The Filtered Excellence: January 23, 2013
Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Here are this weeks picks of the best things to watch, the most interesting things to do, great things to try, the best picks to read, our favorite things to listen to and more:
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WATCH THIS:
God Loves Uganda. Roger Ross Williams takes a three-dimensional look on how the missionary work of America’s Christian Right in Uganda has made its impact on the nation. On one hand, their efforts have given Uganda much needed schools, hospitals and infrastructure. On the other hand, it has ignited a dangerous campaign of bigotry and intolerance with an American-sponsored bill to make homosexuality punishable by death as its centerpiece. Williams gets neck deep in the conflict with interviews with the leaders of all involved – including gay activist David Kato shortly before he was killed and Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, the excommunicated bishop is leading a campaign of peace and healing. This documentary is at times uplifting, hopeful, yet shocking and disturbing. God Loves Uganda is not only a look at an African nation caught in a spiritual and emotional warfare. It forces us to take a deep look at ourselves and how we look at the world around us. A must see film. God Loves Uganda is playing in select cities around the U.S.
Herblock: The Black & The White. HBO’s featured documentary looks at the man who was called “The most feared editorial cartoonist in the country”, Herbert Block. For over 55 years, Block used his cartoons to take on political figures from Eugene McCarthy to Presidents Johnson, Carter and Clinton. His focus on Watergate was considered instrumental in taking down President Nixon. Block also won 3 Pulitzer Prizes for his work and shared a 4th one with the Washington Post for their Watergate coverage. The documentary features Block’s work with interviews with reporters from his day and re-enactments of Block working on his cartoons. “Herblock: The Black & The White” premieres on HBO on Monday, January 27th at 9pm Eastern.
Shaun White: Russia Calling. This is an hour long special featuring “The Flying Tomato” as he prepares to travel to Russia for the Winter Olympics. Shaun White is looking for his third straight Olympic title in the halfpipe competition. The documentary shows Shaun trying out new tricks and techniques including an attempt at a Triple Cork, plus a look at him off the snow with his band Band Things. It’s the perfect primer for the Winter Games. “Shaun White: Russia Calling” airs Saturday, January 25th at 8pm Eastern on NBC.
The 56th Grammy Awards. Once again hosted by LL Cool J, this year’s Grammys promises more interesting combos on stage. Look for Daft Punk teaming up with Stevie Wonder, Robin Thicke performing with Chicago and Metallica taking the stage with classical pianist Lang Lang. Who will go home with armloads of tiny gramophone trophies? Jay Z, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and Taylor Swift are all in the running. The Grammy Awards air Sunday, January 26th at 8pm Eastern on CBS.
Mitt. This is a Netflix original documentary about the 2012 Republican Presidential nominee, Mitt Romney. The film goes way beyond just the 2012 race. It traces Romney back to 2006 and his run up to his 2008 Presidential campaign and even goes into his 2012 hotel room as he realizes the White House is out of his grasp. The documentary promises an intimate look at the real Mitt Romney and insights into his personality that a lot of voters feel they never got to see. “Mitt” premieres on Netflix on Friday, January 24th.
LISTEN TO THIS:
The River And The Thread by Rosanne Cash. Though she spent a limited time there, the South casts a large and looming shadow over Rosanne Cash’s 13th album. But listening to The River And The Thread – her first album of new material since 2006, you would’ve thought that she spent her entire life there. Working with her long time collaborator (and husband) John Leventhal, Cash crafts an 11 song cycle that runs the gamut from country, rock, Delta blues, Appalachian folk music, gospel, jazz, right down to Stephen Foster – all with a fresh eyes and clear cliche-free perspectives. The songwriting is sublime as Cash using a timeline that echoes everything from The Civil War, The New Deal, right down to a couple living in 21st Century Mobile, Alabama. For ‘When The Master Calls The Roll’, Cash’s voice soars with an all-star choir that includes Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Rodney Crowell, Amy Helm, and Tommy Joe White providing backup. With The River And The Thread, Rosanne Cash continues an extraordinary run that began with 2006’s Black Cadillac and the Grammy nominated The List. Already a candidate for one of the best albums of 2014.
Cross My Heart Hope To Die. Cross My Heart Hope To Die is a collaboration between DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill, Andrew Kline of the hardcore band Strife, and singer Brevi. Promising to ‘change your perceptions of art, and challenge your expectations of music’ CMHHTD sounds like a lost soundtrack to a gritty urban film. Muggs and Kline build sweeping, cinematic soundscapes that allow Brevi – who sounds like a cross between Amy Winehouse and Shirley Bassey – to shine. After years of being a featured vocalist for such artists as 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, Xzibit and Raekwon, this is the project that should make graduate her to star status. With multi-media guru Sean Bonner also on board as a collaborator, this collective is promising more music and visual presentations. But for now, enjoy this excellent four-song EP.
READ THIS:
The Agent: My 40-Year Career Making Deals And Changing The Game by Leigh Steinberg. Leigh Steinberg is one of the most successful sports agents in history successfully negotiating over 2 billion dollars in contracts for his clients. Steinberg represented Hall Of Famers Troy Aikman, Steve Young, and Warren Moon and was the agent for the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft a record 8 times. Steinberg extended into the world of entertainment by serving a consultant on the films Any Given Sunday, For The Love Of The Game and the HBO series Arli$$. Writer-director Cameron Crowe cited Steinberg as a primary influence for his Academy Award winning film Jerry Maguire, which Steinberg also served as a technical consultant. In his new memoir, Steinberg details his formative years at Berkeley, his meteoric rise as an agent and the personal relationships that he forged with his clients. The book also reveals he overcame a painful divorce, alcoholism and bankruptcy to reclaim his legendary status. It’s an insightful look into the business side of the sports world from one of the best in the field.
CLICK THIS:
The new Jerry Garcia website (www.jerrygarcia.com). Experience Jerry Garcia. Follow Jerry’s journey from the early years throughout his life, complete with an illustrated timeline. Search thousands of photographs, videos, concert posters, articles, artwork and even concert tickets. Guitarists and non-guitarists alike can learn the back stories behind Jerry’s most precious guitars. Which guitar was a gift from Graham Nash!? Which one did Jim Irsay- owner of the Indianapolis Colts purchase for $850K!? (Hint: It’s the last guitar Jerry played publicly.) Browse through over thirty years of live performances. Comment on shows with other fans. Maybe you’ve always wanted to hear the much debated “best show ever” back in ’77!? Perhaps you were at Nassau Coliseum in 1990 when Branford Marsalis blew his horn with the Dead!? Listen to all that and more for FREE! Before you leave, don’t forget to get your fill at the Shop. From t-shirts to iPhone cases you’ll find the perfect gift for you favorite Deadhead!
DO THIS:
NEW YORK CITY: Alexander Borodulin: New York 1970s – 1980s. This is the international photographer’s first solo exhibit in New York City. The exhibition features Borodulin’s photography during the 70s and 80s in NYC not long after he first came to this country. His subjects include the nightlife in New York at the time, the fashion, beach scenes from Coney Island and his interpretations of the people of New York. “Alexander Borodulin: New York 1970s – 1980s” is now open at the Nailya Alexander Gallery in New York.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Broad Street Bash. Fans of the Philadelphia Flyers can celebrate the 40th anniversary of the team’s 1973 – 74 and 1974 – 75 NHL championship seasons. The party happens at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia. It’s a chance to meet some of the great Philadelphia Flyers players of the past and some of the original Broad Street Bullies. Your ticket includes an open bar as well. The evening also helps benefit non-profit charities in the greater Philadelphia area. The Broad Street Bash is Saturday, January 25th.
NEW YORK CITY: Meditation, Creativity, Peace. The IFC Center in New York is holding a free screening of “Meditation, Creativity, Peace”, the documentary follows David Lynch as he makes a 16 country tour as he speaks to world leaders and students about his passion for transcendental meditation. David also reflects on the wisdom of some of history’s great thinkers. The free screening happens at the IFC Center on Tuesday, January 28th at 11am. Tickets are limited to two per person.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: The 13th annual SF Sketchfest, The San Francisco Comedy Festival. This year’s festival is underway and runs through February 9th. SF Sketchfest’s line up is full this year and events include: a tribute to Alan Arkin, a 20th anniversary screening of “Cabin Boy” with special guest Chris Elliott, a salute to “Bored to Death” featuring the entire cast, panels that include Amy Schumer, Paul F. Tompkins and Bobcat Goldthwait, and performances from Eugene Mirman, Gilbert Gottfried, Michael Ian Black and Dave Foley and Kevin McDonald.
