The Filtered Excellence: November 10, 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 Descendants, directed by Alexander Payne. You know Alexander Payne as the director of Election, Sideways and About Schmidt. His new film Starring George Clooney is a comedy drama out this weekend and its getting raves all around. Check out the trailer here, or just go see it. It opens Wednesday November 16, check local listings.
The Axl Rose Interview. The season opener of “That Metal Show” features a rare interview with Axl Rose. Don’t miss this important interview as our friends Eddie Trunk (the reigning king of all things metal), Jim Florentine, and Don Jamieson interview the elusive, reclusive front man for Guns and Roses. This will be his first televised interview in 20 years. It airs 11.11.11 at 11pm on VH1. More info here.
Saint Misbehavin’ The Wavy Gravy Movie. Wavy Gravy is one of a kind. For decades he has been a hippie icon, a clown, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor and more. Saint Misbehavin follows the life of Wavy Gravy from his beat days of poetry readings in NYC’s Greenwich Village, to his MCing of Woodstock, to his fund-raising mission for sight-saving operations in the poorest of developing countries. Beginning with Woodstock ‘99, director Michelle Esrick has spent ten years documenting the life of Wavy Gravy and the result is an extensive look into the life of a man who has, among so many other things, dedicated his life to helping people. Pretty inspiring stuff. Available on DVD November 15. Order the DVD on Amazon.
The Ballad of Mott the Hoople DVD. We haven’t seen this yet, but it’s at the top of our list. Just released this week, grab this documentary of the career of one of England’s most cherished bands. We’re promised rare and unseen archive footage, magnificent music and the testimony of band members, friends and witnesses. Available now on DVD. Order it Now from Amazon
Tomboy. A French film, written and directed by Céline Sciamma, Tomboy is the sweet, heart-string-pullingly tender story of 10 year old little girl Laure who passes herself off as a boy, Mikael, upon moving to a new town and making new friends. It’s a situation that is sometimes funny, sometimes uncomfortable. The kids are incredibly believable, particularly Zoe Heran, as the tomboy in this endearing Summertime coming-of-age film. Click here to check out the trailer. Opening Wednesday, November 16th you can view the trailer here.
READ THIS
Pilgrimage by Annie Leibovitz. For her latest book, the Vanity Fair photographer shot the homes and objects of some of the most noted historical figures and locations. The list ranges from Abraham Lincoln, Annie Oakley, Henry David Thoreau, and Ansel Adams, to Pete Seeger, Marian Anderson and Elvis. As with her most recent works, a personal tone underscores this magnificent collection (the genesis of this work happened while vacationing with her three children). History buffs and photography fans will be blown away by yet another stunning essay by one of America’s greatest photographers. Order the book here, now.
And So It Goes by John J. Shields. A Biography of an influential non-conformist; an iconoclast, a brilliant writer and an incredibly interesting man…Kurt Vonnegut. And So it Goes is the first-ever authorized biography of Kurt Vonnegut by Charles J. Shields. In what turned out to be the last year of Vonnegut’s life, Shields was granted access to both Vonnegut’s letters, and to the man himself. This interaction coupled with years of intense research results in a highly detailed exploration into the life of a man whose genius writing has inspired generations and will continue to do so for generations to come. Just Released this Week. Order your copy today.
LISTEN TO THIS
The Singing Mailman Delivers by John Prine. The brilliant singer-songwriter John Prine found the tapes of some of his earliest recordings while cleaning out his garage. And it’s no cheap cash in on unreleased material; the music on this release stands on its own. Disc 1 consists of recordings of his earliest songs, performed when he was afforded some studio time following an interview with Studs Terkel. Amazingly, many of Prine’s best known songs appear to have existed fully formed in the earliest part of his career while he was still working as a mailman (hence the name of the album). Disc 2, the collection’s true strength, was recorded around 1970, when Prine had a residency at a Chicago club. It’s definitely worth your while, whether you are familiar with John Prine or not. Download
R.E.M. Part Lies, Part Heart, part Truth, Part Garbage: 1982-2011. Frequently lauded as the originators of the college-rock genre, the alt rockers recently split after thirty years. On November 15th, they will, however, be releasing a forty song retrospective, reflective of their entire career. Though fans from day one will most likely own the majority of these hit songs, also included in the compilation are three new tracks which were not completed until after their last album. “We All Go Back To Where We Belong,” in particular, is pure R.E.M.-y-ness in shades of Green… Order it now, at Amazon
DO THIS
Brian Eno, Anish Kapoor, and Peter Sellars in Conversation with Paul Holdengraber. In a rare event featuring three of today’s most significant artists, Paul Holdengräber convenes composer Brian Eno, visual artist Anish Kapoor and theatre/opera director Peter Sellars—mentors to Ben Frost in Music, Nicholas Hlobo in Visual Arts, and Maya Zbib in Theatre, respectively—for a wide-ranging discussion. Part of the New York Public Library Presents Series. Get more info here.
The High Line. Located along the west side of New York City from about West 12th Street to about 30th Street, you’ll find the High Line to be a great place to spend an afternoon in New York. It’s built on an old elevated rail line and has been redesigned as one of the most unique public spaces you will ever see. This free open public space has the feel of an exclusively designed hotel rooftop space– if you lined up about 20 of them edge to edge, anyway. Beautiful imaginative seating areas; constantly changing viewpoints and greenery; entrances and exits throughout give access to some of New York’s best bars and restaurants. Find out everything you need to know about the High Line here.
BROWSE THIS
Covermesongs.com. This blog tracks the release of cover songs of hits, classic songs and semi-obscure tunes. While, like cover songs generally, the songs can be hit and miss, some of the songs featured are true revelations.
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