Today’s tap water vs. today’s tap water, Brita filtered.
Can you tell which is which?
I think I can. Ugh.
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Get Busy Child
Wheee! The Crystal Method are in town tomorrow night 🙂
For those not familiar with the band, here’s a short bio from All Music Guide:L.A.’s Crystal Method have been referred to as America’s answer to the Chemical Brothers. A dance-based electronic duo with a definite rock band feel, the comparison would seem appropriate, although it tends to erase what makes the group distinct: a solid base in American hip-hop, rock, soul, and pop. Formed in 1993 by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, Crystal Method is the most recent stop in a string of projects that led them from their native Las Vegas (and some forgettable four-track stabs at vocal house music), to the early-’90s L.A. rave scene. Drawn in by its youthful idealism, Jordan and Kirkland became absorbed by L.A.’s underground club culture and began knocking out tracks inspired by their experiences. On the strength of one of their demos, Crystal Method signed to Steve Melrose and Justin King’s City of Angels imprint in 1994, and their debut single, “Keep Hope Alive,” appeared soon after. The title was in reference to L.A.’s waning rave scene (burdened by constant police pressure and a string of random violent incidents) and became something of an anthem due to the endless barrage of remixes and alternate versions that appeared. The pair’s demand to be taken seriously as a band (as opposed to the enforced anonymity of most techno acts, and something of a new concept for American dance producers) extended to incessant live performances, and Crystal Method’s increasing popularity both in the clubs and among radio jocks led to a deal with Geffen affiliate Outpost Recordings in 1996. The group’s debut LP, Vegas — an unabashed party record bathed in acid, funk, rock, and big beat hip-hop — appeared in mid-1997 and sold very well. The follow-up Tweekend was released four years later, and the duo inaugurated a series of mix albums (Community Service) in 2002. Third album Legion of Boom followed in 2004. ~ Sean Cooper, All Music Guide
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It’s All Gone Pete Tong and Billy Elliot
So, time for another couple mini-reviews!
First, It’s All Gone Pete Tong is mildly black comedy about a superstar DJ who has to come to terms with the loss of his hearing. Certainly it’s an interesting premise, and when I saw the box at the video store I stopped looking at the other movies and went straight to the check-out line. I think my friend Sean recommended it to me at one point. He was right about 24 Hour Party People, so I had no reason to question his judgment. What surprised me most about this film was just how authentic they made the club scenes feel. As I found out later through the special features, that’s because they /actually/ *go* to Ibiza to film, and are actually in superclubs Cream and Amnesia on actual Friday and Saturday nights. I’m not really sure how to describe the film without giving too much away, but hopefully I’ve got you curious. I enjoyed it. 7.5/10.
Secondly, today, Yawen loaned me a few films, one of which was Billy Elliot. The premise is, a young boy from a blue-collar mining town takes up ballet lessons behind his family’s back, knowing they’ll disapprove. And he’s really good at it. Family in this case means older brother, Grandma, and Dad — Mom is no longer around for unexplained reasons. Basically, life is hard. I was skeptical before pushed “play”, but the film won me over. It’s got heart, it’s funny and it’s wonderfully told. Of course, with a premise like this one, it’s pretty hard to go wrong, but they certainly could have done worse. Highly recommended. 8.5/10.