Metallica will always have a special place in my heart. Why ? They were the first band I ever listened to that made me feel cool. Growing up being the unpopular kid, being cool was something I wanted to be. Being cool on my own terms, not cool by everyone's standards. Somehow their music, can't explain why, just made me feel cool. I mean Metallica is cool. Even though they have skewed away from their thrash metal roots a bit, they are still cool. Hell, they managed to make Lou Reed cool for one album. Don't underestimate Metallica's coolness factor.
Let's make something crystal clear before I go on with the review, "Some Kind Of Monster" is not a Metallica movie. Even after a decade, I still don't know what it is. It looks like someone wanted to cash in on a failed attempt on a television documentary. While I'll admit it was well shot and showed a more softer side of the band, it's still not a Metallica movie.
"Through The Never" is a Metallica Movie.
I love concert films, bottom line. It's a lost art. Nobody worth a fuck does them anymore. Let's get something straight, the Katy Perry, One Direction, And Justin Bieber films are not concert films. "Elvis In Concert", "The Song Remains The Same", and "Let There Be Rock" are concert films. A concert film, simply captures the intensity of a live show on film. Some have failed, some have succeeded. Metallica in this case have overly succeeded. From the moment Ennio Morricone's "The Ecstasy Of Gold" plays, the same goosebumps I had back in '08 when I seen them came back. That feeling set the bar high for this film.
Since this is a concert film, I figure I should share the setlist:
The Ecstasy of Gold,
Creeping Death,
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Fuel,
Ride the Lightning,
One,
The Memory Remains
Wherever I May Roam
Cyanide,
...And Justice for All,
Master of Puppets
Battery,
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
Hit the Lights
Orion
Pretty good right ? Metallica has always been known come up with great setlists. They rotate every night. I love when a band does that. That shows, they are willing to go the extra mile to ensure every show is special. At the end of end, you've got to give them props for that. There are only a few bands that will do that.
Aside from typical, obvious cinematic scenes during the concert itself; it's mainly a Metallica show. The stage is a bit different. It's still in the round but it's a huge LCD screen. My favorite (without spoiling) was when Doris made her appearance. Ain't seen her since the Justice days. Lastly, another favorite stage effect; when the "Master Of Puppets" crosses came out from the stage. It was pretty eerie and cool to see this in 3D.
The actual movie portion involves a roadie. The roadie has to get to a truck that's run out of gas. With gas can in hand, he makes his way through the city to get this truck back on the road. He also has to retrieve a "important item" for Metallica. And as your typical journey fare goes, chaos ensues during his mission.
You couldn't have picked a better band to do a 3D movie. I mean it's Metallica ! These guys are known for putting on one of the best shows on earth. If you've seen them, you know what it's all about. If you haven't seen them, then obviously you don't get it. Even after 30 years, their shows are still intense. To capture on film, is a major achievement. The problem with concert films sometimes is that the intensity of the show gets lost. That problem is not relevant here.
For a 3D film, the cinematography is outstanding. Some of those shots where outstanding. I don't see have of this stuff in normal movies. That's sad......but true.
When it's all said and done, this is the film "Pink Floyd The Wall" should have been.
After seeing this film, I can't wait to see what Metallica has for us in the future. They recently started a record label "Blackened Recordings", which allowed them to acquire all of the right of their albums. Hoping to see some remastered reissues in the future. That, and they are suppose to have a new album come out either next year or the year after. If there's one thing for sure, when it comes to Metallica, it'll be an event not to be missed. My faith in the almighty 'tallica has been restored because of this film.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Five Albums That Changed My Life....
I always get a kick out of reading these. I figured I should take a break from doing a movie related blog and do one. Even though I have a plethora of albums that have made a profound impact on my life, I had to narrow it down to five. On this five (this may or may not be a hint for future installments), I tried to pick 5 that I don't see on other lists. Without further ado, here's five albums that changed my life....
1. "Painkiller" by Judas Priest: I was maybe 4 or 5 years old. My mother and I, came back from running errands. I remember my dad sitting on the front porch and he had the living room windows open. As soon as Mom and I were making our way to the door, Dad said "Hey, check this out". He picked up the remote of his brand new Sony stereo and pressed play. All of sudden, I hear this killer double bass drum intro followed by this screeching/aggressive 2 guitar assault. Even before Halford kicks in, I just remember being blown away. This wasn't like the Kiss or Def Leppard stuff that I was use to hearing. This was more aggressive. From then on, I wanted more.
Hearing this album, laid down the foundation for my love of metal that would continue throughout my life. I owe it all to my father. Thanks Dad !
2. "Ride The Lighthing" by Metallica: I knew nothing about them prior to 1991. The Metallica I knew had short hair and they made that one album with the black cover. A trip to K-Mart back in '97 would change all that....
You know you've got a cool grandma when she doesn't examine the CD she's buying for you. She bought me, my first copy of "Ride The Lighting". I remember going back to her house, popping this cd in her cheap Emerson boombox (wearing headphones), and "Fight Fire With Fire" started. Was slightly put off by the acoustic intro at first. Then I finally come to the realization that acoustic intro was simply the "calm before the storm". This storm lasted 47 minutes and was a brutal attack on my ears. At this point, this was the heaviest thing I had ever heard. Tracks like "For Whom The Bell Tolls", "Creeping Death", and my personal favorite "Ride The Lighting".
Definitely cemented my everlasting love for pre-Black Album Metallica.
3. "Exit Stage Left" By Rush: I discovered Rush my freshman year of High School. I seen the video for "Subdivisions" on VH-1. Seeing the video and song mirroring my life at the time, I instantly became a fan. Having a band I could relate to was something I was looking for. You didn't hear Zeppelin or Floyd singing about the pitfalls of being a teenager.
The summer before my Sophomore year, I went to Michigan with my grandfather. My mom and Stepfather gave me a shit ton of money for the trip. They insisted on my grandfather not spend too much on me. Rather than use it for souvenirs, I bought CD's and other random oddities with that money. While in Ann Arbor, I stopped into a Borders. It was a toss up between this and "Signals". Long story short, this won because it was a live album and the track list was awesome. To have live versions of "La Villa Strangiato", "Xanadu", "Red Barchetta", and "YYZ" (featuring Neil's solo) all on one CD was pretty epic. I had to own this.
At first listen, I came to the realization that Rush was a live band. Every song on this album either sound identical or better than the studio version. Not only that, but it was three guys doing the work of 5 or 6 ! This album, is why is my favorite band of all time.
4. "Roxy & Elsewhere" By Frank Zappa: Being a fan of Genesis, I was familiar of how Chester Thompson became the touring drummer. It was Phil's appreciation of this album that landed Chester the gig. This is where my fascination for Frank Zappa started. Up until this point, I knew very little about him or his music.
This album is just insane. The arrangements, the band, Frank's guitar playing, and how this doesn't sound like it was recorded in a club. Completely blew me away. You know, this isn't stuff you hear on your classic rock station. I really don't know what else to say about "Roxy & Elsewhere". The record really speaks for itself.
5. "Crack The Skye" By Mastodon: 2009 was not a good year for me. I was at a difficult point in my life. This album was kind of the soundtrack of that year.
I knew very little about Mastodon prior to this album. They were getting a lot of press because of this album, that's how I discovered them. During the interviews, bands like Rush, Genesis, Yes, and even Frank Zappa were getting mentioned. I love all of those bands, I need to check these guys out. Aside from the musicianship, I was amazed on how this record sounded like a 70's prog album. After this album, I not only became the hugest Mastodon fan but I immediately bought the rest of their catalog.
Even though, they get put on some of the biggest tours; they are still one of the most underrated bands around. And that's why I love this band. Except for it's harden fan base, no one understands their true genius.
Well, that's that. I encourage any musician or anyone that appreciates music heavily to do one of these.
1. "Painkiller" by Judas Priest: I was maybe 4 or 5 years old. My mother and I, came back from running errands. I remember my dad sitting on the front porch and he had the living room windows open. As soon as Mom and I were making our way to the door, Dad said "Hey, check this out". He picked up the remote of his brand new Sony stereo and pressed play. All of sudden, I hear this killer double bass drum intro followed by this screeching/aggressive 2 guitar assault. Even before Halford kicks in, I just remember being blown away. This wasn't like the Kiss or Def Leppard stuff that I was use to hearing. This was more aggressive. From then on, I wanted more.
Hearing this album, laid down the foundation for my love of metal that would continue throughout my life. I owe it all to my father. Thanks Dad !
2. "Ride The Lighthing" by Metallica: I knew nothing about them prior to 1991. The Metallica I knew had short hair and they made that one album with the black cover. A trip to K-Mart back in '97 would change all that....
You know you've got a cool grandma when she doesn't examine the CD she's buying for you. She bought me, my first copy of "Ride The Lighting". I remember going back to her house, popping this cd in her cheap Emerson boombox (wearing headphones), and "Fight Fire With Fire" started. Was slightly put off by the acoustic intro at first. Then I finally come to the realization that acoustic intro was simply the "calm before the storm". This storm lasted 47 minutes and was a brutal attack on my ears. At this point, this was the heaviest thing I had ever heard. Tracks like "For Whom The Bell Tolls", "Creeping Death", and my personal favorite "Ride The Lighting".
Definitely cemented my everlasting love for pre-Black Album Metallica.
3. "Exit Stage Left" By Rush: I discovered Rush my freshman year of High School. I seen the video for "Subdivisions" on VH-1. Seeing the video and song mirroring my life at the time, I instantly became a fan. Having a band I could relate to was something I was looking for. You didn't hear Zeppelin or Floyd singing about the pitfalls of being a teenager.
The summer before my Sophomore year, I went to Michigan with my grandfather. My mom and Stepfather gave me a shit ton of money for the trip. They insisted on my grandfather not spend too much on me. Rather than use it for souvenirs, I bought CD's and other random oddities with that money. While in Ann Arbor, I stopped into a Borders. It was a toss up between this and "Signals". Long story short, this won because it was a live album and the track list was awesome. To have live versions of "La Villa Strangiato", "Xanadu", "Red Barchetta", and "YYZ" (featuring Neil's solo) all on one CD was pretty epic. I had to own this.
At first listen, I came to the realization that Rush was a live band. Every song on this album either sound identical or better than the studio version. Not only that, but it was three guys doing the work of 5 or 6 ! This album, is why is my favorite band of all time.
4. "Roxy & Elsewhere" By Frank Zappa: Being a fan of Genesis, I was familiar of how Chester Thompson became the touring drummer. It was Phil's appreciation of this album that landed Chester the gig. This is where my fascination for Frank Zappa started. Up until this point, I knew very little about him or his music.
This album is just insane. The arrangements, the band, Frank's guitar playing, and how this doesn't sound like it was recorded in a club. Completely blew me away. You know, this isn't stuff you hear on your classic rock station. I really don't know what else to say about "Roxy & Elsewhere". The record really speaks for itself.
5. "Crack The Skye" By Mastodon: 2009 was not a good year for me. I was at a difficult point in my life. This album was kind of the soundtrack of that year.
I knew very little about Mastodon prior to this album. They were getting a lot of press because of this album, that's how I discovered them. During the interviews, bands like Rush, Genesis, Yes, and even Frank Zappa were getting mentioned. I love all of those bands, I need to check these guys out. Aside from the musicianship, I was amazed on how this record sounded like a 70's prog album. After this album, I not only became the hugest Mastodon fan but I immediately bought the rest of their catalog.
Even though, they get put on some of the biggest tours; they are still one of the most underrated bands around. And that's why I love this band. Except for it's harden fan base, no one understands their true genius.
Well, that's that. I encourage any musician or anyone that appreciates music heavily to do one of these.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Revisiting Rob Zombie's "Halloween"
For anyone that knows me personally, I frown over and bitch about remakes. Especially horror remakes. In honor of the highest grossing labor day weekend movie, here's a short retrospect of a remake I did enjoy.
Let's go get in the way back machine about 6 years..........
Prior to the remake, I had bought a VHS copy of the original Halloween. I didn't make a habit of watching it over and over. For me, it was a seasonal watch. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the film and I think it's great. Aside from the first one, the other ones I remember seeing where II and H20. Needless to say, I wasn't a huge Michael Myers fan back in the day. My slasher of choice was Freddy Krueger.
To be honest, I was surprised that they where going to remake this. Why ? The first one, even after almost 30 years (at that point) is still legendary. I was divided to say the least. One part of me thought it was a bad idea. The other part of me felt the sequels weren't doing the original much just justice. Maybe a fresh take is what the legend of Michael Myers needed.
I was still divided until I read Rob Zombie was going to direct. Not only that, but John Carpenter gave him his blessing. John Carpenter, you know the guy who did the original ! Now, I wanted to see this get remade.
I remember the trailer left me a little puzzled. "What the fuck is he doing with this ?" I thought to myself. It didn't look like the original nor did it look like any of the sequels.
The first time I seen the movie, was on September 1, 2007.
In a nutshell; it was gorier than the original, the story dug a little deeper into the mythology of Michael Myers, and the dialogue sounded like it came from a exploitation film. He borrowed very little from the original. This looked nothing like the movie I use to watch every halloween since I was 12.
Needless to say, I was deeply impressed. For me, I seen the film not as a competitor to the original but as a tribute to the original. I mean here's a guy who essentially grew up watching the original. In that time prior to the remake, he's examined it and thought deeply how he would've made the movie. Zombie's a film nerd, bottom line. He took one of his favorite films, and made his own. That's all anybody really needs to see when they watch the film.
As of now, the film is still the highest grossing labor day weekend movie.
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