact that they didn't receive a nomination, cause I am like, REALLY??!! Oh poor you! Of all the problems you have, perhaps a wardrobe malfunction is more serious or maybe they just need another botox injection. Sorry, I can't refrain from the botox jokes. I apologize to all botox users reading this as well. I look forward to your emails, I do. Please send me a picture as well. But, honestly, when did we get so caught up in the superficial smugness and self-importance of Hollywood? Believe me, I haven't. When did awards become so important? Why do we value them so much? Can you believe there are people who base their opinions on the number of awards a film wins? Or the number of grammys an artist wins? Enough!!!! Yes, sure, I'll probably end up watching the show, but only to see what tricks Seth MacFarlane will put out of his ass. We pretty much know the winner anyway, I mean, that's another thing, there's no unpredictability to these things, like elections, this shit is rigged. If you don't think Daniel Day-Lewis is going to win, well then you're a bigger dreamer than I am. I love the man, but I am like, oh come on.
A filmmaker I greatly respect by the name of William Friedkin said of the Oscars, it's "the greatest promotion scheme that any industry ever devised for itself." The guy was onto something Seriously, this thing is more about marketing than politics is about deceiving. When did marketing become more important than the quality of filmmaking? I mentioned politics, well of course, because there's a political system to the Oscars as well. I find it hilarious that actors, directors and studios "campaign" their movies during oscar season. I mean, like for real? "Campaign?" This is to win a goddamn golden statue, not to find a cure for AIDS. Believe me folks, I sometimes wonder why I have any interest whatsoever working in Hollywood. There are street vendors in New York who don't sell shit this fake. I obviously can't speak for all of Hollywood because surely not everyone in Hollywood cares that much about their acne. But everyone has a breaking point and perhaps I have reached mine. It's also their selections, I mean how many times can Meryl Streep be nominated? Yes, she's wonderful, no one is disputing this, but every time she makes a movie, she gets nominated. The Iron Lady, please, more like the The "so much make up Is hampering my face I can't even crack a smile so I'll just do the accent and everyone will call it brilliant lady." Think of all the great films that never achieve any recognition whatsoever, and no I am not just talking about the ones in funny languages. The Deep Blue Sea was a great film, but no one has probably heard of it, yet it stars Rachel Weisz. Holy Motors was as inventive and wonderful as anything I saw in a theatre last year, but it's *gasp* foreign, no one can pronounce the director's name and on top of that it's French and German. And we all know how America feels about the French. So instead Hollywood chooses to acknowledge the frenchiest thing they can stomach, Les Miserable (yes I spelled it wrong on purpose). By the way, what's up with the love for musicals? Yes, I am aware a substantial amount of Hollywood is gay, but was there really nothing else out there??
So, if I have not offended you already and you have not stopped reading, you are probably wondering then, well Daniel, you smart ass...what are your Oscar picks? And my answer is...who gives two shits? I am sorry, that's not very thoughtful, but I find little to care about. Sure, I have my preferences, but so does everybody, and well, that's all that matters. It doesn't matter what a bunch of 80 year-old white, impotent and senile (in that order) guys think. Obviously Day-Lewis will win Best Actor. I think Lawrence may win Actress, but Chastain or Riva may surprise her. The Best Director award is ridiculous cause the guy who made the likely best picture winner *cough cough* Argo, isn't even bloody nominated. Of all the best picture nominees, Zero Dark Thirty is by far my choice, but Bigelow is a woman, and since Hollywood feels they addressed sexism by awarding her already, well you can say goodbye to that her and her movie (not to mention the torture controversy that was surrounding it probably didn't do anyone favors). Therein lies the major problem, how do you judge and compare such radically different films, performances, etc? We can debate this for hours upon end, but there's no right or wrong. If I had my way, P.T. Anderson would sweep this damn thing, but he wasn't even recognized, but like me, he is probably laughing his ass off about all of this and is more likely worrying about the fourth kid he's got coming. Alas...I digress.
In conclusion, as you and your family gather to watch the Oscars on Sunday, just remember, it's all for shits and giggles. Obviously I don't care about what Anne Hathaway is wearing, but that may likely and regrettably be more fascinating than what transpires in the proceeding 5 hours. I hope Seth tears these folks a new asshole, cause well these people need that. I can't believe the amount of backlash Gervais got after his hosting stint and he could've been a lot more uh..."controversial." Not to mention it's a joke, it's all played for laughs, but apparently certain folks take themselves a wee bit too seriously. Or maybe it's just so hard to laugh from all the botox injections (sorry it was too easy). I don't mean to criticize every single actor or filmmaker because there are quite a few of them whom I admire and adore, but I don't think losing an award is the worst thing that can happen to you, especially when you can return to your mansion in Beverly Hills afterwards. So, don't feel so bad for the so called "losers." If you want to feel good about yourself, just remember that you went to college and have a degree, unlike half of the people who will be in attendance at the show. Alas, I've had my say, so let's just see what happens. Don't even get me started on the "In Memoriam" part of the show, because they'll likely forgot all the people worth remembering (as they have in the past). Stay tuned for some serious venting next week after the fake apocalypse ensues Sunday night. Cheers.
So, yeah. I know I am a bit late. It's been awhile since I've written a blog and I felt it was time to be productive once again. I am always reluctant to make "best of" lists as I feel they have virtually no merit or significance. "Best" to me implies everything and you can sure as hell bet I didn't listen to every record released in 2012 as that was just too stressful and time consuming. So, in short, I prefer the word "favorite" and here are some of my favorite musical gems from 2012.
In no order, but I kind of started with the ones that impressed me the most (hint, hint) first:
1) 'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! - Godspeed You! Black Emperor
This is an album that came out of left field at the start of October. It was their first record in ten years and It was an event to say the least and something I don't think anyone quite saw coming. I actually was planning to see them later that week, so it made that concert all the more special. It's been said many times before, but Godspeed were a band that came around at exactly the right time. They make music that isn't mean to be digested in one sitting, they make music that could literally score a movie. They were at the forefront of post-rock during the early 2000s and it's glad to have them back. I think whenever I am writing (which hasn't been lately as you could probably guess), they're a band I would want to have playing in the background. I don't think I heard a more compelling album this year without vocals (or with, for that matter).
2) Bloom - Beach House
I recall hearing Flying Lotus, an artist I quite enjoy, poke fun at this record, saying that it sounded typical of most dream pop bands out there. Now to a degree that may be true, but it also misses the point. There is a level of growth present here that never compromises the band's sound. It is an album full of lush noises and it has a certain vibrancy to it that a lot of other bands can't offer. Is there a more emotive vocalist out there than Victoria Legrand? Her singing is as expressive as you would hope for. I think this may be their best record yet, albeit does share sounds similar to their previous albums, but it boasts a confidence and richness they haven't yet explored. I saw them last year and it was a great a show as I could hope for.
3) >> - Beak>
Since Portishead make a record on average every 10 years, this is what we have to settle for. Now that may sound like an insult, but it is anything but. This is an album unlike anything I heard in 2012. Geoff Barrow seems to be stuck in 1971 and I hope he stays there, because frankly we need more music like this. It's no secret the man is a fan of krautrock and the band Can and it shows on full display here. From the eerie vocals to the repetitive but immaculate instrumentation, this is a collection of songs that offers a great deal with each listen. I had the luxury of seeing them in concert and while it may not be Portishead, it's most certainly the next best thing.
4) Love This Giant - David Byrne & St. Vincent
Talk about an unlikely duo...but of the best kind. David Byrne is apparently a real stickler when it comes to collaboration,basically, the guy doesn't just work with anybody. I also happen to be a fan of St. Vincent, so when I learned they were going to make a record together, I was ecstatic. However, I was also wondering what the hell it would sound like? The use of a brass band really makes this album stand out, not to mention sound unlike anything in contemporary pop music. Apparently it was St. Vincent's idea and bless her for it. While I am tempted to hear what stripped down versions of these songs would sound like, the textures the brass adds to them are worth savoring. I did get to see these two live and it was a killer show as you probably were guessing. I mean hearing Burning Down the House performed with a brass section? Are you fucking kidding me? Bring it on.
5) Shields - Grizzly Bear
This band rocks let me just say that loud and clear. I've loved their previous albums, so my expectations were pretty high, especially coming after Veckatimest. Luckily they knocked it out of the park on their fourth record and have continued to make fantastic music. The production on this album is stunning. Yes, it's true that they are one of those indie bands that most people have heard of, but who cares? I will always love em. Their sound continues to grow and the melodies....ahh the melodies, they are simply beautiful. "Yet Again" is one of my favorite songs of 2012 and if you haven't heard it yet, why on earth are you reading this blog? Go and download the damn thing now! Yes, that's right, I said download. Don't act like you buy music anymore. Ed Droste's delicate vocals shine all over this record and Daniel Rossen continues to amaze and develop as a songwriter. I finally got to see these guys at the 930 Club ast year and it was damn well worth the wait.
6) Lonerism - Tame Impala
Kevin Parker has gone back in time and is in stuck in the 60s and he's come back to show us what's been missing for the last couple of decades. It probably doesn't hurt that the guy sounds a lot like John Lennon as well. This record was a pretty anticipated one for me as I really enjoyed their first one and was anxious to see where they would go from there. This record does take a number elements of Innerspeaker, but it expands upon them and goes into some wonderful directions. Parker lives and breathes psychedelia and it shows all over this album. I've heard comparisons to The Flaming Lips, but I think this band is different enough and has its own individual style. I mean, come on, "Feels LIke We're Going Backwards" is seriously the catchiest thing I have heard all year and sadly you won't ever hear it on the radio. This band appears like they are on the verge of getting bigger and bigger and frankly they bloody well deserve it. I caught them this past week (don't ask me how I have money to see all these shows) and they killed it.
7) Negotiations - The Helio Sequence
Now this one was sort of difficult to digest. I say this because it's a pretty tough act to follow up Keep Your Eyes Ahead, since well, that thing was a goddamn masterpiece. It's one of my favorite records and was one of my favorites of the past decade, so I can't say it was an easy task, but for the most part, they fulfilled it. This album does share similarities with their last, it's got some epic choruses and a certain boldness to it. Brandon Summers aka the indie Edge (U2 joke), likes to play with his guitar effects and he does it to pretty damn good effect here. Songs like "Downward Spiral" and "Hall of Mirrors" are beautiful sonic soundscapes. I lucked out and was able to see this band perform at the Black Cat and it was a dream to see "The Captive Mind" performed right before my eyes. You'd be hard pressed to guess it's just two guys on the stage. Now that's impressive.
8) Blunderbuss - Jack White
In 2011, it was with great dismay that I learned The White Stripes had broken up. I can't say I was completely surprised, but it did hurt. I never had the chance to see them live and well that's always a bummer. But i was sort of curious as to what solo Jack White would sound like? It's no secret that The White Stripes are basically Jack White. He writes and sings just about everything, no offense to Meg, but she is basically a very famous, but likely well paid session musician. Anyway, this album kicks ass. Seriously, it's probably the first true great rock record of 2012, but Ty Segall has also got a claim on a few of those. "Sixteen Saltines" is the shit, I must've air guitared the hell out of this thing (yes, I still do those kind of things). White is no slouch when it comes to the guitar (or the drums for that matter). He's got two killer back up bands playing with him now and i got to see them both play with him at Lollapalooza. If he's got more records like this in him, he can go solo as long he pleases.
9) Slaughterhouse - Ty Segall Band
Apparently Ty Segall wanted to pull a Ryan Adams. He released three albums in 2012 and they were all awesome (unlike Ryan Adams). This guy, like Kevin Parker and Jack White is also stuck in another dimension, mostly the 70s. He loves some garage rock and protopunk and The Stooges, I would imagine would very much love the hell out of this thing. This records oozes vintage 70s guitar rock and it reminds us why that was a great decade for music. This man makes music that was being made 40 years ago and we need more of that frankly. It's also worth mentioning this guy puts on a fucking show, I mean, I don't think I've seen more crowd surfing (as dumb as I think it is) at a show in sometime. All of his records in 2012 were killer, but this one, after some serious air shredding, spoke to me the most.
10) Out of the Game - Rufus Wainwright
It seems Rufus wants you to dance....wait what? Enlisting producer Mark Ronson was a bold move and one that really payed off. I think Wainwright described this as his most "danceable" record to date and in many ways that's true. It definitely has a pop sensibility to it, not that his other records weren't catchy, but there's something here that makes you want to tap your foot all the more. "Out of the Game" is a great opener and one of my favorite tracks on the album. It features an irresistible riff that makes it one of the pop gems of the year. This man has certainly gotten more recognition of the year, but he's still not kicking Lady GaGa to the curb (not that she should be kicked to it). It was a real treat to see him live and damn can this man play the piano (albeit you probably could guess that if you've ever heard one of his records). Oh and what a voice.
Runners Up:
In Our Heads - Hot Chip
Heaven - The Walkmen
Pink - Four Tet
Synthetica - Metric
PBX Funicular Intaglio Zone - John Frusciante
