For Once, they got it right

I generally have ambivalence towards the Oscars since I am curious about the winners, but can't stand the self-congratulatory narcissism of the entire event. But finding out that Once got this award last night really, really made my day.

The best things out of Hollywood, don't come from Hollywood.

If you are a fan of U2...

Make sure you don't miss the U2 3D Imax movie. It was a blast! I relieved the entire concert experience in the theater... well, as much as you can at a Cinemark with questionably clean 3d glasses on your face.

But seriously... it was greatness.

Instant Classic

First, it was Stardust. I followed that up with the gripping and unforgettable western 3:10 to Yuma. But last night . . . the experience I had last night at the Angelika was beguiling.

Once was so intensely likable and emotively bittersweet, I had a hard time letting it go once the credits rolled. I find myself forgetting that the story wasn't real. This independent film from Ireland brims with genuine charm. The characters are authentic. The music is gripping. I'm not overstating it when I say it instantly became one of my all-time favorite films.

Watch the trailer and then go see this film. You won't regret it.

Rest in peace, Luciano

One of the greatest voices of our time. He will be missed.

Four hands on the guitar

Thanks to Patrick for this treat.

Stardust

Half way through the movie Shelley turned to me and said, "This movie is awesome. Thanks for bringing me!" She repeated those words as the credits started rolling.

A fantastical adventure wrapped inside a love story - this movie was greatness.

Meet Paul Potts

If you haven't yet heard about Paul Potts, that is about to change. Tonight he was declared the winner of Britain's Got Talent. I've posted his audition video here. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as we did.

(Thanks to Patrick for bringing this to my attention.)

Lost

Tonight's season finale of Lost was incredible.

Day on the Green

If you are free... I, along with a few of my chums, will be playing some music at a little event called "Day on the Green".

Read My Mind

I love this song.

The Namesake

Powerful and incredibly moving. I recommend this movie with no reservations.

(On a different note, we also went and saw Will Ferrell's "Blades of Glory" last weekend... hilarious!)

Three things

First...

(you can click the images above for a slightly closer look)

Secondly...
After watching the season finale of Friday Night Lights last night, I have to say that this is my favorite show on television since The Wonder Years. This show is unbelievably authentic, moving and just plain good.

Thirdly...

The character of Matt Seresen on FNL, played by Zach Gilford, has an uncanny resemblance to one of my favorite American soccer players named Steve Cherundolo. See for yourself.

So many choices.

I've got a $20 iTunes e-gift-certificate burning a hole in my inbox. Any advice?

Creative inspiration

Another example why Coca-Cola has some of the most creative ads on television. (I love the dancing mice)

Amazing Grace

Caught Amazing Grace this weekend. Inspirational. Encouraging. Gripping. I was very moved by this film.

Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights is, by far, our favorite new show. I read, elsewhere, the show described as follows:

"...each and every episode of this NBC series is top-notch and strikes me as some of the best acting, production, writing and passion on television. It is also honest and simple in ways that Grey's Anatomy or Lost (both good shows) are not."

We recommend you check it out, if you haven't already. Don't be surprised when you realize it's not about football.

Hamburg Song

I don't wanna be adored
Don't wanna be first in line
Or make myself heard
I'd like to bring a little light
To shine a light on your life
To make you feel loved

No, don't wanna be the only one you know
I wanna be the place you call home

I lay myself down
To make it so, but you don't want to know
I give much more
Than I'd ever ask for

Will you see me in the end
Or is it just a waste of time
Trying to be your friend
Just shine, shine, shine
Shine a little light
Shine a light on my life
Warm me up again

Fool, I wonder if you know yourself at all
You know that it could be so simple

I lay myself down
To make it so, but you don't want to know
You take much more
Than I'd ever ask for

Say a word or two to brighten my day
Do you think that you could see your way

To lay yourself down
And make it so, but you don't want to know
You take much more
Than I'd ever ask for

Lady in the Water

Here is my opinion: M. Night Shyamalan is one of the most creative and captivating story tellers of the modern hollywood era.

A Diamond is forever

But now I
Look at the night
And it don't seem so lonely
We fill it up with only two
And when I hurt
Hurtin' runs off my shoulders
How can I hurt when I'm with you

Nothing like a little Neil to brighten up an afternoon at the office.

Dancing Queen

Shelley and I went and saw the musical "Mamma Mia" at Fair Park yesterday. I didn't know much about the show before we went, but had read some rave reviews - so I was optimistic. As it turned out, I would rate it as a mediocre (yet quite humorous) show - but there was one very interesting surprise.

The entire show was based around the music of "Abba". One of the members of Abba had taken a bunch of their songs and weaved a story around them that he turned into a Broadway hit and worldwide-touring musical. I think that's pretty fun. The story itself had a lot of promise- but the ending is extremely anti-climatic. It felt like the ending of a Mexican soap opera with all the loose ends being tied up in neither predictable nor unpredictable fashion, just in a dissatisfying and very corny way. (Am I the only one who has ever watched a Mexican soap opera series finale?)

The saving grace for the show was that after the story ends, they reprise some of the best songs from the show. It saved the day for me, in fact. It removed the enormous eye roll I had after the conclusion of the story.

As a fan of Abba's music, that was fun.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Set your Tivo. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Thursday nights at 9.

If you enjoy the sharp and edgy humor of shows like Arrested Development and Curb Your Enthusiasm, this might just tickle your fancy.

Goal: The Dream Begins

Shelley and I went and saw "Goal" last night. In a word: awesome.

The Da Vinci Code

Motivated by curiosity, a desire to have an informed opinion, and a general interest in reading an exciting story, I picked up the book this weekend and am racing to finish it before the movie release on Friday. I am about half way through and am definitely gripped by fast-paced suspense of the story.

I'm looking forward to the rest of it, but that's all I will say for now. More on tihs later.

Extra, Extra

Quick Magazine in Dallas had a write up about The Royal Blue yesterday. Fun stuff.

U2

The U2 concert was absolutely unbelievable. We had wonderful seats right up near the stage, the music was beautiful, the production was outstanding and overall... I feel like my words do not do it justice.
Without a doubt, the best concert I have ever been to.

Also, there was a very lucky fan at the show that got to come up on stage and play a song with the band. Unreal!

Wicked

This past weekend Shelley and I went and saw a splendid new musical called "Wicked" at the Fair Park Music Hall.

What is Wicked about, you ask? (yes... I believe you just asked.)
The Playbill summarizes it as follows:

Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most spellbinding new musical in years.

Shelley and I both absolutely loved the show. It was both very funny and heartwarming, not to mention a creative and riveting tale. The music, of course, was quite memorable. In fact, Shelley and I are still singing many of the songs off-key around the house.

The Royal Blue

In case you have yet to check it out, be sure to visit our brand new website. While you are there you will be able to listen to all of our newly recorded songs.

Enjoy.

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

Last night Shelley and I, coupled by The Poetschkes, went out to Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth to take in a concert by Lyle Lovett and his large band. The performance was dazzling, his persona was extraordinarily delightful and the music was both charming and moving.

The "large band" is, in fact, quite large. There was a pianist, a percussionist, two saxophones, a trumpet, a trombone, a cello, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, mandolin, bass, steel guitar and six vocalists in addition to Lyle. It all came together for a beautifully captivating show.

If you've never listened to Lovett's music, you are in for quite a treat. His unique blend of country, jazz, big band, blues, gospel and rock and roll is unforgettable and timeless.

The Office

So a few weeks ago my buddy Ryan asked me, "Have you heard of 'The Office'?" When I answered no, it was only a matter of time before he had gotten the complete series on DVD in my hands.

Last night, Shelley and I completed watching the final episode of the BBC show and I have to say -- this series was quite possibly one of the funniest things I have ever watched. Through both seasons and the concluding specials, there was never a dull moment or wasted scene. Of course, the British accents were difficult to decipher at times.

If you are a fan of "mock-umentaries" like Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, Spinal Tap, etc... then you just might find this show to your liking. One word of warning, though, the humor is pretty raunchy. This is not what one would describe as "safe for the whole family".

Enjoy.

Tonight at the Grenada

Shelley and I will be catching Midlake at the Grenada Theater. I've never made it out to see them before, but apparently it is quite impressive. They have a great sound that blends both indie and pop-rock styles. Sort of a Radiohead meets Flaming Lips thing. ha!

I've wanted to see them for quite some time. But once they got signed and started touring all over Europe, we almost never got to see them here in Dallas. So now tonight has arrived and barra-bing, barra-boom. We're there.

Anyway, the two real highlights of the night are more personal than musical. One of my best friends in the world (and also the best man in our wedding) is coming up to Dallas for the show and we're going together. So that will be a blast! And secondly, an old college friend of mine is Midlake's lead guitarist -- so it will be neat to see him perform and witness his throng of fans. :)

If you've got nothing planned for tonight, you should come out to The Grenada. Also playing will be Radiant, The Hourly Radio, and also Pleasant Grove. That's quite an impressive line up my friends!! The "seated areas" and balcony are almost completely sold out, but the general admission still has a few hundred tickets left. (This is a big venue)

Well, hope to see some of you there. Have a great weekend!

Wild Stallyns!

Need I say more about a movie that redefined movie making in the 20th century? A movie that put a face to several of the most influential figures from the annuls of history? A movie that probed the deeper questions of our existence, our mortality, our....

Ok. I might be indulging in a bit of hyperbole. But Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) sure was funny. Of course, by funny I mean really, really absurd. Fortunately, as many of you know, absurdity is something I am quite comfortable with. And as you would guess, I loved this movie. Ha!

Here is a mere sampling of what might be called the genius of absurd humor:
Bill: Ted. While I agree that, in time, our band will be most triumphant, the truth is Wyld Stallyns will never be a super band until we have Eddie Van Halen on guitar.

Ted: Yes, Bill. But... I do not believe we will get Eddie Van Halen until we have a triumphant video.

Bill: Ted, it's pointless to have a triumphant video before we even have decent instruments.

Ted: Well, how can we have decent instruments when we don't really even know how to play?

Bill: That is why we NEED Eddie Van Halen.

Ted: And, THAT is why we need a triumphant video.

Bill, Ted: EXCELLENT.

[Air guitar]

Cirque du Soleil

THE EXPERIENCE

So yesterday we experienced Cirque du Soleil in person for the first time. If you've never heard of Cirque or if you've never seen it in person, it will absolutely blow your mind. We saw "Verekai" under the big top set up at Fair Park in Dallas.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

A Cirque show is a theatralized show which mixes the arts of the circus and "the street", and features original music, light effects and costumes. There are acrobatics, body contortions, singing, musicianship, comedy, drama, juggling, dancing, and well... it's like nothing you've probably seen before.

Some of the more impressive displays are put on by the acrobats, who perform without the aid of nets. It's hard to imagine the years and years of (painful) training these people have gone through to be able to perform these acts flawlessly.

WORTH A TRY

If you live in Dallas, they will be in down until December 12th. One of the most impressive things about Cirque is that the production is of the highest quality. The music and singing is performed live and is breathtaking, although secondary to the amazying physical displays.

You can also catch them on TV from time to time on the BRAVO network (if you have cable).

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Cirque, Verekai, and all their shows here.

The Lonely Island

If you've never had a chance to watch The 'Bu, you may want to check it out. Shelley and I have shared many a laugh over an episode of The 'Bu.

The Lonely Island, a group of guys who do satire-parody-comedy-bizarre-ish independent shorts on the web, has created seven episodes of the "prime time teen drama". They are all online and awaiting download.

If you're short on time (or patience), we would recommend episode one as your best bet, yet most off-the-wall episode.

http://www.thelonelyisland.com/thebu.html

Best Sound Editing

So my thought for today comes from watching part of the Grammy's last night. What are your thoughts on awards ceremonies like that? Whether these types of events interest you or not, it isn’t difficult to recognize the fascination that comes with events like this. Celebrities, music, competition, suspense, fashion, etc. Certainly, the Academy Awards take the cake when it comes to capturing people's interest and curiosity.

As an avid aficionado of both films and music, these types of events usually interest me on some level. Over that past few years, though, I have lost the capacity to sit through even brief portions of these things. I'm interested enough to read about them the next day, but frankly, the entire spectacle seems incredibly narcissistic and a huge self-tribute. The megalomania of events like this is on par with people who have websites where they post their life events, photos, and every mundane thought that crosses their mind. Wait a sec... Scratch that last point.

Anyway, I have grown tired of these ceremonies. At least the Grammy's provide a slew of live performances to entertain the viewer. But the Oscars rely on often disappointing comedians and the latest Disney song performed by Elton John or Phil Collins spattered between exciting awards like "Best Sound Editing". (How do they determine all those editing awards anyway?) After which, as the clock nearly strikes midnight, they finally give out the anti-climactic award for "Best Picture".

Fortunately, we, the viewer, have been able to use gambling, alcohol, and large gatherings of friends to salvage the Academy Awards in what we affectionately have come to know as "The Oscars Party". Yes, good ol' debauchery to the rescue again!

In the end, whether you drink a Barqs or a Heineken, the only part of the Oscars Party that usually disappoints is, of course, the awards ceremony itself.

On a side note, I’ve been itching for the opportunity to use the word megalomania for weeks.

That's what I'm Tolkien about!

Lord of the Rings rakes in $34.1 million in it's first day -- and attracts large nerd-gatherings.

In the year 2005

The head of the Motion Picture Association of America said Wednesday that he believes the public could be watching newly-released movies on the Internet by 2005. Yeah, who wants to go to a movie theater when you can sit at your desk by yourself and watch movies on your massive 15" monitor.

Hanson

Hanson will be making a stop in Dallas on September 15th. They are currently touring promoting their new acoustic album called, "Underneath". Should be cool!

One thing many people don't know about Shelley and I is that we are huge Hanson fans. Seriously, you've got to give their new music a try -- it's very, very good! They are good guys too. I respect their humility and attitude towards their music.

Yeah, yeah -- get all the "mmmbop" jokes out of your system and give them a try. You just might like what you hear! (but then again...you might not.)

Anyway, if anyone is interested in checking them out -- they will be playing at Trees in Deep Ellum. Tickets are $20. See you there!

Sea Biscut

Shelley and I went and saw Seabiscut this weekend. What an amazing story and excellent movie. We both loved it!

The most inspiring part about the movie is that it is a true story. It's so classic and timeless that it's hard to believe that it actually happened that way. If you've got the time and money, go and see this flick.

(After watching A Beautiful Mind and finding out how far from "the true story" the movie was, I wanted to do a little research on Seabiscut. I spent some time reading up on the history of the horse and the story of the movie and found that for the most part they stuck to the facts. All the more reason to be inspired by this soon-to-be Oscar winning motion picture.)

The Pianist

Shelley and I went and saw "The Pianist" this weekend at the dollar movie theater. Yes... the dollar theater.

It was an incredible and inspiring story about a Polish Jew who survived the Holocoust of World War 2. It also serves as a thought provoking reminder of how evil this world can be.

I challenge anyone of the thousands of activists and liberals who were making the unthinkable comparison of President Bush to Hitler to watch this movie and still make that comparison. We all need to be reminded of what our world endured not that long ago in WW2 and what people like Adolf Hitler -- people like Saddam Hussein -- are capable of, that evil does exist, and how and why they need to be stopped.