rVibe Blog

I just saw the musical Across The Universe, the musical about the Beatles.  Before seeing it, I read some reviews on rottentomatoes.com that were a little less than flattering.  As a huge Beatles fan, I decided to see it anyway.

I must tell you all that I thought it was absolutely awesome.  The movie tells the story of a man from Liverpool, England named Jude who comes to America to find his father.  He ends up at Princeton University and moves to NYC with a friend he meets there.  In NYC’s Greenwich Village, he is thrown into the anti Vietnam War Movement, falls in love with a girl named Lucy, and lives with such characters as Prudence and Jo Jo.

He gets thrown into a life he never dreamed possible and has his ups and downs in the turbulent time in America.

The story was fantastic, the singing was amazing, and the interpretation of the Beatles’ music was great.
I recommend the movie to all Beatles’ fans.

what would movies be without music?  It’s a question that I was pondering this morning as I was thinking about the Academy Awards that will be broadcast live tonight.  A lot of times, you dont even think about the music in certain movies, but it is an essential part of almost every film.  Music enhances character and plot development, the mood and feel of a scene, and can tell a story all by itself.

So tonight, when you’re sitting at home watching the Oscars, think about the beautiful music that was incorporated into each of the nominated films. 

 And remember to watch as Best Musical Score and Best Song are announced.

Sometimes keeping it simple does work best as this low-budget Irish indie proves. A man singing heartfelt songs meets a woman who is a pianist, and then they make beautiful music togeher.

Leadman of ‘The Frames’, singer-Glen Hansard shows he’s more than ready for a solo career and possible screen stardom. His unltra-poignant lyrics deepen the audience’s sympathies for the central character of he film, a street singer with real talent looking for a break (and some recording studio time).

Of course, any director would consider finding a naturally, charismatic unknown star like Hansard to be a real casting coup, but this film also features a second gem of a performance by Czech singer-pianist Markéta Irglová. As the emigrated ‘girl’ living with her mother and son, Irglova’s
character adds depth to the serendipitous relationship that occurs with the ‘guy’ (Hansard).

No complicated subplots, no games, no scripted banter, just raw emotion and feelings as exemplified in the many fine songs performed throughout the film. This is not a musical, but a film with songs that you won’t soon forget.

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s Once duet “Falling Slowly” garnered a best Song nod, and now it has been confirmed that the duo will perform at the February 24 ceremony. This performance by the Frames frontman and his partner should be a bright spot in the notoriously long show

This will be a performance you will not soon forget!

Oakland, Cali based genre hoppers WHY? pull in assistance from Jimmy Tamborello on a pre-release remix of the we’re-not-sure-what-this-title-means track “By Torpedo Or Crohn’s,” from the outfit’s forthcoming Anticon 7″ The Hollows. Since the album’s a few months off, I’m not too sure how to ID Dntel’s fingerprints on this one, although an educated guess says he greased up that smooth and melodic wordless chorus a good bit. Yoni Wolf’s lyrics read like notes from the urban underground, a man bored of the sights and sounds of present day city-dwelling, served up with a nice slice of CAKE — and a Jeffrey Dahmer reference. I dig.

WHY?’s The Hollows 7″ is out 11/20 and the Alopecia LP is due out March ‘08 both on Anticon.

be sure to  pick it up and check it out

so for the first time in a whlie, I watched the entire Grammy Awards.  I seem to be in the minority as this year’s awards was the 3rd least watched in history.   In my opinion, the show lacks 2 things: 1) actual awards 2) relevant performances.

rougly 75% of the awards are given out before the televised ceremony which is ridiculous.  Awards like best rock song of the year, best rap album, and best solo performance are all NOT shown on TV.  This is a huge problem for the Grammy’s because fans want to see their favorite artists get called to the podium and recieve their award, that’s why people watch.  When most bands are not even in attendance because their category was not on TV, why would those fans watch? 

Secondly, the Grammy performances are ridiculous.  I know this was the 50th anniversary, but they tried to give too much of a history lesson-it almost felt that they were talking down to the average viewer, as if we didnt know who certain artists were.  Also, collaborations are great, but the Grammy’s go too far over the top.  Did anyone see Kid Rock perform.  If you did, you’ll know exactly what I mean.  Why not have an artist play an entire song straight through?  It’s a crazy idea but it just might work…

And finally, if you want more viewers for next year, do not give Album of the Year to Herbie Hancock.  I’m sure he made a fantastic album, but come on, people.  If you want more people to watch your broadcast (especially young people) have someone else win the award, someone that is actually relevant in today’s pop culture scene.  The Grammy’s are notorious for loving older acts, but there comes a point where they need to pass to baton.