The Filtered Excellence: October 13, 2011
Bob Geldof once asked us, Where is the filtered excellence!? Its right here. Here are this weeks picks of what to WATCH, what to DO what to TRY what to READ what to LISTEN TO and more:
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WATCH THIS:
The Skin I Live In: This foreign film starring Antonio Banderas comes out this week. We recommend that you tell your girlfriend that you’re taking her to a foreign film and then watch the weirdness unfold. Perhaps not for everyone, but we found it worth the trip, and it will keep you thinking about it for a long time. Opens October 14. Check your local listings, for more information.
Page One: Inside the New York Times: A documentary that lets you see behind the scenes of the most venerated institution of journalism in our country’s history. Finally, a chance to see inside the New York Times newsroom. A fascinating look at the print news business in a time where the rise of the internet as a news source threatens the viability of print media. Available on DVD and Blu Ray starting October 18th.
American Juggalo: Our Pick of the Week! Don’t miss this beautiful and unexpectedly moving short documentary about the fans of the Insane Clown Posse. in fact its so moving that you’ll completely forget you’re watching it on a computer. It’s 23 minutes long and available for free so there’s no reason not to see it.
Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone: Check out this great documentary directed by Lev Anderson and Chris Metzler which combines archival and current footage of this hugely influential band that never really broke through. The film will be touring 40 cities for the remainder of the year. Visit their website for screening information.
Beats, Rhythm & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest: Michael Rapaport’s documentary focuses on A Tribe Called Quest, one of the most beloved hip-hop groups of all time. Don’t you know bout Tribe? Considered to be true pioneers- innovators of hip-hop, A Tribe Called Quest crucially defined the vibe of the early-’90s New York hip-hop scene and beyond. What’s so fascinating about is this doc is that it is as much about a life-long, often very tumultuous friendship as it is about the music. On DVD and Blu Ray October 18.
READ THIS:
The New Yorker Stories by Anne Beattie: Writer Anne Beattie is a favorite of ours, particularly for her novel Chilly Scenes of Winter. Her early short stories published in the New Yorker from 1974 to 1986 have been gathered in this terrific book, now available in paperback. If you’ve never read her work, this is the perfect introduction. Released earlier this week, its currently available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and in local bookstores.
‘Le Freak: An Upside Down Story Of Family, Disco And Destiny’: Nile Rodgers has been a musical force for the last 35 years since founding the disco supergroup Chic. In his new book, Niles gives a backstage pass to all of the manueverings, parties, casual and cosmic encounters that made the 70s and 80s decades of excess. He also provides a sometimes horrifying account of his own battles with drugs and alcohol and his subsequent recovery. Available October 18. A great read. Bonus: Nile Rodgers will be signing copies of his book at Barnes & Noble in Union Square on October 20th at 7pm.
LISTEN TO THIS:
Miles Davis: The Bootleg Series, Volume 1: Recently released on CD and DVD, every fan of Jazz needs to check out this incredible collection which features recordings from the 1967 European tour of Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Tony Williams.
Van Dyke Parks: Arrangement Vol. 1: If you don’t know the name Van Dyke Parks, it doesn’t mean you don’t know the work. He’s collaborated with an endless list of artists including the Beach Boys, Randy Newman, U2, Harry Nilsson, Rufus Wainwright, and the list goes on and on. This compilation includes 15 of his early arrangements and features various artists including Ry Cooder, Arlo Guthrie, Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, Lowell George, Sal Valentino, Mojo Men, Dino Martinand a few words from Van Dyke himself. Available on Vinyl or CD.
Rockpile – Live At Montreux 1980: They haven’t sold a ton of records, but for a brief time in post-punk/New Wave era, Rockpile led by Dave Edmunds & Nick Lowe, was the coolest band on wax. This recently unearthed live set recorded back in 1980, shows that they were a badass live band too. It SMOKES!
DO THIS:
David Sedaris Live: Why go see David Sedaris live? Well, because this best-selling author, humorist and radio contributor writes the best stories and nothing beats hearing them, told to you, in his own voice, BY HIM. And he’s just starting up his US tour. This week you can catch him in Maine, Philly, Vermont, DC, and Buffalo with more tour dates around the country after that. Get tickets! See him in your town or citaaay… Visit his facebook for more information on tour dates.
TRY THIS:
Berger Cookies: It’s a Baltimore favorite, a baked vanilla wafer topped with a thick layer of chocolate ganache made by a local bakery since 1835. If you’re passing through Maryland, do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a box. You can also order them online at www.bergercookies.com.
BROWSE THIS:
Backpage Magazine: A unique look at music and culture with a focus on nostalgia, BackpageMagazine.com is clever, well laid out and fun to look at. Check it out.
