Too tired to write anything earth-shaking. In fact, too tired to write anything even mildly amusing. So today, I pinch hit.
What I'm reading:
Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
Man, this is it. I've followed the Buddha-dharma for some thirteen years now, and that has included extensive study and reading. I don't know that I've ever encountered another book that presents it all, removed from most of the cultural bells and whistles, so simply. I've given away and worn out more copies of this book than I can remember.
If you're into Buddhism, or just want a clear head, this is one of the greats.
What I'm watching:
Ronin directed by John Frankenheimer
This is one of those really good movies that no one knows about. When it comes to spy movies, I think Frankenheimer was one of the best. This film has got really nice cinematography, a well-unraveled plot, and of course, De Niro. While it isn't the best role he has ever played, I think he does a great job injecting a lot of depth and texture into material that is fairly stark. As opposed to the tidal-wave of testosterone rolling off of most of the protagonists in modern action cinema, De Niro's portrayal here has this deep sense of practicality that you just can't help but appreciate.
Clue directed by Jonathan Lynn
I cannot tell you how much I love this movie. It has been one of my all-time favorites since I saw it as a kid. I love the campy setting and very play-like dialogue. It has the feel of a well-rehearsed live production, and the chemistry between the actors is phenomenal. I think Wadsworth is arguably Tim Curry's best role, but it is a stiff competition, because Madeline Kahn, Michael Keenan, Eileen Brennan, and Chris Lloyd all steal the freaking show. If nothing else, you should watch this movie just so you can memorize the quotes and use them at opportune times.
What I'm listening to:
The Idler Wheel is Wiser... by Fiona Apple
I love me some Fiona Apple. She's just so nuts, and so totally unashamed about it. Her lyrical stylings are a bizarre mix of emotional vulnerability and the lilting progressions of ee cummings at his avant-garde best. It has been a delight to see her sound grow from something more mainstream (Tidal) into the realms of acid jazz, soul, and folk (this). This album is definitely some exploration on her part, but I think it works well. As weird and off-key as it gets, it always has that dark honesty that defines her work. That said, I'm not sure how this would strike someone that hadn't already been listening to her for a decade, so listener beware on that one.
Act II - The Father of Death by The Protomen
If you grew up in the eighties and love video games, you are pretty much doomed on this one. These guys have taken the basic plot of the Mega Man games for the NES and composed two acts (so far) of a rock opera. When I first discovered it, I thought it was going to be a kind of fun, tongue-in-cheek sort of thing, but imagine my surprise when I actually discovered a lot of soul in both acts. The material is well-composed, and the plot (you'll have to look up the "bridging" bits of action on the net, unless you happen to see it live) is actually thought-provoking. Act I is harsh, fun, yowling, off-key punk rock punctuated by eight-bit chiptunes.
The sounds in Act II are a bizarre and delightful mix, which is much more polished. All of the Dr. Light pieces are done in the tone of Johnny Cash in his middle period. This is directly juxtaposed the Joe numbers, which are driving synth pop that sounds like a hybrid between The Darkness, Cheap Trick, and Meat Loaf on their best respective days. And to complete the mix, Wily's number almost sounds like something from the Stray Cats. It is shamelessly melodramatic, and if you're prone to that 1980's musical excess (or just musicals, really), it will suck you in like a tornado.
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