Owner: poptopia! URL:http://poptopia.wordpress.com Join Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:13:10 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Poptopia is the place for the latest in Music, Movies, Comics, Video Games and whatever is happening in the pop culture nation. This blog is live from Montreal. Site statistics:Click here
I am Iron Man 2007-07-29 07:52:50
So I have to admit I’m not his biggest fan. But when the Iron Man
movie comes out on May 2nd, 2008 I’ll be one of the first in line. They got the casting right: Robert Downey Jr. as an ex alcoholic with a sinister pornstache is brilliant. He looks the part that’s for sure. And no doubt lived it (in a sense). But will fanboys flock to this one? Especially after Tony’s recent dabble in the “dark side” during and after Marvel’s Civil War. We’ll just have to wait and see. As per usual with these comic book movies, Nicholas Cage expressed interest and thank God that can’t-act-for-shit “actor” wasn’t cast. But I digress. The film also boasts cameos (as confirmed by director Jon Favreau this past weekend) from Hilary Swank (Black Widow?) and Samuel L Jackson (Ultimate Nick Fury?). This looks like a franchise.
Countdown to Osheaga 2007-07-28 22:41:07
For those of us here in Montreal, Jean Parc Drapeau will transform itself into heaven for two straight days. The Osheaga Festival lands and puts to shame all those twelve and thirteen year olds that are attending the babysitting fest known as The Warped Tour. This is where real music will be played and enjoyed by people that really enjoy it. I missed out on last years but from the line up I’ve seen for this years it looks like this thing will get bigger as the years go by. Enjoy some music from some of the fine folks we’ll be seeing on day one.
Peter Bjorn and John - Up Against the Wall
Feist - I Feel it All
Explosions in the Sky - A Song for Our Fathers
Blonde Redhead - Misery is a Butterfly
Read more:Countdown
Look to the Skies 2007-07-28 22:18:46
I don’t know much about the United Kingdom’s Sky Larkin except that I like them. A lot. As you’ll see in the coming posts I have weakness for female fronted bands and lead singer Katie has the vocal capabilities to be as versatile as the best of them. They’re currently unsigned but I really don’t see that lasting for much too long. Frantic, frenetic and energetic I’m truly a fan of whatever these guys put out. When they hit it big, come back so I can tell you that I told you so.
Sky Larkin - One of Two
Sky Larkin - Summit
Read more:Skies
Once and for All 2007-07-28 18:39:15
So the other night I was supposed to see Sunshine but the theater was at full capacity. So no luck. Instead, I was treated to Once which was a movie I heard tons and tons of good things about. Now, not being a fan of these craptastic “Neo-Musicals” like Hairspray or that crap Richard Gere was in, I was a little reserved about seeing this in the theater. It’s what a musical should be. Beautiful. It’s a movie that’s sweet, funny, moving and the ending doesn’t over cheese it (and it sooo could have). It features two principals that are unknown (Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová) but do what they’re supposed to: act. And act well. I felt that pressure in teh chest that comes along with goosebumps at times. Enjoy some of the music. Seriously, beautiful.
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová - Falling Slowly
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová - When Your Minds Made Up
Stars Wars 2007-07-28 17:35:35
Stars return in September with their new album In Our Bedroom After the War but it’s available to download right now. I’m a huge fan of the Montreal based band and absolutely fell in love with their previous release Set Yourself on Fire and was worried that maybe the follow up won’t be as stellar. Listening to the album over and over again, I am beyond impressed with the effort. Dreamy, provocative and just downright stunning, I urge you to pick this one up when it’s out. For now here are two of my favorites from the album (Personal is amazing).
Stars - The Night Starts Here
Stars - Personal
Read more:Stars Wars
The Dark Knight Returns 2007-07-28 16:50:04
He’s baaaack! Christopher Nolan wet all of our fanboy appetites with Batman Begins and now he’s ready to do it again with The Dark Knight
coming in Summer of 2008. I’m telling you kids, I can’t wait. And people have already sounded off about Heath Ledger as the Joker but I got to say with this pic I’m impressed. Oh and with the voice too. Check the teaser out at the Joker’s viral campaign site. I seriously can’t wait for this one…
Read more:Returns
In pop! We Trust (July 23rd - July 30th) 2007-07-30 13:04:35
At the Movies
Yeah I know you probably all saw Transformers by now and if you haven’t by now chances are you aren’t ever going to see it. Well I still highly recommend this movie. I went it in thinking about how shitty it would be but it blew my mind. It embraces it’s absurdity (alien robots?) and just rolls with it and it does it better than any other summer movie thus far. Oh and one of the only reasons I’m still recommending it is because I have yet to see The Simpsons Movie.
On the Tele
Summer means two things for TVers: reruns and reality. Now I’ve been a fan since it’s started but Big Brother finds new ways to be different every year. This year was a twist that involved unfinished business or enemies or something horribly mean like that. The only duo still alive in the house are the father-daughter combo of Daniele and Dick (pictured above), with the latter basically being the entire show. And while Jen is somewhat entertaining, Amber is whin
Full On Con 2007-07-30 11:08:19
Tegan and Sara’s new album The Con has been leaked for months now but it’s finally available in the stores right freaking now. It’s a bit of a departure from their previous releases but The Con has it’s bright spots. The title track is somewhat of a new sound for them but it’s a dead on bullseye. It was on heavy repeat on my iPod after I first got it. I heavily recommend it. The lead single, Back in Your Head seems like a miss for me. It’s not a song I would’ve personally used to promote the album but maybe that’s why I’m here writing this and not in the music industry. The video and mp3 for Back in Your Head can be found here and the title track as well as a live version of my favorite Tegan and Sara song ever can be found below. The twins will be here in Montreal at Le National on October 12th and 13th.
Tegan and Sara - The Con
Tegan and Sara - My Number (Live)
Why Aren’t you Watching: Friday Night Lights 2007-07-29 18:00:40
I admit I’m a late comer to this show but the episodes I have seen so far have been better than most of what debuted this past fall season. FridayNightLights
had low ratings in its first season but the critics adored it. Earlier this month the Emmy nominations were announced and not one nomination came its way. NBC did score a best dramatic series nod with Heroes, but come on. I do enjoy Heroes but I mean it’s really not deserving of a nomination unless it’s based on its ratings and buzz. And that’s not what it’s based on right? Right? Anyways, despite the low ratings, it has survived to live another day. Season two is on its way this coming fall, season one is coming out on DVD on August 28th and there’s a soundtrack available. Catch up and watch the damn show so it can survive for a third season but in the meantime enjoy some songs that were featured during season one. Go Panthers!
Brand New - Jesus Christ (live)
Bright Eyes - Devil Town
Spoon Read more:Watching
, Friday Night
Under the Covers 2007-07-29 09:43:17
This is the first of what will be a weekly tradition (every Sunday?)here at poptopia!, a feature on cover songs. Pictured above is the lovely St.Vincent who covers Jackson Browne penned/Nico recorded These Days in wonderful fashion. Next up is Owen Pallet or Final Fantasy doing Bloc Party’s This Modern Love. Pallett picks the perfect song to cover as he does it proper justice musically but when it comes to his singing I’ll stick with the Party. And last but not least comes Lismore straight from New Jersey. They cover the newly reformed Smashing Pumpkins and their song 1979. Personally the song is a favorite of mine, and an odd choice for Lismore. One that doesn’t really pay off. Well they can’t all be winners. And I still enjoy the fuck out of Lismore.
St. Vincent - These Days (Jackson Browne cover)
Final Fantasy - This Modern Love (Bloc Party cover)
Lismore - 1979 (Smashing Pumpkins cover)
Read more:Covers
Under the Covers 2007-08-03 09:41:16
More covers? Alright. Female vocals? You got it. First up (and pictured) are Giant Drag, an absolutely amazing band hailing from California. The band is basically just lead singer Annie Hardy and a cast of revolving musicians (think Bright Eyes with more “adult” lyrics ) but her voice is sweet enough to keep listening. I’m a big fan of Giant Drag and in this instance they cover a Beach Boys tune God Only Knows. Next for your pleasure is the great Amy Millan covering Death Cab for Cutie’s I Will Follow You Into the Dark from 05’s Plans. Not to take away from Mr. Gibbard, but it seems to work so much better with her voice singing his lyrics. She seems more frail and subdued which suits the lyrics better. To me anyways. And lastly…this one is for you guys that always wondered what would happen if Avril Lavigne covered Coldplay’s The Scientist. At least she’s hot.
Giant Drag - God Only Knows (Beach Boys Cover)
Amy Millan - I Will Follow you Read more:Covers
Invaded 2007-08-01 17:22:17
The term “adorable” is usually reserved for Care Bears or any type of cartoon animal with overly huge eyes, but in this case adorable is the word that would be best used to describe the bloodline of the DuPrees. Or Eisley as they’ve come to be known. The follow up to 2005’s Room Noises hits the shelves on August 14th but the first single has been out for quite sometime. At first Invasion didn’t do anything for me but after repeat listens it caught on. Although I doubt that the video will ever catch on for me. The only other two songs I heard haven’t really impressed me at all. I hope that it will require multiple listens as well in order for me to catch on but so far they’re very “meh”. And short (I read that the album runs under 35 minutes in its entirety). Eisley will be on Conan O’Brien on August 30th.
Eisley - Invasion
Eisley - Ten Cent Blues
Eisley - A Sight to Behold
Missing Lost 2007-08-05 14:35:28
It’s been a long time. And it’s just going to get longer. ABC’s Lost ended season three on the most unexpected of finales. I remember watching the first season, and not exactly freaking out about how it ended. And then season two’s season finale literally blew me away and I can’t remember any single episode of any single show ever leave me begging for more. Now I’ll admit, I wasn’t too keen on season three. It was all about those damn Others at first, much like the previous season was mostly about the Tailies. But the season continued to pick up momentum and it all came to a head in the amazing season finale. I also loved that Henry Ian Cusick had a more important role to play. Desmond has become one of my favorite characters on the show (besides James “Sawyer” Ford) and I hope he makes it out in the end. It’s a long wait until season four begins in early 2008 and I really, can’t wait. Michael comes back next season (ma Read more:Missing
Yornography 2007-08-05 09:56:35
I have no problems admitting to my adoration for the music of Pete Yorn. I know all the words to Strange Condition by heart and I can remember getting excited just hearing it at a Payless last summer. But when it comes to his success it hurts my head to think about it. He’s a talented, hard working, outstanding song writer but hasn’t really touched mainstream success. Now I’m not complaining or anything like that but I figure that out of all the musicians that I listen to, he would be the frontrunner for superstar stardom. But then again there’s no account to taste when it comes to mainstream top 40 rock and he nor his record label probably isn’t into paying the radio channels to play his stuff. Enough with the venting though. Below are a harder version of his hit, an amazing duet with Natalie Maines of Dixie Chicks fame, a live version of a slower song and a cover of an Elvis song. All are fantastic and should make a an instant fan out of you.
Pete Yorn
Gone, But Not Forgotten: Arrested Development 2007-08-04 16:28:53
*Sigh* This boggles the mind. Nay, it clusterfucks the mind. It’s hard to understand how it’s possible that an unfunny, unappealing, just plain bad show such as ABC’s According to Jim can remain on the air but an utterly brilliantly written and acted show such as Fox’s late, great Arrested Development
gets canceled. The Emmy awarding comedy ran for three seasons from 2003-2006 before getting axed and is available to own on DVD and I highly recommend it. The show brought back to us Jason Bateman that I’ve enjoyed in almost everything he’s done since. But the most significant contribution to us living in poptopia was the brilliance of Will Arnett. Portraying GOB Bluth, a magician, Arnett made me bust a kidney with laughter almost every time he appeared on screen. With minor characters such as lawyer Bob Loblaw, Franklin the black hand puppet and private investigator Gene Parmesan even the smaller parts are funnier then the leading men that are still o Read more:Forgotten
Continuous Hit Music 2007-08-08 15:36:36
I love The American Analog Set. They’re one of the most under appreciated bands out there and they have been since 1996. Members have changed and there were even rumors of their demise, but they’re still here and released an album just two years ago. I personally found out about them in 02, and their range continues to impress me to this day. They can get aggressive at times (Fuck This…I’m Leaving) or they can be soft yet equally powerful. One such song has become one of my all time favorite songs ever. Aaron and Maria from 2001’s Know by Heart tells the story of two lovers that will do and risk anything just to be together. No matter what problems or despite the fact they have to do work they don’t want to they believe love will conquer all. As the song plays through I can just picture the two of them going through the lyrics and it’s pretty inspiring stuff. Highly recommended.
The American Analog Set - Come Home Baby Julie, Come Home
The A Read more:Music
Dirty pop!: Family Guy 2007-08-08 10:20:53
Seriously, this show sucks. Randomness is not always funny. Constant randomness is not ever funny. I still can’t imagine how so many people watch this show and think it’s hilarious. Do they care that the jokes have all been told before? Or maybe they just don’t realize it. Even the “original” material isn’t funny. I mean, a 15 minute fight with a chicken? Could the writers not come up with any decent way to fill the rest of the show up that they needed to waste time by pulling off that crap? Seth Macfarlene is a fucking hack. Stealing his idea for Baby Stewie from artist Chris Ware and his Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth comic strip, getting sued by Carol Burnett, constant rips fromThe Simpsons and hatred from the great Kevin Smith would be enough for people to realize what a douche he is. When he came here to Montreal to do a live show for Just for Laughs, my friend joked about kidnapping him and beating him to death. There is one aspect Read more:Family
, Family Guy
Gone, But Not Forgotten: Denali 2007-08-08 10:01:02
From 2000-2004, Richmond’s Denali was the shit to me. Maura Davis’s voice was one of the reasons why I fell for the female fronted band. They introduced a seemingly undiscovered aspect of music to me back in the early 00’s: that bands can be found on the internet. This was a revelation to me and their music made me search and find bands that aren’t getting the exposure that they should. I can’t describe the feeling I got when I first heard Relief from their self titled debut. It was like discovering a new feeling or sensation. I couldn’t wait to tell my friends all about them but of course they disregarded it. It’s been my experience that you have to search out good music these days. In 2003, the band lost two of its members just after they released their second album The Instinct. The shakeup would eventually lead to the end of the band. Maura’s music lives on in the form of Ambulette but I haven’t heard too much from them yet and Read more:Forgotten
BB 8 Update (potential spoilers): Dickheads 2007-08-07 07:45:15
For those of us that watch Big Brother 8, we know that Dick is a livewire. We also know he and his daughter have a deep hatred for Jen. Hell, it seems like everyone hates Jen. But now I find myself routing for her. Why? Cause she’s joined Dick and Dani. Yeah it’s a shock to the system but the damage they can hopefully cause will be monumental. America’s Player Eric has long overstayed his welcome and is now finding himself on the block because all his lying has caught up to him. He was under suspicion and should have shut his trap before digging himself a bigger hole. Amber continues to cry but she also “swears on her child’s life” that she never lied. Poor child. Amber has far, far deeper problems though. Live feeders know what those are. Jameka…well Jameka sucks. Kail seems to be a scapegoat every week and maybe in some ways she’s been redeemed in the other houseguests eyes? Dustin is starting to get annoying too, as his trust in Eric Read more:Update
Blacklight, Limelight or Spotlight? 2007-08-07 06:36:47
Seems there’s some hate flying around when it comes to the new Rilo Kiley and I admit to not being a huge fan of their first single off of this month’s Under the Blacklight, but I applaud them for trying something different. The Moneymaker was definitely a departure from their previous work and maybe I have yet to give it a shot (I only listened to it two or three times) and I’m hoping it grows on me. The video is impressive though. Their second single is much closer to what they usually do and it’s called Silver Lining. But from some posts I’ve seen about the song people seem to not be warming up to it either. To me, Rilo Kiley is not “over” nor are they “so yesterday”. I’m sure the negative backlash has something to do with them signing on with Warner Brothers Records and maybe some fans think they might Plans this new album. I’ve seen them live and they were incredibly entertaining and I’m down to see them agai Read more:Limelight
, Spotlight
Like a Thing Unto Iron 2007-08-06 17:50:17
So you don’t read comics eh? Well you’re missing out on one hell of an action packed time. Writers Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction are joined by artist David Aja on The Immortal Iron Fist by Marvel Comics each and every month and it’s one of the best books out there. The first story arc The Last Iron Fist Story shows the readers that the “iron fist” itself is a power that’s earned by its bearer and is as old as time itself. The action is furious with some kick ass moves and pure martial arts adrenaline. It also shows us that Danny Rand (our modern Iron Fist) can kick the shit out of any Hydra member, but when it comes to running his company his ass is grass. This is seriously the best book out there that you aren’t reading. Premiere Hardcover of the first story arc
is now available. His kung-fu is better than yours.
Read more:Thing
In pop! We Trust (July 31st - August 6th) 2007-08-06 16:34:03
At the Movies
It’s the end for Jason Bourne. Well that’s what they’re saying anyways. I attended the last Friday show of The Bourne Ultimatum and it did not disappoint. It should be said first that if you didn’t see the two previous excellent installments of the trilogy you will be lost. All the summaries in the world won’t help you catch up. With that being said Paul Greengrass does the action genre proud with his frenetic and frantic chase and fight scenes. One fight scene is guaranteed to be the most memorable of the summer and possibly of the entire year. Also, there’s a scene in which Jason Bourne retrieves files he’s looking for…well I won’t spoil it but suffice to say it was one of the highest highlights of the film for me. An excellent way to end an excellent series of films. The one lowlight: Greengrass needs a steadycam for conversations and for quieter moments. Go see it.
On the Tele
Again, summer is a bout repeats and Read more:August
Return of the King? 2007-08-11 19:07:14
This was recently revealed at Wizard World in Chicago. Is he back so soon? What do you think?
Read more:Return
Review: Combinations by Eisley 2007-08-11 15:28:15
The previous post on Tyler’s own Eisley had two demos in it in which I forgot to mention as demos. Both have since been removed but the lead single Invasion still remains there. Eisley is good at what they do and what they do is good. If I had one major complaint, it’s that it clocks in at under 40 minutes (no song reaches 4 minutes) making it one hell of a short LP.
Things kick off with Many Funerals. The DuPrees can harmonize like it’s nobody’s business and the song is what you’d expect from them but the chorus doesn’t work for me. Invasion is next and it’s the perfect choice for the lead single. Taking Control is my favorite song on the album. It found a way to bury itself in my head and I feel myself humming the tune when I’m not even listening to it. Go Away (incredibly repetitive) and I Could be There for You are filler tracks but Come Clean has a certain charm to it and the chorus is sung beautifully. Ten Cent Blues and A Sight
Mumble Movement 2007-08-11 08:48:12
Labels. Everyone uses them. Everyone labels everything these days. Seems there’s a “latest trend” in film called Mumblecore. Myspace generation indeed. Mumblecore is defined as a films with naturalized acting, uncomplicated plots, and low low budgets and first used by director Andrew Bujalski during an interview. I’ve seen trailers for Hannah Takes the Stairs, Quiet City and Funny Ha Ha and I have to admit that I have an urge to see all three of them. On the same day. Quiet City (pictured above) made me think of Richard Linklater’s two masterpieces Before Sunrise and Before Sunset which are two of my all time favorite movies ever. They’re just cheaper (in production anyways) looking. Unfortunately, all three are in limited (or will be) release meaning NYC, LA and Seattle for now. But hopefully they’ll open wider. I’m kind of sick of the loudness and all the explosions at the movies. If you live in any of those areas or seen any of the mo
Slugged 2007-08-10 15:12:04
Real hip hop isn’t dead. You just have to find it yourself. A good place to start is in Minnesota, where Atmosphere hails from. Sean “Slug” Daley provides the rhymes and Anthony “Ant” Davis does the beats. I was pretty convinced that rap had been disgraced during the 90’s with the desire that most of the artists had to be heard on the radio and make money even though it means death to their art. They would mention whatever product they can in their rhymes in order to get free stuff from them, the videos featured skanks and rented vehicles and they would brag about how much money they have. So for me, Atmosphere was a huge breath of fresh air. Daley has been known to shoot down the major labels and stick with his underground label Rhymesayers. His lyrics have been labeled as “emo rap” because it deals with the scorn felt from the opposite sex (and because we need to label everything these days). Call it what you whatever you want, but the
Saviour of Species 2007-08-10 10:12:20
Following the X-Men titles have always been tricky for me. There’s just so much messed up continuity that sometimes it gets difficult to follow. I buy Astonishing X-Men when it comes out in trades, I tried to read Mike Carey’s recent run but I’m not a huge fan of the team (although since the Mauraders returned it’s been pretty interesting) except for Rogue. And although I loved Ed Brubaker’s team in Uncanny he left my favorites in space. So this fall comes Messiah Complex a crossover that will happen within the X-books themselves. The art had me on board (Silvestri!) but then I read the premise and I’m fully intrigued by what’s coming. Seems that a mutant baby is born and since House of M mutants are supposed to be limited to 198 following Scarlet Witch’s destruction of the X gene. So the race is on to find the baby as the X-Men, the Mauraders and the Purifiers go hunting for it. To me this is a throwback to the crossovers of old like Th
Guilty Pleasure: Aly & AJ 2007-08-10 09:46:58
I admit to not knowing shit-fuck-all about Aly & Aj, the sisters from Torrence California. I didn’t know they were on TV or had any kind of movie careers. They seem to have that Olsen twins empire thing going when it comes to their DVDs so I figured they would be equally as annoying. But one day while flipping channels, I happened to land upon their video for the single Potential Break Up Song and found myself nodding and bobbing my head to it. It was catchy. Much like Kelly Clarkson’s previous album, I found myself liking the pop I was hearing. I like/hate that feeling. So I listened to Aly& AJ’s new album Insomniatic and ended up liking it. The lyrics are very high schoolish but that just comes with their demographical territory. But sometimes it’s just about being entertained and I can’t deny I was. Worst part? Potential Break Up Song isn’t even my favorite off the album. That honor goes to Silence and Bullseye. Ugh…I hate myself f Read more:Guilty
BB 8 Update (potential spoilers): Kailbait 2007-08-10 09:26:10
For those of us that watch Big Brother 8 on CBS, we’ve come accustomed to the method of Dick’s madness. But the true madness that comes with being caged amongst a bunch of strangers reared it’s ugly head this week. Should I say ugly? I meant entertaining. It all started with a banner that flew over the house outing Eric and his lies. Dani and father Dick figured out that he phantom votes of the past two weeks were him (they’re right but he had no control over that) and began their plan to backdoor him. I was lukewarm about the plan at first, but Eric convinced me of his idiocy and in turn his allies idiocy. So after Dick revealed to Amber that Eric was willing to hold her crackheadedness over her if need be. Little does Eric know about her bigotry. Anyways Amber blew up on Eric in front of everyone and the plan was on. Dustin even shook Dick’s hand on it. But a change of heart comes over the group and Eric stays. Goodbye Kail. The feeds caught a brutal co Read more:Update
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