The Filtered Excellence: Thursday September 24
Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Once a week we take a break from comedy to bring you 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:
WATCH THIS:
Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story Of National Lampoon. Founded by three Harvard graduates, National Lampoon became THE humor magazine for the better part of two decades. Taking on everything from politics, religion, sex and life in America as a whole, National Lampoon became so successful that it spun off radio shows, albums, live stage presentations and movies – all with extraordinary success. It became the breeding ground for future legends such as John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Christopher Guest, Gilda Radner and Bill Murray and many of its writers would go on to write for a fledgling new late night sketch comedy series called Saturday Night Live. Douglas Triola talks to surviving members and mines some amazing archival footage to tell the story of the magazine that helped set the comic bar for the next 40 years – and whose impact can still be felt today. A must see doc for any comedy fan. Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story Of National Lampoon will be theaters and on Itunes on Friday. You can also go to www.magpictures.com for more information.
Roger Waters The Wall. Pink Floyd’s 1979 album The Wall was the crowning achievement for the band and its chief songwriter, Roger Waters. Director Alan Parker adapted it into a feature film starring Bob Geldof that is now considered a cult classic. Waters always envisioned the piece as an elaborate stage show but was hampered by technical limitations. It wasn’t until 2010 when current technology was finally put Waters’ full vision into effect. With powerful visuals to back up extraordinary music, this latest incarnation of The Wall has become one of the highest grossing tours of all time. Now Waters teams up with director Sean Evans for a film that captures this epic stage show as well as the personal journey that the long time Pink Floyd bassist takes to the sites and events that have shaped his life. Powerful, bold and life-affirming, Waters and Evans have put together an amazing concert film that manages to assault the senses yet moves you emotionally. Another creative triumph. Roger Waters The Wall opens in theaters on September 29th. You can also go to www.rogerwatersthewall.com for more information.
LISTEN TO THIS:
Darker Than This by Blue Daisy. The brainchild of British writer, musician and Kwesi Darko, Blue Daisy has been compared to Flying Lotus and Burial for his use of moody and lush soundscapes. But with his new album, Darker Than Blue, Darko aims to separate himself from the pack. Love, loss, religion, faith, and doubt – fueled by insomnia and often harsh self analysis are at the core of this 12 song set and the journey isn’t pretty. But there’s a hope and a beauty that underscores Blue Daisy’s walk through his id, and it stays with you long after the album ends. Cinematic in scope and flawless in its execution, Blue Daisy can his name to the growing number of artists looking to push electronic based music to the next level. A dark masterpiece. Darker Than Blue will be available this Friday though Amazon, Itunes and all major music retailers. You can also go to his Souncloud page to stream tracks: https://soundcloud.com/
Crosseyed Heart by Keith Richards. For his first solo album in 23 years, Keith Richards could’ve easily cashed in his legendary status and had his pick of producers and musicians to connect with a new generation of fans. Instead, as he’s been prone to do, the Stones guitarist looked within his own camp, handing all of the guitar, piano and bass duties and bringing in long time collaborators Waddy Wachtel, Ivan Neville, Stones tour mates Bernard Fowler and Blondie Chaplin and Steve Jordan to produce and play drums. With no pressure or deadlines (sessions were done during down time in between Stones tours), Richards doesn’t chase current sounds or trends, but taps into the genres that inspired him: Folk, blues, soul, reggae and of course, riff driven rock n roll. Richards also shows himself to be a solid balladeer with ‘Illusion’ a wonderful after hours duet with Norah Jones. By keeping it loose and organic, Richards has produced his most fully realized solo project to date, which says a lot because his previous two solo albums were outstanding. While fans eagerly await a new Stones album to drop sometime next year, Crosseyed Heart is just the thing to satisfy that musical thirst. It’s available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major music retailers.
DO THIS:
NEW YORK CITY: The New York Film Festival. Though its now in its 53rd year, The New York Film Festival has become a barometer of how the awards season is going to shape up Among some of the many highlights: A sneak preview of The Martian starring Matt Damon and directed by Ridley Scott; the world premieres of Steven Speilberg’s Bridge Of Spies and Robert Zemeckis’ The Walk with the directors and cast scheduled to appear; Carol starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and directed by Todd Haynes; the U.S. premiere of Michael Moore’s latest documentary Where To Invade Next; and the world premiere of Miles Ahead, the eagerly awaited biopic of music great Miles Davis starring and directed by Don Cheadle. There will also be a tribute to the late Albert Maysles, short films, retrospectives, panel discussions, free screenings of restored classics (including The King Of Comedy) and much more. This is THE premier film festival not only on the East Coast, but in the country. A must see event for all fans of cinema. The New York Film Festival runs September 25th through October 11th. You can go to www.filmlinc.org for tickets and a complete rundown of events.
CHICAGO: The Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Since 2006, The Hyde Park Jazz Festival has spotlighted the best jazz artists ranging from the local to the internationally reknown on Chicago’s South Side. This year’s festival will feature among others, Henry Threadgill, Regina Carter, The Eternals, Alexis Lombre, and The Kenwood Jazz Academy. With plenty of food, artisan vendors, family friend programming and even an outdoor dance floor, The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will appease long timers and the newbies. It runs September 26th and 27th and though its free, there is a suggested donation of $5. You can go to www.hydeparkjazzfestival.org for a complete rundown of events.
Want more excellence? Read last week’s The Filtered Excellence and visit The Interrobang Recommmends
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