The Filtered Excellence: April 26, 2012

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:
*****************

WATCH THIS:

Jason Becker I’m not Dead Yet. There are inspirational stories, and then there are Inspirational Stories. This is one of the latter. The true story of an incredibly talented young guitar player who, after being stricken with ALS finds himself completely paralyzed, and unable to communicate other than through eye movements. Unwilling to give up his passion, he continues to compose music using nothing but his eye movements and a computer. Playing at festivals in Toronto and Boston this weekend.

Bernie. Starring Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey. Jack Black reunites with his School Of Rock director Richard Linklater for a film based on the 1996 murder of Texas millionaire Majorie Nugent (MacLaine) by her much younger companion Bernie Tiede, played by Black. Almost as shocking as her murder was that months went by before anyone even noticed that she was dead and once the local DA (played by McConaughey) pieces it all together, the townspeople rally to Tiede’s defense and plead the authorities to go easy on him. This film marks the return to the odd, quirky Linklater films such as Dazed And Confused, Before Sunrise and A Scanner Darkly. It’s also poised to jump start Black’s career, which has been slumping of late. Bernie opens on Friday.

Sound of My Voice. That particular creepiness of the cult mentality? Sound of My Voice captures it. This lo-fi indie thriller is mysterious and creepy as hell, driven by a simmering nervous intensity. There’s an ominous tension that’s always hovering. As the film begins, Peter and Lorna have cleansed themselves thoroughly, have donned white robes, are blindfolded and then driven to a dismal suburban basement. After an intricately involved secret handshake, they are permitted entrance into to a stark gathering place where that they meet the cult leader- the white-robed, frail yet powerful, Maggie. Maggie seems to posses an unusual magnetism that is a mix of omniscience, passion and malice. Under her influence wills are bent, aims are questioned and Peter and Lorna begin doubt each other as they’re drawn in. Written by Brit Marling (who plays Maggie) and Zal Batmanglij, who directs the film, Sound of My Voice is chillingly captivating. (Limited release April 27th)

Visit the official website for trailer and information.

Square Grouper. Florida, weed, the 70s. Need we say more? This documentary being shown on Showtime is a classic look at marijuana smuggling in its heyday. The story of the fishermen who tried to keep a low profile while bringing lucrative bales of marijuana into the United States along the shores of Florida. Directed by Billy Corben. Available on VOD, itunes, Netflix and DVD.

———————————————————————————————————————————

LISTEN TO THIS:

Out Of The Game, Rufus Wainwright. (Decca) Rufus Wainwright has always been a man of time. His sweeping brand of pop would have been ideal for the Laurel Canyon scene that exploded in the late 60’s and 70’s. So for his new album, he teams with producer Mark Ronson – no stranger for making old sounds sound new – and fully embraces these influences. Ripe with lush orchestration, near operatic vocals and one of a kind vocals, Out Of The Game marks a new standard in a career that’s been full of them. This has all of the makings to transform Rufus Wainwright into a full fledged pop star if he wants to, but we love him just as he is now. Out Of The Game will be available on Tuesday.

The Money Store, Death Grips. The Sacramento based group consisting of Stefan Burnett on vocals, and the production team of Andy Morin and Zach Hill, have an experimental sound that is all their own. “Unique” is the word that comes to mind as track after track generates a frantic, fun, wildly creative energy that is a big boom of rap and industrial pounding, all with a punk rock garage band feel. Death Grips pull off a record that is as lyrically intriguing as it is hooky and memorable. The Money Store is one of two planned albums for 2012, and based on the ingenuity and originality of this effort, looking forward to part two already. (in stores now, released 4/24)

What Kind of World, Brendan Benson. Brendan Benson is likely best known for being in the shadow of Jack White as a member of the Raconteurs. Benson should not be underestimated, however, as he is quite the artist in his own right. On his fifth album, What Kind of World, he releases yet another strong collection of catchy songs reminiscent of 70s power pop.

———————————————————————————————————————————

READ THIS:

My Cross To Bear by Gregg Allman. If there’s a true rock n roll survivor, Gregg Allman is it. As the voice and driving force behind The Allman Brothers Band for over 40 years, he’s seen his fair share of death, arrests, women (including a now legendary marriage to Cher), and drug, alcohol and health issues (including 11 trips to rehab stints & a recent bout with hepatitis). Now for the first time, Allman, with the help of premier rock journalist Alan Light, finally tells his side of the story in the memoir My Cross To Bear. My Cross To Bear will be available on Tuesday, May 1st.

———————————————————————————————————————————

BROWSE THIS:

GORP.com Weekender Guide. When you find yourself with a free weekend on short notice and really want to get out and do something active, but you’re not sure what you want to do, GORP.com is a perfect resource. Check out their weekender guide, put in the region you’ll be in, and click on the activities you’re interested in (ranging from snorkeling to scenic drives) and you end up with great recommendations and guides. They’re also starting to create city guides. But where they really shine is with national parks.

Visit GORP online.

———————————————————————————————————————————

DO THIS:

Art All Night in Pittsburgh. This weekend is the 15th edition of the annual Art All Night event in Lawrenceville. It starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday April 28 and goes to the next day, Sunday the 29th, at 2 p.m. It’s totally free, open to any and all, and features submissions from the accomplished to the extremely amateur. There are a number of bands and performance art pieces as well. Having grown exponentially over the past five years or so, it’s being held this year in a massive abandoned warehouse to cater to the thousands of submissions.

Reggie Watts on Tour. Catch Reggie Watts amazing improvised music and comedy show when his spring headlining tour starts next month. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before. For everyone who says they want to know who the real artists are, here he is. Go buy tickets. We have no idea what you’ll see but we know it will be completely original.