Foxes In The Hen House

Hey kids what time is it?  It's weekly music pick time!  It is time again for me to share what I am listening to this week.  

A couple of weeks ago I was watching Letterman when I saw a band making their TV debut (this is rare for me, as I often don't stay up to watch the musical guest).  It was a group called The Fleet Foxes.  Click the link below to go to youtube and see what I saw.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gke4USY8EE

I went out the very next day and got their album.  Well, I really didn't go anywhere.  I just downloaded the album (Although I still have mixed feelings about that technology).  It is a hard type of music to describe.  It sounds retro yet new at the same time.  I can hear some influences of groups like The Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills, & Don't Forget Nash in the harmonies, but it also has an indie edge as one would expect from a band from Seattle. After all, that's where both Nirvana and the grunge-sound was born.

Their music is warm and fun.  I guess one could describe it as a type of folk-rock, but I really hate putting labels on music.  It is either good or it isn't.  It is either worth  listening to and spending money on, or it is not.  And in my opinion, this group delivers the goods.  The Fleet Foxes don't really sound much like what is out there right now, what with the decline of most pop music (That's right, I'm talking about you Jonas Brothers) so they should at least be worth a listen.

So, check out The Fleet Foxes album.  At the very least listen to a 20-second sample sample on iTunes.  I would recommend 'White Winter Hymnal', 'Blue Ridge Mountains', or 'Ragged Wood'. But really the whole album is worth checking out.  Now I bet you can't wait to find out what I'll be listening to next week.  Neither can I.

We Were Running With The Knight

Getting back to the the new TV season; It really does seem as if there are not any new ideas, just copies of old ones.  Case in point, the big show on NBC this year is about a black sports car that talks.  No it's not a remake of 'My Mother The Car' (Though anything with a Van Dyke in it you got to love, even if it's not Dick), it's a little show called 'Knight Rider'.  Now I may be crazy but I'm pretty sure there was another show called 'Knight Rider' that I used to watch back in the 80's.  

That's right, the Knight Industries Two-Thousand (or KITT) is back and is supposedly better than ever.  The only difference with this new one is that  a) Due to the popularity of a certain Michael Bay film, apparently KITT is now a transformer, and  b) Instead of the the brilliant stage actor William Daniels voicing the car, we now get a monotone Val Kilmer. 

I always liked Val Kilmer and thought he was a pretty cool actor who often chose avant garde projects for himself.  So what is he doing in a two-bit crappy knock-off of a cult 80's TV show?  Maybe a couple hours a month in a sound booth gives him a pretty good paycheck.  Or maybe he just finally realized that no matter how hard he tries to stretch himself as an actor, he will never be able to top the cinematic classic 'Real Genius' (though his performance in 'Top Secret' comes terribly close).

Even though David Hasselhoff may say differently, KITT was the real star of 'Knight Rider'.  He looked sleek and cool, he could turbo-boost through the back of a semi-trailer, but best of all KITT was funny.  The car had a great personality that would often criticize and make fun of The Hoff.  The William Daniels voice was warm and engaging, making you care about the car as a real character. When I watched NBC's back-door pilot last spring, there was zero character in

 the KITT car.  It wasn't something you cared about, it was just a car that could do cool things. That gets old pretty quick.

Now I'm only judging this based on the pilot I saw last spring.  Hopefully, NBC has fixed these problems for the series coming this fall.  It may be this incarnation of 'Knight Rider' will go the way of NBC's terrible update of 'The Bionic Woman' last year.  In any case, it simply shows that there are few new ideas bouncing around Hollywood. 

P.S.  Did you know that KITT the car had an evil twin named KARR? Also, throughout Latin America 'Knight Rider' is known as 'El Auto Fantastico'.  Oh--And do you remember when both David Hasselhoff and KITT guest-starred on 'Diff'rent Strokes'?  That was awesome!  They almost blew up Arnold!  It was hilarious!

Fringe Benefits On Mars

I watched the series premiere of 'Fringe' last night on Fox.  It was a pretty cool little show about FBI agents who investigate crime dealing with pseudo-science or the so called "fringe" sciences. You know, teleportation, remote-viewing, psychic abilities, time-travel, and other strange scientific theories from outside the norm.  If the show sounds familiar that's because there was once a little show called 'The X-files' about FBI agents who investigated cases dealing with the unexplainable.  Do I mind this somewhat of a knock-off show? Not really.  After all, I am a sci-fi fan who loved the original X-files, so why wouldn't I want to watch a new version of a show I already liked.

I'm not sure how long 'Fringe' will be on the air.  Networks tend to not have a lot of patience for genre shows these days.  Besides, it's on Fox, which is notorious for for not being able to market their shows, even when they're excellent (Think 'Arrested Development', 'Firefly', or 'Back To You'; Fox has a terrible track record handling quality).

Watching 'Fringe' got me thinking about the new Fall TV schedule and if anything will be worth watching.  I gotta say, it looks pretty weak this year.  It might have to do with the shortened pilot season due to the writer's strike, but most the new shows don't seem to promising.

About a year and a half ago I got really into a BBC show called 'Life On Mars.'  It was a cool little British show about a modern-day cop who gets hit by a car, and wakes up in the year 1973. I know it sounds silly, but it was cool to watch a cop show that didn't simply dust for prints or look for DNA samples.  It was a story about how a modern cop used his knowledge future crime solving techniques to examine cases in the past.  Plus, the 70's served as a great backdrop for a bunch of non-politically correct characters.  Racism, sexism, and -ism you wanted was fair game as long at it existed in the past, which made the show different than all the other cop shows on TV.

In any case, just like American television had done before (Coupling, The Office, Big Brother, etc.), this fall there is an American version of 'Life On Mars' coming to ABC.  Will it be as good as the original?  Probably not.  I had this same trepidation about the American version of 'The Office' and I resisted liking it for a long while because I was such a fan of the original.  In time though, 'The Office' became its own show with its own characters and tone.  Once it stopped being a copy of the other show, I began to like it more and more.

Will this happen with the new 'Life On Mars'?  Who knows?  If the commercials I see on TV are any indication, the show might be terrible.  They did however get Chief O'Brien from 'Star Trek Deep Space Nine' and Harvey Keitel to be on this new version, which might be fun.  Seeing Harvey as a tough 1970's era police captain certainly sounds interesting. However, it is such a tricky premise that if it is not done right, it won't work at all.  All I can say for sure is that you should check out the original show if you have the chance.

That's all for now.  Stay tuned for more thoughts on this Fall's TV schedule.

And Now For Something Completely Different.

Did you know about these?

It turns out bacon dispensers can now be found in most public restrooms.  Wow!  The world is just Awesome!

The Ever Approaching Digital Thunderstorm

Well, I'm a little late on my blog entry today because sadly enough, I had to go to work. Well it wasn't really a "job" job, it was more like a "pre-job to get a bigger job down the road" job. You see, today we were shooting a series of camera tests to determine what format we would be using in an upcoming series of TV commercials. We were shooting two different cameras side by side to see what differences there were as well as the pros and cons of each. It was a Smackdown of tremendous play, between the new digital "Red" Camera and a good old fashioned 35mm film camera (Arri 435).

Now I'm partial to the film look myself. It just has a more organic feel, and for visuals, it just has such a soft, dreamy quality to it. There is something about the photo-chemical process that just make images look cool. In contrast, digital cameras are much sharper, with their own distinct look that is very bright and very real and immediate. Both formats are fine. They are just different. 

Now if your saying, "I can't see the difference!" or "What is he talking about?" a good example is found right on TV. Soap operas are shot on video. Most TV dramas are shot on 35mm film. You know how you can immediately identify a Soap Opera when you are flipping through the channels. That's because they have that special glossy 'look'. Granted part of that is the crappy studio lighting they use because they shoot so much material in a given week, but a lot of it is the video format they shoot on.  In contrast, TV dramas shoot on film, giving the show a "movie quality" look that is highly sought after. 

Which is better? Well that is a matter of much debate; leading us in the film industry into the era of the format wars. HD video is certainly cheaper and often faster. But film has been in use for almost 100 years, and in that time we have worked most the bugs out. HD video on the other hand is a new beast, with new problems. There are software problems, electrical problems, design problems, not to mention that everything is made of plastic. Film cameras are often made of cast-iron! You know why? Making movies is a rough business. We are always rigging the camera on the hood of a moving car or on top of a twenty foot ladder on top of a rock face. We do crazy stuff like that to get the shot! These little plastic video cameras are mostly designed for in studio interview work. And most movies aren't made in the comfort of a studio space.

I think content is the most important thing when picking a format. I've seen HD video that works great and I've seen it crumble to pieces. For example, the movie 'Collateral' with Tom Cruise was shot on HD and looks great. Something about that film's story and its style just worked with the video look. In contrast, the Adam Sandler movie 'Click' was shot HD and it looks pretty much like a cartoon. It is so bright and sharp that it makes the characters and story fall flat. This is a case of the video style just not working with the content of the film.

Well, I'm anxiously awaiting the results of the tests we shot today. The Red camera is supposed to be something new, with its own look that is closer to film than most digital video. The camera itself has its own little quirks that are a pain to deal with for an old film guy like me. But lately I find I just have wake up and join the digital revolution so that I can keep working.

So come on! Join the revolution toady!

Great Albums From The Legends

Yesterday I drove down to my local Best-Buy for one significant reason.  Brain Wilson has a new album.  It's called 'That Lucky Old Sun."  For those of you who don't know, Brian Wilson was the legendary arranger, writer and creator of The Beach Boys back in the 60's.  He is by no stretch of the imagination a musical genius.  It was his talent and creativity which led to the groundbreaking 'Pet Sounds' album, which many consider to be the greatest rock album of all time (Yes I said it--all you Beatles 'Revolver' fans will just have to eat it).  

An album of new material from the great Brian Wilson is great news for us fans.  Brian has only released three other solo albums of original material (the other solo albums have been live

recordings or reworkings of classic Beach Boys songs, like on the excellent 'Smile' album) over the last twenty five years.  So any new tunes from this genius are great to hear.  So far, I'm half way through 'That Lucky Old Sun,' and it's great.

It also got me thinking about a number of great albums recently released by other musical legends. My wife Cakes says she likes new records from old artists because they are at a stage in their careers when they no longer have anything to prove.  They are just talented people sharing their music, without all the hype and flash normally associated with today's current music scene.

Don't get me wrong.  I love the music of today.  It is just that some older performers could really teach those young tykes and thing or two about music and song-writing.  So, without further adui, here are my picks for the best new albums from old artists. Enjoy!

1.  Neil Diamond  -  Home Before Dark

This is Neil's 2nd album with legendary music producer Rick Rubin (His first, '12 Songs' is great too!).  It harkens back to the glory days of Neil, great tunes without the overly orchestrated sound that haunted Neil through so much of the 80's and 90's. This is a fun record that reminds you of Neil's early glory days. Check out the tune "Pretty Amazing Grace."

2.  Richie Havens  -  Nobody Left To Crown

Yes this guy is still around.  The legendary singer/songwriter (Heck, this guy played at the original Woodstock!) is back with a new album of both new material and some great cover songs that he makes all his own.  Specifically, The Who's "Won't get Fooled Again" which I guess most people only know as CSI Miami's theme song.  Isn't is a shame what has happened to Rock N' Roll. Try his first track of the record, "The Key."

3.  Glen Campbell  -  Meet Glen Campbell

That's right. Mr. Rhinestone Cowboy is back; but it's not really what you think.  I myself am not a big country music fan, but I am a fan of good songs, and that is what we have here. It is similar to many of Johnny Cash's latter 'American Recordings' with Glen singing great cover songs from current artists like The Foo Fighters "Times Like These" and U2's "All I Want Is You." You should check out his track called "Sing."

4.  Randy Newman  -  Harps And Angels

Before Randy Newman became a movie-soundtrack composer and Pixar's go-to guy for sentimental moments in their animated films, Randy Newman wrote pop songs.  In fact his 1972 album 'Sail Away' is one of the aforementioned Brian Wilson's favorites albums of all time.  What I've always liked about Newman's tunes is the way he writes his songs as a specific character.  Most artists only write through their own eyes, but Randy Newman writes songs like an actor would, finding a whole different person and creating the song from their perspective. It's so brilliant.  And he's back at it again with new songs on 'Harps And Angels'.  His tune "Easy Street" has the charm and humor we expect from Randy Newman.

5.  Tom Petty  -  Highway Companion

This album is actually two years old.  But nobody I know has ever listened to it or even heard anything about it. I guess they don't play this stuff on the radio any more (Hey--isn't that what Tom Petty's song "The Last DJ" was about?).  Tom Petty did this one himself, without all those Heartbreakers.  It is so rare these days to have every track on an album be great, but that is what Petty has accomplished with this record.  Every song is great!  Find this album and enjoy it!  That's an order.

You know, I could probably think of a lot more, but I'll save it for another day.  Have any new records from established artists I should be aware of? Let me know.  I'm always looking for new music.

Blue Jamocha Buffalos In Mesquite

I'm not proud to admit it, but for some reason I ate at an Arby's yesterday.  I don't know why. I'm not particularly fond of Arby's, but I guess it was where I stopped when hunger found me. While I was there I took the time to enjoy the best thing about Arby's (No, not the Beef n' Cheddar, but those are mighty tasty--but I don't think that's really cheddar), the Jamocha Shake.

Yes the Jamocha shake, one of the only reasons to stop at an Arby's. Well, that and if it's the only place to eat near where you stopped to get gas while on a road trip.  Anyway, I enjoyed my jamocha shake but I suddenly had a certain realization.  I don't even know what jamocha is.  I find it strange that we as a society so often consume things without even knowing what they are.  I have never been anywhere other than Arby's where I have had a jamocha-flavored-something.  Which leads me to one and only conclusion.  Jamocha is a fake flavor.

Now I know people may say that jamocha is some type of coffee bean.  But if that's true, why don't they call the Arby's shakes coffee shakes.  Seriously, the only other time besides this shake that I've seen the word jamocha used is in the name of a style of granite counter-tops. That's it.  Arby's shakes and counter tops.  Does that sound like a real flavor to you? 

It is just another item in the long line of fake flavors the food industry had been trying to sell us for years.  When I was a kid, on a hot summer day my Mom would often give us popsicles.  They came in a big cellophane bag that listed the five "flavors."  The flavors were Cherry, Banana, Orange, Grape, and Blue.  Which of these items to you think doesn't belong?  That's right.  Blue is a color, not a fruit. 

Now there will be some who say, the blue popsicle is in fact raspberry flavored.  To them I say, really?  Have you ever seen a blue raspberry?  Does that really taste like a raspberry to you? Seriously?  If somebody said blueberry I might believe them, I mean, they're blue right?  Even the makers of the popsicles knew that calling it raspberry was a stretch, that's why they called them blue.  Blue is a fake flavor.

Jerry Seinfeld once made a joke about the flavor "Mesquite" where he wondered if the flavor came from mosquitos.  That actually would make sense because who knows what a "mesquite" really tastes like.  If I went to Mesquite, Nevada (where I assume this flavor is referencing) got on the ground and ate the dirt, I bet it would taste absolutely nothing like the so called "flavor" mesquite.

I want flavors that describe what they really are.  Lemon Pepper? Check.  I know what both lemons and pepper taste like.  Orange Sesame?  Okay.  I am familiar with both oranges and sesame seeds, so I'm with you.  Barbecue? Well, I can sort of see where you are going with that. Buffalo?  Now hold on a second.

Buffalo sauce doe not taste anything like an actual buffalo.  Just like mesquite, it is a fake flavor. If I caught a buffalo and bit into him, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be tangy and spicy like the sauce.  It would probably just taste like hair.  

We eat so many artificial colors and flavors in a day anyway.  Doesn't it seem fair to just name things correctly, so that I at least have a fighting chance of knowing what I'm consuming.  I know there is a whole army of fake flavors out there, just waiting for unsuspecting people to accept them as real, and begin consuming mass quantities.  

Got a fake flavor I should know about?  Let me know.

Jumping The Shark vs. Nuking The Fridge

Hello to all visitors and anonymous captains of the blog-a-sphere.  Welcome to Raf's rants and raves, where I (Rafael) spew my everyday mussings on things both super-cool and terribly bothersome.  And often, just random comments on what's on my mind. 

Today's issue: Jumping The Shark.

Many people have heard this expression and know that it relates to the classic 'Happy Days' episode in which Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli (That's right, I know his full name! For some reason I also know that Potsie's real name was Warren Webber and that Richie once had an older brother named Chuck; too muck Nick At Nite I guess.) literally jumped over a shark while on water skis.  Seriously, this really happened on network television.

I think the real question here in not why would a popular show do such a ridiculous stunt, but why would Fonzie risk ruining his leather jacket by wearing it water-skiing in the ocean?  I'm no expert on leather maintenance, but wouldn't salt water do significant damage to leather? Fonzie, as a biker and leather aficionado should certainly know this. And boy those are some short shorts!

Now that I got that out of the way, let me get to my real point.

There are currently campaigns going on in certain circles to retire the phrase "jump the shark" and replace with the new and updated phrase "nuke the fridge."  This new phrase is meant to reflect a certain scene in the new Indiana Jones film in which our hero escapes a nuclear bomb by hiding in a lead-lined refrigerator.

Okay, let me just say this. Nuking the fridge is nothing like jumping the shark.  One was on the water while the other was in the desert.  A shark is an animal, while a nuclear blast is a man-made weapon.  Fonzie's leather jacket was black, while Indy's was brown.  See completely different!

Anyway, the point that these phrases develop in order to describe when a TV or film series has gone too far is in itself rather silly.  I mean, entertainment is supposed to be fun and escapist, so why do we always have to apply logic and common sense to the worlds they present?

Also, there's a reason that these phrases can catch on and not something like "Turning the world backwards" (From Superman), "Luke and Leia are related" (From Return of the Jedi), "Rocky Beats Clubber Lang" (from Rocky III), or "Mr. Darcy falls for Bridget" (From Bridget Jones's Diary) which are all just as unlikely and unbelievable scenarios as jumping a shark or nuking a fridge.

The reason is we just hold iconic cool guys like The Fonz and Indiana Jones to higher standards, which really isn't fair.  They exist to entertain, and I for one was very entertained both when Fonzie cleared the shark and gave his friends the thumbs up, and when Indy emerged from the fridge to peer back at the explosion in Doomtown.  It was great fun.  Which is what it was supposed to be. So let's not freak out and create a new phrase the next time something silly happens in entertainment, because I guarantee it will happen again.