8.11.2010

Underrated but not defeated

Solange Knowles, wherever you are, if this ever reaches you, I love you.

You are amazing. I love Beyonce, but damn it your talent cannot be denied or hidden behind anyone. You are an extremely creative art[ist]. Like you said, "Aint nothin' really R&B about me..." but you remain soulful always.

The point behind my rambling is a cover Solange did of the Dirty Projectors' "Stillness is the Move" which is a pretty cool song in its original form. Solange asks everyone (via twitter) to listen to the original version first, then her cover. So honor her wish, my people. It's a cool song.



Listen with open ears, hearts and minds. Enjoy music :)

(the link so the original Dirty Projectors' "Stillness is the Move" has been removed. too large for space. please Youtube the video.)





OK! Now that you have (hopefully) watched/listend to both. How dope is that? Honestly, using Dr. Dre’s “Explosive" and Erykah Badu's “Bag Lady” beat is so crazy to me. I'm buggin' right now. I love this cover.

I heard Solange is working on her new album. Verrrry excited. Can you tell?

Yes, well, that was my excitment for the night. Off to the dreaded homework.

Later days kiddos,
A.B.

8.10.2010

To dream per chance to sleep...


Taken from FilmoFilia.com


It's been about three to four weeks I believe since I've first seen Inception.

I have watched many movies -- trust me Blockbuster basically knows my name and my friends get mad that I say I've seen every movie they want to watch. This film, I dare say, is the best film I have ever seen. Is it my favorite? No. A couple other movies have pulled at my heart strings a little earlier than this. But it is a must see!

Inception is directed and written by Christopher Nolan (also director of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight). This is a movie that if explained, knowing the plot will give away too much. I was glad I walked into the theater slightly blind-sighted. I knew the premise of the film was about dreams, but I had no clue about the psychological aspects as well as the conceptual ideas that would be discussed throughout the movie.

I was left speechless for a good, solid ten minutes after seeing this film and then I went back to see it a second time (in IMAX). I'm sure by now most regular movie-goers have checked out the film; my post is ridiculously late (due to internet troubles). However, what I wanted people to take away is that movies are not as saturated with idiocy and sex. There are films of substance out there, most times not by big name directors such as Nolan and some don't make it to the big screen (just straight to DVD). There are films where people still research what they write, scripts that take years to develop, and graphics with such brilliant technology that when seen you'd believe that movie is your reality for all of 90 to 110 mins.

Support film.

People these days don't go to the theater as much. People don't care about the quality, but rather who is on the screen and if they have celebrity clout. Some people complain films aren't films anymore, just trash. I disagree. Any art grows and changes as well as it's medium, but the appreciation is what worries me.

Later days,

A.B.

7.31.2010

The age old question...

What came first: music or movies?

Film is my first love. I remember growing up in a decade where television was worth watching and you didn’t feel as though you were losing as many brain cells. You know, the late ’80s to the ’90s.

Movies to me were nothing more than a world that’s full of wonder, enchantment and many times sadness. I found myself living through the screen. I knew these characters; I knew their lives. In a way you become a part of the chemistry built on screen.

People who assume movie magic doesn't exist & believe everything is predictable don’t appreciate what they are watching. You are watching a story in movement. If you don’t allow yourself to be swept up in a film and treat yourself like a character, you’ll never experience the range of emotions in which directors, screen writers and actors work to make you feel. The only films that are emotionless are those made without [emotion]. And who wants to see that? We are all emotional creatures; we feed off of it.

I can’t say music is my second love; it may just tie for first.

Sound is as important as a picture. Before movies spoke, there was music and it said all the words necessary. Movies and music are brother and sister. It’s a diffcult thing, describing how music can move you. So I won’t. Just know I’m a fan and I plan to share all of my finds with you :)


It’s all about emotion. If you’re not feeling then you’re not living, then you’re not creating. “Life imitates art, imitates life…” as they say.

And with my lengthy intro, I hope the music & movie critiques are enjoyable. Randomness is my home, so I may throw in some poems/poets. This is all me spilling thoughts from my fingertips...


Later Days,

A.B.