(Music) Pearl Jam: "Pearl Jam"

Pearl Jam has been around for over 15 years. That statement makes me feel a bit old, so I can only imagine how old it makes the band feel. Back in the early nineties, Pearl Jam was on top of the emerging grunge scene and even surpassed Nirvana as one of the biggest bands in the world. Since 1994’s “Vitalogy,” however, Pearl Jam has had a hard time reclaiming the rock world that they ruled. Through a string of relatively well-received, yet financial disappointing, albums, Pearl Jam has pushed on, continuing to evolve in the process.

The release of Pearl Jam’s self-titled album marks the band’s seventh major studio-release in 15 years. Typically, a self-titled album is usually a statement about how the artist perceives themselves. With “Pearl Jam,” the band is clearly making a statement, saying, “This is who we are. Like it or leave it.” However, Pearl Jam dows much more than make this brazen statement. They back it up with a truly refreshing addition to both their catalog and the mainstream rock scene.

“Pearl Jam” begins with the song “Life Wasted,” the band’s triumphal re-entry into the CD players and iPod’s across the world as Eddie Vedder sings, “I’ve tasted a life wasted. I’m never going back again.” It is a good starting point for the album and one of the best Pearl Jam tracks to date. Transitioning from blazing guitar solos and Eddie Vedder’s (trademarked) almost-drunken shrieks to half-time soft-rock balladry is no easy feat to pull off, but the band does it amazingly and capture the true versatility in their music. The remainder of the album can best be described as “unpredictable,” featuring a wide assortment of songs and influences that only goes to further the notion that Pearl Jam is a band worth indulging in for hours and days on end.

What the band accomplishes with this album is more than creating a 13-song revival of sorts. On the contrary, Pearl Jam has proven that in the flimsy, here-today-gone-tomorrow world of nineties rock, at least one band has proven they are more than an early nineties genre-fit.

Pearl Jam has risen from the ashes of grunge-rock and put their heart and soul into one of the best albums to come out so far in 2006.

Though ecclectic at times, one cannot simply dismiss the raw talent and raw emotion that went into the making of this album. Granted, it may not be Pearl Jam’s best, but it’s definitely towards the top of the list. There are a handful of tracks on this album that could easily be argued as some of the band’s most impressive, and that is definitely an accomplishment. At more than 15 years into their career, Pearl Jam has proven that they still have a lot to say and a lot more songs in store for us…if we are lucky.

Key Tracks:
1. "Life Wasted"
2. "World Wide Suicide"
3. "Comatose"
4. "Severed Hand"
5. "Come Back"

3 out of 5 Stars

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(Music) Secret Machines: "Ten Silver Drops"

A few years ago, a little band names Secret Machines came out of nowhere and drew rave reviews from everywhere for their album "Now Here is Nowhere." They follow it up in 2006 with "Ten Silver Drops," a pretty good album. I say this having heard their first album. I say this having played that album on repeat for weeks. But I also say this as someone who hasn't even touched it since. "Now Here Is Nowhere" was an ambitious album, for sure. With that album, Secret Machines created a sound that was, in all accounts, uniquely them and tapped into the indie rock market like no one could have imagined. "Ten Silver Drops," though not as risky as their first, may very well be a better album.

When you pass this in the record store or your friendly neighborhood Best Buy, try your hardest not to flip the jewel case around and look at the track listing because you may be discouraged that it only has 8 silver drops (tracks). Don't fret, however, every single song on this album attempts to reach epic-proportions and, as a result, only one track clocks in at under 5 minutes.

What I really like about this album is it's un-flenching thirst to rock out. There aren't really any true soft ballads on this album, or anything that will keep your head from bouncing on your way to work. It's a nice change, as "NHIN" really went up and down from track to track. This album is much more focused and solid. At times, you'll probably wonder if you're listening to Secret Machines because the sound is very different from their previous efforts. On "All At Once (It's Not Important)" for example, the lead singer's voice grinds as his emotions flare, breaking from his usually clear throated assertions. Make no mistake, Secret Machines have definitely tried to redefine themselves on this album, and it shows.

In my opinion, the best track on the album is "Daddy's In the Doldrums," an 8 1/2 minute epic rock track with heavy 70's rock influence, straightforward guitar solos, and enough electronic ambience to make you think you were listening to The Flaming Lips. As is usually the case with a Secret Machines song, it slowly builds to its climax, exploding into something that you saw coming, but at the same time didn't expect at all.

Overall, this album is a huge accomplishment for this band. For only thier second album, they have created something that they can build their careers off of. However, with the exception of "Daddy's In the Doldrums" and "I Hate Pretending" there aren't really any songs that you'll remember and be craving more than a year from now. Though they have created a fairly solid album, it is nothing you'll be telling your kids about and nothing to really write home about. If you are a Secret Machines fan, without question pick this album up. You will most likely enjoy it. Personally, I enjoy it much more than "Now Here Is Nowhere" and plan on listening to it until something better comes along.

Recommended for Secret Machines fans and anyone who would like to hear an Indie take on arena rock.

Key Tracks:
1. "All At Once (It's Not Important)"
2. "Daddy's In The Doldrums"
3. "I Hate Pretending"
4. "1,000 Seconds"

3 out of 5 Stars

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(Games) Wii?

I don't think there's enough that can be said about my love for Nintendo. When I was 5 or 6 I got my first NES system and just tore the hell out of it. This was followed a few years later with my Super Nintendo and its predecessor, the Nintendo 64. In fact, the only non-Nintendo systems I have owned have been my Xboxs and my PSP. I love Nintendo and the franchises it represents, Mario, Mario Party, Super Smash Bros., and more of these titles come to mind. However, if you wanted to argue about who lost the console wars in the current generation of games, well it's undoubtedly be the GameCube. It's a powerful system, and anyone that has played Resident Evil 4 knows exactly what it's capable of. Unfortunately, Nintendo took a notoriously "kiddie" route with that system and, as a result, killed any chances of American domination.

Then comes the Revolution, the console I've been looking forward to for months even though virtually no information has been released on it. The controller is just amazing, it looks sleek and cool (unlike the GameCube), and it has major third party support. I am really excited aboutu this system. Already games like "Red Steel" have been announced, and I just see Nintendo realizing their mistakes with the last system and making significant changes in the upcoming generation.

Uhh....well, not exactly.

Nintendo dropped this bomb today:

Introducing... Wii.

As in "we."

While the code-name Revolution expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that seperates videogame players from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games... and each other. But you're probably asking: What does the name mean?

Wii sounds like "we," which emphasizes the console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.

Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people playing it. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of videogames that sets it apart from the crowd.

So that's Wii. But now Nintendo needs you. Because it's really not about you or me. It's about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything.

Seriously? That's how you wanna play it? Wii? Honestly? How did that board meeting go down?

"Revolution is a great name for our console. It really captures what we want to do in the next generation."

"No. Revolution is too gay. We need something that will stand out."

"Really? I thought Revolution was a cool, sleek name for our system."

"No. It's totally gay. We need something that will capture the essence of our console."

"And Revolution doesn't cut it? I think that it's the best word in the English language to describe our system."

"EXACTLY!! We need to create our own word that everyone will understand! Something that really speaks to everyone!"

"Uhhh....that's crazy talk."

"We're gonna call it 'Wii'"

"We?"

"No....Wii. W-I-I."

"But Revolution is a great name that is cool and modern. It separates us from our kiddie image."

"No. It's Wii. We are naming our console Wii."

Honestly, I can't fathom a siuation where everyone agreed on this name. This is the worst name in the history of consoles. It's worse than neo-geo. It's worse than "Sega Master System," it's even worse than GameCube's codename "Dolphin!" Hell, I know what a Dolphin is! I can relate to a Dolphin! Wii? Come on!

So as Nintendo digs itself into that hole, I am left with a huge dilemna. Do I ignore this system that I've been craving for nearly a year? Or do I become the only adult on the block with a Wii? A Wii....dangit! I just can't see myself owning something called a Wii?

"Hey, do you wanna come over and play with my Wii?"

"You Pervert!"

What a mess! Listen to me Nintendo (I know you read my blog). It's not too late to go back to your code name "Revolution" at least until you figure out something that's less gay and *gulp* less kiddie. E3 is still a week and a half away. Just clear the website.

Pretend it never happened. When E3 comes, just laugh it off as a late April Fools joke. Please, do it for Wii....err.....me. Thanks.

--Cale

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(Movies Blip) Thank You For Smoking

I don't have much time, so I'll make this quick.

Thank You For Smoking is a brilliantly clever comedy about a lobbyist representing big tobacco and his endless endeavor to fight for the bad guys. Aaron Eckhart plays Nick Naylor, the afformentioned word-smith/truth-spinner, and does an absolutely phenominal job.

The movie is filled with smart writing, perfect comedic timing, and clever satire. It's really hard to imagine someone not enjoying themselves in this movie. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something to cure the spring movie duldrums.

Writing: 4 out of 5
Acting: 5 out of 5
Directing: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5

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(Music) The Streets: "The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living"

I was not a fan of The Streets. There's a good reason for everything, and I believe the reason for this is because I never really gave it a good listen. That all changed with "The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living" because, quite simply, I can't stop listening! In my ADD-ridden life, it's tough for hip-hop to have any sort of lasting effect on me. Usually hip-hop albums get quite old, quite fast, at least for me. But I have been listening to this album for several weeks now and I plan to continue this for some time. Being a newcomer to The Streets, I am thoroughly amazed by how solid, clever, and brilliant this album is!

Solid: Song for song, this is a truly amazing album. It begins strongly with "Pranging Out," arguably the most accessible song on the album for casual listeners. This is how I was hooked in. The production values are top-notch and the lyrics are flawless. Honestly, my description for the opening track is really not all that different from the rest of the album. Each song, with the exception of 'Fake Street Hat' (maybe), is grade A quality. Forget about calling this a great hip-hop album. This is just a great album. Pure and simple.

Clever: Oh where do I begin on this? It starts pretty early with "War of the Sexes," a song about the differences between men and women and the difficulties for men in picking up women. He especially pays close attention to how womens' intellect is "higher," saying, "She's calculating all of the mad facts and figures/while you're pretending to listen, staring at her t**ts." See what I mean? Clever. In fact, the album can really be seen as an assortment of funny-because-it's-true lines. Take, for example, the line "If you never tell a lie to her, you don't have to remember anything!" Gosh! How true, how clever. In the song "Two Nations," the differences between England and the United States are compared in a serious, yet quasi-funny manner ("I'm proud we gave you people like John Lennon....even though you shot him as well"). Make no mistake about it, this album does not suffer in the lyrics department. It excels.

Brilliant: "Can't Con an Honest Jon" is a song about pulling off a con. To be more precise, it is a song describing, in detail, how to pull off a con. Again, it's clever, but it really is just an awesome idea for a song. What's more brilliant about this album, however, is just the sheer awesomeness that is exhibits. Despite its humorous moments and pervasive non-consequential moments, "The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living" still has its moments of sorrow and regret. "Never Went to Church" is a song about the memory of Mike Skinner's father and his search for God. It's wihout question, the most touching song on the album. In all it's honesty, it still remains a good quality song and you'll find yourself singing along with the chorus in no time. Amazing....brilliant....

To Americans, the idea of someone with a British accent rapping is really just a ludicrous idea. It's unfortunate, because American's could really be exposed to some of the greatest hip-hop available. Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, and others could really put Mike Jones and Paul Wall to shame. I guess that's what Mike means when he says "That's why I've sold 3 million albums and you've never heard of me." It's a shame, but for those of us who have heard...well we can brag about it.

Recommended to fans of Dizzee Rascal and The Streets and anyone who is tired of hearing songs about grills, rims, b**ches, hoes, being in the club, getting crunk, or anything else that makes you feel dumb for listening to it.

Key Tracks:
1. "Pranging Out"
2. "War of the Sexes"
3. "All Goes Out the Window"
4. "When You Wasn't Famous'
5. "Never Went To Church"

4 out of 5 Stars.

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(Misc.) Announcement: Soft Light Masquerade Live

Finally your dream has come true. In less than a month Soft Light Masquerade will perform two separate shows in the North Houston area.

Saturday May 13th @ Robinson Road Community Center--$6.00

Wednesday May 17th @ The Rockville at Javajazz Coffee House--$10.00

If you can, please come to these shows to support me in my musical endeavors. If you haven't yet heard Soft Light Masquerade, click here. For further information, feel free to drop me a line.

See you soon.

--Cale

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(Movies) Ice Age: The Meltdown

Movies nowadays are big. "Spiderman," "Lord of the Rings," and "The Matrix" are all phenomenal examples of big movies being really really good. But do you know what else was big? "Hulk." Do you know what was not good? "Hulk." Likewise, "Ice Age 2" is a really big movie that is flat out N.O.T. G.O.O.D.

There's so many things wrong with this movie that it's hard to find a good place to start my criticism. First off, the animation is lackluster at best. When we see huge chunks of iceberg fall from the sky, it doesn't look like ice. There is no powder trail and barely any change in its shape or form when it slams into the earth. It literally looks like a shard of glass falling from the sky and remaining whole as it strikes the ground. Though I am in no way an animator (unless anatomically correct stick figures count), I would be willing to bet that a little powder trail here and there wouldn't bee too extreme of a request.

In Ice Age 2, each of the main characters have some sort of challenge to overcome before the movie closes. According to my calculation, there are 5 main characters in this movie that are forced (note the deliberate use of that word) to solve their problems before its 90 minutes are up. As a result, it's no surprise that we don't really care about these supposed struggles and really don't have a chance to focus on one before another is shoved in our faces. In addition to this, the characters are dull and lifeless with hardly any convincing motivation or emotions. When the movie tries to be touching, it rarely succeeds, opting rather for unnecessary moments that are sure to bore the adult audience and confuse the young audience.

This brings me to my next point. "Ice Age: The Meltdown" is a movie that can't decdide what audience it wants to cater to. At times it seems unbearably kiddie, but when jokes are constantly dealing with mature subject matter like disease, extinction, and death, once can't help but wonder whether these jokes are necessary and what, if any, audience they were directed to. From the experience in my theater, on one seemed to enjoy these blunders of writing. Now that I think about it, "Ice Age 2" is essentially one big writing blunder. The dialogue is cheesy and predictable, the jokes are too often crude and less often humorous, and the unnecessary (yet obligatory) song in the middle of the movie just shows you how bad this movie really is.

The original "Ice Age" was tolerable. Though not the most memorable computer animated film of all time, it was not the worst (remember "Antz"?). "Ice Age: The Meltdown" is the worst full-length feature computer-animated film I've ever seen. It is a studio's attempt to milk a typically bone-dry movie season for all it is worth and, from the looks of it, they have succeeded. If anything can be said about this movie, it is that it feels forced. The dialogue is forced, the motivations are forced, the animation appears to have been forced, and everything about this movie screams "Leave the theatre while you still can!!" (Oddly enough, a fire alarm went off during my viewing...but I returned, not taking the opportunity.)

I do not recommend this movie to anyone. Not parents. Not kids. No one.

Directing: 1 out of 5 Stars
Writing: 1 out of 5 Stars
Acting: 2 out of 5 Stars
Overall: 1 out of 5 Stars

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