The Filtered Excellence: March 29, 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:
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WATCH THIS
Ayn Rand and the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged. We’re planning to check out this independently produced, behind the scenes story of the writing of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. Partly biographical in nature, the documentary also examines the life of Rand and what led the novelist, playwright, and founder of the philosophy of “Objectivism,” to write the book. The documentary explores the public’s recurring fascination regarding the epic and controversial 1957 work, and in addition, highlights the predictions for our country foretold by Rand- how accurate are they in today’s world? Regardless of what side of Rand’s political line you fall on, it should be an interesting watch. (Available on DVD April 3rd)
READ THIS
Damn Good Advice (For People With Talent) by George Lois. George Lois is an advertising legend. Some of the most iconic words and images of the last 50 years came from this native New Yorker’s mind and pen. With his latest book, Damn Good Advice (For People With Talent), Lois dispenses pearls of wisdom that has carried him through his career and through his life. It’s spoken in true blunt New York language and its a lot of fun to read, and in some cases, re-read. It’s a must read for anyone looking to unleash their creative talents. Damn Good Advice is in stores now.
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LISTEN TO THIS
Dispossession by Mike Wexler. This dreamy, hypnotic record is the second for the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter. Wexler’s voice, sometimes reminiscent of Robyn Hitchcock’s, vibrates and murmurs on these tracks in a way that can feel almost as if in a trance. The words whir, floating on synth loop currents, buzzy bass, and soft-strumming guitars; haunting and hymn-like. Rooted in freak-folk, Dispossession is not limited to only this influence as elements of psychedelia and jazz are present as well. An eerie and beautiful new album.
Roxy Music: The Complete Studio Recordings 1972-1982. Roxy Music has influenced many musicians from Bowie to Chic to U2 and The Killers and so many in between. To coincide with their 40th Anniversary, Roxy Music will kick off a massive reissue campaign with ‘The Complete Studio Recordings 1972-1982’. This 8-CD, 4-DVD set contains all of the studio albums, B-sides, remixes and non-album singles, remixed and remastered from the original master tapes. If you’re a Roxy Music fan, this is a must have. If you’re not a Roxy Music fan, this will make you one. ‘The Complete Studio Recordings 1972-1982’ will be released on April 2nd.
A Faithful Man by Lee Fields and The Expressions. Lee Fields has been bringing his brand of heart-wrenching soul since the late 60s, but it’s only until now that he’s received his proper due. Part of the same Brooklyn funk-soul revival that also produced Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley, A Faithful Man puts a 21st Century spin on 70s soul to astonishing effect. Songs like ‘I Still Got It’, ‘You’re The Kind Of Girl’ and the title track sound straight out of ’72 and prepare to get your mind totally blown when you hear his cover of The Stones’ ‘Moonlight Mile’. Put it this way: It’s not their song anymore. It’s that good. A Faithful Man is perfect for old school fans looking for something to add to their collection and for new fans looking for a window into this rich genre. A Faithful Man is available now.
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BROWSE THIS
A.V. Undercover 2012. For the third year, the Onion’s A.V. Club has chosen 25 songs to be covered in their offices. One by one, bands come in, choose a song, and record it. Bands that come in the latest have the fewest songs to choose from. No one knows exactly which bands will be coming in until they are announced on the site. Covers are often inventive, fun and truly inspired. This year, the series kicked off with Sharon Van Etten and Shearwater covering Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks’ “Stop Dragging My Heart Around” and Young the Giant cover R. Kelly’s “Ignition (Remix)”. Who will cover Van Halen’s “Panama”? What about Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta”?
The Sound Recordings Catalog at Cultural Equity. Alan Lomax spent a great deal of his life recording and archiving music from all over the world. These recordings were essential in bridging cultural gaps and in many cases, gave the whole planet a first look at some of the greatest musicians of all time. Before his passing, Lomax worked diligently to digitize these recordings and make them available for anyone who wanted to listen to them for free. Lomax passed away in 2002, but now, this long awaited project has become reality. Over 17,000 recordings are now online for free. It’s an extraordinary look into how blues and folk grew out of work songs, field hollers, churches and prisons and left an imprint that can still be felt today.
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DO THIS
Nile Rodgers Book Signing/Party at Hammerstein Ballroom NYC. A few months back, FE told you just how amazing Nile Rodgers’ memoir ‘Le Freak’ was. Now you get a chance to meet Nile as he hosts a free book signing and private concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom this Saturday. He’ll sign copies of the book (and anything else), plus play stripped down of his most memorable songs and tell the stories behind them. Did we mention that its FREE? A rare chance to get up close and personal with one of the top musicians/producers of the last 40 years.
John Prine on Tour. You’ve heard so much about him, now hear him live. Songwriter/National Treasure John Prine is on tour, and visiting the Wellmont Theater, in Montclair NJ on April 20, 2012. Yeah, 4/20, we know. Don’t miss the chance to see the man Kris Kristofferson called “so good, we’re gonna have to break his fingers,” playing in a great venue. Not local to Montclair, NJ? There’s plenty of other dates around the country.
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