The Filtered Excellence: November 3, 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
6 Ed Sullivan Shows Starring The Rolling Stones: Just released on DVD. This collection showcases all of the Rolling Stones appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show between 1964-1969. You’ll find the raw young Rolling Stones performing what would become 17 of their hugest songs. This Collector’s Edition features all six Ed Sullivan Show episodes in their entirety; and it’s the first time these full shows have ever been released. (Fun bonus is that classic commercials, as originally aired on the shows are included too, if you like that sort of thing.) Get it here on Amazon
Tabloid on DVD: Crazy ex-beauty queen kidnaps a Mormon, makes him her sex-slave!? Academy Award winning director Errol Morris’ documentary, Tabloid tells the scandalous tale. The film explores tabloid journalism in the 1970’s as depicted through the stranger-than-fiction misadventures of Joyce McKinney, a former Miss Wyoming who provided for plenty of scandal sheet fodder. McKinney tells her version of the truth, and it’s a weird, sad, funny, disturbing, and very engaging story. Available on DVD now
Into The Abyss: In theaters. An intense, contemplative look at Death Row. Werner Herzog’s new documentary is uncomfortable, it’s controversial, and will make you re-examine all of your beliefs about the death penalty no matter which side you’re on. It’s hard to say what’s the hardest part of the film to watch– is it the conversations with the remorseless perpetrators who killed 3 innocent people to steal a car? Is it the recreation of the crime itself? The conversations with the shattered family members of the victims? Or the story of a death row prison guard? It’s all difficult and all important no matter what your beliefs. Herzog’s documentary focuses on the resonance of this kind of violence in all its forms. In Theaters November 11. Watch the trailer here.
Luther BBC: Idris Elba – best known for his role as Stringer Bell on The Wire – smolders as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther– part Sherlock Holmes, part Columbo — who handles extreme crimes in London. His acute understanding of the criminal mind makes him the best at what he does, but also makes a mess of his personal and professional life. The equally brilliant supporting cast is led by Ruth Wilson as sociopath Alice Morgan, who has to be seen to be believed. With excellent writing by Neil Cross, this is simply the best show on the planet. Get the DVD on Amazon
Scrooged on Blu Ray: There are two ways to celebrate all that is amazing about Bill Murray this week. First up is the release of one of many favorite Bill Murray films on Blu Ray. We’ll take any excuse to rewatch Scrooged, and with the holidays right around the corner, it’s a perfect gift. Available it at Amazon now.
READ THIS
Howard Cosell: The Man, They Myth and the Transformation of American Sports: This new bio by Mark Ribowsky profiles one of the most recognized, impersonated, revered and hated figures in American sports history. Drawing from over 40 interviews, Ribowsky manages to cover all of Cosell’s life from his days as a lawyer in New York, to the dramatic leap into broadcasting, and his role in the career arc of Muhammad Ali, the Munich Olympics, and of course, how Monday Night Football made him a pop culture icon. The book also covers how his ‘tell it like it is’ style put him at the forefront of issues such as racism, sexism, anti-semitism, and hot bed issues of the 60’s and 70’s. Ribowsky manages to capture all of Cosell’s complexities in a rich, entertaining tone. The book also shows how Cosell warned and fought against the rampant commercialization that has become the hallmark of American sports. A great read. Order it here now.
Food Rules: An Eaters Manual: Food Rules is back and its illustrated! Michael Pollan wrote the bible on back to basics eating, and then made the movie too (The Omnivore’s Dilemna, Food Inc.). If you’ve been curious about what he has to say but haven’t wanted to pick up the lengthy and information intensive food bibles he’s written, we recommend Food Rules, now available in a beautifully illustrated edition. If you’ve read Pollan’s other works and are frustrated that friends or family won’t follow suit, this is a perfect gift, offering simple, concise rules for a healthier and more sustainable diet. Buy it here now: Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual
LISTEN TO THIS
Crazy Clown Time: by David Lynch: Are you a fan of David Lynch films? Have you been craving a Lynchian soundtrack for use in your daily life? Well, we have just the thing. Put on some headphones and let David Lynch guide you through an audio world of his own design. Written, performed and produced by Lynch with engineer Dean Hurley, Lynch’s first solo album is pulsatingly meditative, darkly dreamlike, distorted, and quite interestingly strange, strange, strange. Yes, just like one of his films, and that is what this album feels like in the listening; viscerally sinking into a Lynch-like reality. Available in store and for download November 8th, you can also check out the entire album on NPR right now. Buy it here: Crazy Clown Time
John Wesley Harding: The Sound of His Own Voice: Singer/songwriter/novelist John Wesley Harding/Wesley Stace has returned with his 17th album and continues on the path of wry lyrics and well crafted songs. This time he is joined by members of the Decemberists as his backup band and the album features guest appearances by Peter Buck, Roseanne Cash, Laura Weirs and others. Get it here now: The Sound Of His Own Voice
The Smile Sessions Box Set: The Beach Boys: This exhaustive box set (5 CDs, 2 LPs, 2 7″ singles) provides a glimpse into “Smile”, the album that should have been the pinnacle of the Beach Boys career. There’s an awful lot to digest, and at times it can be too much, but it still provides fascinating insight into the recording of this classic that remained unfinished until many years later. Get the full box set, here: The Smile Sessions Box Set
PLAY THIS
Batman Arkham City: (PS3, XBox360, PC) Batman: Arkham Asylum defied expectations and showed that a video game based on a superhero franchise could actually be great. The sequel, Batman: Arkham City is just as much fun and includes some welcome tweaks to the combat system and detective mode. Get it here for PS3: Batman: Arkham City
DO THIS
Billy Murray Exhibit at Gallery 1988 Studios: Earlier this week on the Wire we highlighted the opening of an art exhibition featuring work created by various artists and inspired by the great Bill Murray. If you love Bill Murray do not miss this incredible collection of works focusing on Murray’s career and persona. The exhibition will remain open through November 26, making this our pick of the week if you’re in the greater Los Angeles area. Check out our story on the exhibit or just go to Gallery1988’s site for info.
FOLLOW THIS
Twitter isn’t just for following gossip and finding out what you’re friends are up to. Here are a few twitter accounts that we love for great links, information or resources.
@OLV: the best source for information about TV & movie filming locations. Whether you like to try to find what’s filming where, or just want to find out: what was that big film crew you drove by earlier that day? Send them your questions or just read the feed.
@documentarysite: Self described as a die-hard fan of all things documentary, you’ll find retweets of interest in the documentary world, links to interviews, articles, and news. It’s by no means exhaustive but we applaud anyone who focuses exclusively on the doc.
@brainpicker: its hard to classify brainpicker. She calls herself an interestingness curator and semi-secret geek obsessed with combinatorial creativity. We’d say that’s pretty accurate.
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