Indy Watch

It was a great day to wake up and be a movie fan, Jon Faverou announced Iron Man has officially ended principal photography (bad-ass), Guy Richie has casted Gerard Butler in his latest film and just started shooting (even more bad-ass) and above all else...Steven Spielberg submitted this to www.indianajones.com -its a behind the scenes look at the first day of shooting from the new Indy Film (bad ass is an understatement).

Quick News

It is a Bittersweet Symphony after all, The Verve ended their 8 year dispute and reunited! They have entered the recording studio and are playing a small tour in England in the fall. All of the original members are back, but Simon Tong who is currently busy with his latest band The Good, The Bad and The Queen.

In related news, Weezer is also in the studio. This dismissing reports the band had too broken up or were not planing on making a sixth record. River and the boys hope to have it out by next spring (keep your fingers crossed that is it better than Make Believe).

In the strange, sad and sick events that occurred this weekend to WWE superstar Chris Benoit, his murder/suicide has raised more questions in any celebrity death case than Anna Nicole Smith. This morning Raine Maida singer for the Canadian Rock band Our Lady Peace, who had written the entrance music for Benoit, had this to say via their myspace page: In 2000 Our Lady Peace was asked to write a song for a WWE wrestler. I admit to being heavily influenced by martial arts but entertainment wrestling was never my thing. I knew very little about the sport. Our drummer Jeremy was more the wrestling aficionado in the band. Nevertheless one night in Toronto we met with a professional wrestler for dinner at a local restaurant chain. His name was Chris Benoit. Immediately I was struck by his appearance. Not overly tall but freakishly muscular and wearing a very large neck brace. He had suffered a few herniated discs in his neck days before and was on hiatus until he had surgery and was able to rehab. Throughout the evening we learned about Chris and about the sport. Chris was a purest and came from a true wrestling background. His technical abilities were revered by all who followed him. Above that he seemed like a decent, nice man if not a little tortured. Nothing surprising coming from someone so dedicated to this absurd lifestyle of injuries, painkillers, steroids and constant travel. We ended up recording a theme song for him in Seattle during the next few months. We would see him a couple more times at various shows on tour in the US and he seemed pleased with the song we wrote for him. Today I learned through numerous emails and Myspace comments that Chris Benoit had killed himself along with his 7 year old son and wife. I think back to that dinner we had years ago and struggle to come to grips with the fact that this was Chris' destiny. Assuming the authorities are correct in their assessment, I can't help but think Chris must have been in immeasurable pain both psychologically and physically. We may never know the answers to why this successful man ultimately was unable to handle this world and in no way do I personally absolve him of any guilt concerning the death of his son and wife. I guess I simply feel sad and somewhat shocked that someone I knew briefly had such a terrible and tragic ending to their life.

Indy Watch

The first official on set still of the man with the hat. This photo was taken by Steven Spielberg himself. Cant wait for May 22!

Live Review - Bouncing Souls at Crazy Donkey

In an early show right before Long Island douchbags could pack the Crazy Donkey and fist pump to poor prefabricated beats and chug down cheep lager, New Jersey's finest The Bouncing Souls filled out the some times rock joint, sometimes dance club on a steamy summer evening and turned it into an all out free for all. Arriving on stage to Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run," a Souls opening theme staple, the power-punkers jumped right into "The Gold Song," off their 2006 release The Gold Record. Yet, right away it was obvious why the Souls are so good at what they do and why they love doing it, the simple answer lies right in the bands fan appreciation. The fans were chanting the words to each song the Souls thrashed through and sometimes to the point of over powering singer Greg Antonito, that he would stand on stage with a smile from ear to ear and let the crowd become the front man. After going through a slew of new tracks, the band went into their greatest hits, songs like "Johnny X," "East Coast! Fuck You!," and "True Believers," took the show to new heights and the crowd reciprocated the feeling. This was the second to last show for the punk vets, winding down a small tour with The Loved Ones, I Am The Avalanche and Static Radio. The Loved Ones were the stand out opener, this should come to no surprise to any fan (like myself). The Loved Ones were a perfect compliment to go right on before the punk legends took their places. A fast, furious and fun show and sometimes nostalgic, the crowd were dressed as if they were coming right from the Bowery or Asbury Park into the small Long Island venue. I hadn't seen so many Mohawks, checkered belts and greased hair since the days of The Vanderbilt during the late 90's Ska scene. It was great to reminisce and enjoy.

Playlist

Here are 10 tracks in heavy rotation on my Ipod...check them out:

- Amy Winehouse - "Back to Black"
- Jenny Owen Youngs - "Fuck Was I"
- Bjork - "Wanderlust"
- The Bravery - "Every Word From Your Mouth Is a Knife In My Ear"
- Air - "Once Upon A Time"
- The Frames - "The Stars Are Underground"
- Maximo Park - "Girls Who Play Guitars"
- Arckid - "I'll Stick Around"
- Fire Flies - "The Receiver"
- The Arcade Fire - "Keep The Car Running"

Indy Watch

FILMING HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN!!! Director Steven Speilberg yelled "Action," The Fourth Installment of Indiana Jones on June 18. In more Indy news, actor Jim Broadbent (Gangs of New York, Brazil) has joined the cast and will play a Yale Professor in the latest action/adventure.

Quick News

Head on over to the all new Coldplay.com, the band really re-worked their site and made it more fan friendly with videos, an interactive time line of the bands history and other fun stuff...check it out www.coldplay.com

Word on the street is that the producers behind the latest James Bond installment, tentatively titled Bond 22, would like Neo Soul Diva Amy Winehouse to sing the theme song. Sounds like a great choice and great addition to the Bond Renaissance.

Buzz Band The National's 6/20 performance at D.C.'s 9:30 will be airing on National Public Radio. Head on over to www.npr.org to listen/download the concert.

Fan of the Smashing Pumpkins? Well to celebrate the Pumpkins getting back together (or just 1/2 the band), Spin Magazine is giving away a free Pumpkins tribute CD with the purchase of this months issue. It features covers from The Bravery, The Academy Is..., Panic! At the Disco, (+44), Young Love and many more.

Speaking of reunions...or sorta-reunions, The Beatles are getting back together!!! Or just doing a talk show , former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will be joined by Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison will come together on June 26 on Larry King Live.

Arckid Vid

ARCKID - I'll Stick Around


Hey remember the band Spacehog? Well here are a couple of the members new band called Arckid, and this is their debut video for "Ill Stick Around." The video was directed by Joaquin Phoenix, good to see their was no bad blood between Arckid/Spacehog member Royston Langdon since he is married to Liv Tyler--who used to date Phoenix. Check it out, the song is dope!

BUY NOW!!!!!!!

Buy Now!!!!!!!
Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur
Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full
Fire Flies - Two New Sciences! (Recommended if you like: David Bowie, Flaming Lips, OLD Snow Patrol... Two New Sciences! will be available on Itunes soon, but for now you can get it directly from the band at www.myspace.com/firefliesmusic )

Currently Spinning:
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
The Bravery - The Sun and the Moon
The Police - Synchronicity

Live Review-FireFlies at Crash Mansion

On a sweaty Friday night in New York City, hundreds of hipsters crammed into the Bowery residency known as the Crash Mansion not just to take advantage of the open bar, but to celebrate the sophomore release of the greatest band you never herd--Purchase, NY's FireFlies. Just before 11pm, the crowd began chanting and stomping the ground to the syllables that break down the bands name, as the band emerged from stage left and took their places, the DI machine next to drummer Seth Faulk began playing programmed beats and singer/guitarist Dan Romer opened his mouth and before he could get a note out, the crowd erupted as if someone just lit a stuffed cannon. Opening with "Mechanical Love," the lead single from their new album Two New Sciences!, FireFlies created a dance party reminiscent of another Bowery location during Punks Prime. These four gentlemen were unstoppable and so was the audience, only fueling and reloading that cannon before each song. As they stormed through tracks off the new record, the band invited close friends and fellow musicians up on stage to sing in a Polyphonic Spree influenced choir, only enhancing the sound and energy even more. As the band were joined by close friends singing back-up, the crowd jumping around, and proud parents of the band members looking on...not to mention actress Liv Tyler (who was their to support her husband, Former SpaceHog front man Royston Langdon's new band Arckid), singer Dan Romer was almost reduced to tears as he was full of emotion singing the breakdown to "The Receiver." The Fireflies have a lot to be proud of, the release of Two New Sciences!, is a record five years in the making and now its just their career that is in the making, they could single handidly be the greatest band your NEVER herd. My suggestion is check them out and buy the new album, its brilliant. For more on Fireflies, head on over to their Myspace page http://www.myspace.com/firefliesmusic and go see them!!!

?Loves Record Collection

The hardest working man in music, Roots drummer ?Love takes you on a tour of his record library.

I Am Legend Trailer

As I reported last week with the poster of I Am Legend, a film I worked on in the fall....here is the link to check out the trailer if you have not already.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/iamlegend/

Indy Watch

As the days get closer to principle photography more locations and names are being announced as per the Fourth Installment of Indiana Jones. As of now Spielberg and Co. are looking to transform a New Mexico town to look like post World War II Morocco. The art department has gotten underway, changing the atmosphere and will be ready by the time initial filming wraps in New Haven, CT.

Shadow's Fall Video Game

Like the band Shadows Fall? Well check out this game and you can win Guitar Hero II and other dope prizes. shadowsfall.com/roadtoredemption

Indy Watch

So it is official..Sean Connery will NOT be coming back in the fourth installment on Indiana Jones to play the hatted crusaders father. Connery released this statement about his decision:

"I get asked the question so often, I thought it best to make an announcement. I thought long and hard about it and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film. I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun. I, do however, have one bit of advice for Junior: Demand that the critters be digital, the cliffs be low, and for goodness sake keep that whip by your side at all times in case you need to escape from the stunt coordinator! This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, 'Break a leg, everyone.' I'll see you on May 22, 2008 at the theater!" (thanks to comingsoon.net)

In related news..actor John Hurt has joined the cast. The film will begin shooting later this month and hits theaters next year.

I Am Legend Poster

Back in October I was a Production Assistant on the film I Am Legend, starring Will Smith. The trailer hits theaters this weekend and the movie opens up in December. As of now here is the poster:

Movie of the Month - "Munich"

I guess one can call it sac-religious to be an aspiring filmmaker and lose faith, or become discouraged by the work of Steven Spielberg. However, between the years 1998-2005, his projects began to get under my skin and I began questioning his integrity. After Saving Private Ryan, Spielberg decided to become what Michael Bay is aspiring to be--a big budget, bad story telling, action director. With the exception of Catch Me If You Can, his work, both as a director and as a producer began to infuriate me. Then in the fall if 2005, my views, expressions and just about everything else changed. The release of Munich, not only had me suspended in the theater like a man walking a tightrope, but I quickly became infatuated with the way Spielberg told this story. Munich is about the events following the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, when 11 Israeli athletes where taken hostage and later killed. Munich, explores the after-math the state of Israel had taken on those who planned the attack. The film, starring Eric Bana, Daniel Craig and Geoffrey Rush explores the dark side of humanity and the question "is revenge the best option?" Its story is as relative today, living in a post 9/11 society as the Iraelis living with fear and lose at those Olympic games. The film was sought to critical praise, yet it was overshadowed at award season due to the controversial Brokeback Mountain and Crash. Their is something about this movie that has since drawn me to it time and time again. After I first saw it in theaters, whether its the lighting, cinematography, performance, costume design or just the unconventional and relentless story telling from Tony Kushner's script that had me on the edge of my seat, and still does for its near three hour duration, its presentation and look was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Since Munich, my mouth has been shut and my view of Spielberg has gone back to the days when I was a child watching his early work. I guess, much like the film itself, everyone needs to question their authorities.

Quick News

Martin Scorsese has officially announced a theatrical release date for his documentary Shine a Light, about the history of The Rolling Stones. The film is slated to hit theaters September 21.

Sad news to report...John Pike, drummer for RaRa Riot went missing over the weekend after a party in Fairhaven, Ma. His body turned up Sunday afternoon in 7 feet of water at Buzzards Bay. My thoughts and prayers go out to the band. RaRa Riot was a band I had brought to your attention, if they didn't do it themselves in February in a post entitled "Sounds from the Underground." RaRa was on the verge of much success and I hope the spirit of Pike lives in the rest of his band mates and they continue on.

Also, U2 has entered a studio in Morocco with Daniel Lanios and Brian Eno, the duo behind Achtung Baby, The Unforgettable Fire and The Joshua Tree. The band plans to stay in Morocco all summer to write and record new material. No word on when the album will come out, yet on U2.com they released this photo from inside the studio:

Underrated Classic - Stone Temple Pilots "No.4"

What could go down as one of the greatest comeback albums in music history, 1999's No.4 by Stone Temple Pilots is like a prize fighter coming back in the 12th after getting knocked down and beaten in previous rounds and firing back with everything he's got to get the crowd at their feet. Fueled by the single and lead track "Down," No.4 put the California grunge-post grunge rockers back on the map and on the charts. After famously battling drugs and stints in rehab, singer Scott Wieland returned to his former band mates after a three year hiatus to produce one of the end of the centuries finest. Produced by unofficial fifth member, Brendan O'Brien, No.4 was a much darker, louder and vicious look at the band that was written off as a Pearl Jam rip-off. It was a record that dealt with spiritual daemons as showcased on the songs "Church on Tuesday," "Sex and Violence," and "Heaven and Hot Rods," as well as personal inner conflict from tracks such as "Atlanta," "Glide," and "No Way Out." It was also a record that dealt with relationships, both of marital (Weiland's wife and son) and fraternal (Weiland's band mates) displayed on songs like "Sour Girl," and "I Got You." Yet No. 4 with its simple cover and black sleeve was a venture that was hailed by both fans and critics and yet seems to be the record they are least remembered for. The bands first two efforts, 1992's Core and 1994's Purple saw an alternative edge to heavy hitting grunge scene, this possibly because STP hails from California, NOT Seattle. However, by the time of their third release 1996's experimental dive into art rock Tiny Music...Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop, was a critical disaster. Soon after, the band hit rock bottom and went on indefinite hiatus. Going in and out of rehab faster than some of today's pop starts, Scott Wieland was on the edge of death and despair. Yet, in the hiatus Wieland recorded a solo record, and a fantastic one at that, 1998's 12 Bar Blues and the other members of the band, the DeLeo Brothers and drummer Eric Krietz formed the rock-flop Talk Show. After nearly three years apart, the band mates reconciled and delivered No.4. If this was going to be a make-0r-break record, a comeback record, or even their last record, they made sure they weren't going quietly.

As Tall As Lions Video

One of the best bands to emerge out of Long Island in years..As Tall As Lions, have finally released a video for the single "Love Love Love (Love Love)." Check it out.

Coldplay/Bloc Party Mash-Up

Two of my Favorite British acts collide on a great Mash-up from ToTom...its the combo of Coldplays "In My Place" and Bloc Party's "Hunting for Witches." If the player has issues opening..Right click here and Save As for the FREE MP3...

http://downloads.pitchforkmedia.com/Bloc%20Party%20vs.%20Coldplay%20-%20Hunting%20for%20Witches%20in%20My%20Place.mp3