The Filtered Excellence: January 17, 2013

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Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s 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:

Broken City.  Starring Mark Wahlberg & Russell Crowe.  The latest from acclaimed director Albert Hughes (Menace 2 Society, From Hell, The Book Of Eli) stars Mark Wahlberg as Billy Taggert, a disgraced ex-cop hired by the Mayor Of New York (Russell Crowe) to see if the Mayor’s wife (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones) is cheating on him.  Of course, all isn’t what it seems and Taggert has to use of his detective skills just to stay alive, much less find out the truth.  Jeffrey Wright and Barry Pepper round out the cast in this story of political and personal intrigue in New York City.  Broken City opens Friday.

The House I Live In.   On itunes and On Demand.  A convincing exploration of the futility of the war on drugs in America, director Eugene Jarecki examines the risks that prohibition poses to freedom, and the tragedy of addicts being treated as criminals.  An important film, and one of the best documentaries of 2012.

Searching for Sugar Man.  On DVD, On Demand and Instant on January 22, 2013.  In the late 60′s, Sussex Records, a label founded by industry legend Clarence Avant, signed Detroit factory worker Sixto Rodriguez, believing that he was the Chicano version of Bob Dylan, if not better. Rodriguez released two albums that in Avant’s words sold about ‘six copies’. Rodriguez all but disappeared amidst rumors of depression and even an on stage suicide. A bootleg copy of his album Cold Fact somehow made its way to South Africa and in the coming years served as the backdrop of the anti-apartheid movement. At one point, Rodriguez achieved a status there that was bigger than Elvis. Malik Bendjellol’s new documentary retraces Rodriguez’s rise, fall and rise again with new interviews with friends, associates and ultimately with the man himself, who is very much alive and well. It’s an interesting look at one of the most unique stories in rock history.

To Rome With Love.   Woody Allen’s latest didn’t fare as well at the box office as Midnight in Paris, but if you’re a fan of his work, this makes a great late night rental.  This beautiful postcard to Rome combines the surreal with beautiful scenes of the city, an abundance of romance, and a healthy dose of the absurd.  It’s not for everyone but it is beautiful and it is charming and it has a great soundtrack.  Penelope Cruz, Alec Baldwin, Alison Pill, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page and more.

NFL Conference Championship Games.  This is the last pure week of football left, and by most accounts, the best weekend of the season. Will Tom Brady have a chance at a fourth ring?  Will Ray Lewis do his big dance at The Big Show?  Will the 49ers return to their 80s heyday?  Will Matt Ryan and The Atlanta Falcons finally take their place among the league’s elite teams?  Will we have an all-Harbaugh Super Bowl?  Tune in this Sunday to find out.  Atlanta-San Francisco will be at 3pm on FOX; Baltimore-New England kicks off at 6:30 on CBS.

The 57th Presidential Inauguration.  Monday, January 21st.  President Obama takes the oath the office on Monday to begin his second term.  Most network coverage begins around 10:30am Eastern with news channels starting earlier.  Vice-President Biden will be sworn in first, followed by the President at noon.  This is followed by the Presidential parade and later in the evening, coverage of the inaugural balls.

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LISTEN TO THIS:

Light Up Gold by Parquet Courts.  (Released January 15, 2013).  Keep an ear out for Parquet Courts.  This Brooklyn-based quartet of Texans just released their excellently energetic debut full-length album, “Light Up Gold”, on the What’s Your Rupture label. Their sound is a fresh blend of influence and punch. As for influence, there’s a real lo-fi, garage-y aspect about this album, with more than a touch of 90’s alternative, and all with a strong punk spirit about em too. Their songs are damn catchy t’boot: right from the top with “Master of My Craft” and “Borrowed Time”, “Yr No Stoner”, “Yonder is Closer to the Heart”, “Stoned and Starving”.  “Light Up Gold” may be habit forming start to finish. Check these guys out.

West of Memphis:  Votes for Justice.  The soundtrack for the latest documentary in the West Memphis 3 series features donated tracks by Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Lucinda Williams and Marilyn Manson alongside songs recorded specifically for the film by Eddie Vedder, Natalie Manes, and Nick Cave.  The most dramatic portion of the album comes when long time WM3 supporters Henry Rollins and Johnny Depp reads WM3 defendant Damien Echols’ letters from Death Row.  It’s as powerful and poignant as any of the songs from this album.  Proceeds from the album will go towards the legal expenses for The West Memphis 3.

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DO THIS:

New York City:  One Million Man Mosh 2: A Benefit For Donovan Drayton. @ The Highline Ballroom, January 21.  Grammy Award winners Living Colour will be joined by metal-funk pioneers 24-7 Spyz, legendary sidemen Ronny Drayton and Eddie Martinez (‘King Of Rock’, ‘Addicted To Love’) Nona Hendryx, Burnt Sugar, and other special guests to raise money for Donovan Drayton’s legal defense fund.  You can go towww.4donovan.com to learn more about Donovan’s case.  A few tickets remain available through ticketweb.com and The Highline Ballroom box office.

Philadelphia:  Philadelphia Auto Show.  Saturday, January 19 – Sunday, January 27, 2013.  Car enthusiasts will not want to miss The Philadelphia Auto Show which kicks off this Saturday at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Wanna check out the newest models, wanna see some rare and classic cars too? How about the latest Lamborghini? Regarded as one of the top auto shows in the country, the Philly Auto Show features displays an amazing array of the best. There will be more than 700 vehicles on site from a variety of manufacturers.   http://www.phillyautoshow.com/

Washington DC:  “Let Freedom Ring” The Kennedy Center – Sunday, January 20th – 6pm Eastern.  Our nation’s capitol honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the “Let Freedom Ring” free concert starring the legendary Smokey Robinson performing with the “Let It Ring Choir”.  Tickets are required and will be distributed the day of the event at 4pm.  For more information  http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=ZNAEM

 

Want more Filtered Excellence? Visit our Filtered Excellence Page HERE. And don’t forget UNFILTERED for reader submitted recommendations.

The Editor

The Editor