Monday, October 14, 2013

DON JON - Review


Written & Directed By: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rated R for strong graphic sexual material and dialogue throughout, nudity, language and some drug use
Release Date: September 27th, 2013
Review by: Sean Kayden

Joseph Gordon Levitt makes his directorial debut with “Don Jon.” The thespian also wrote and stars in it.  In the film, JGL portrays the title role of a modern day lothario who can pretty much get any girl he wants on a night-to-night basis. The problem is he’s only truly satisfied by the women he sees in porn. His expectations of women lie within the videos he views multiple times on a daily basis. While viewing pornography, he “loses himself.” It’s something that in fact has never occurred with a real life woman for him. “Don Jon” attempts to explore the world of pornography, men and women, and relationships. However, it only touches upon these different subjects and rarely does it dig deeper than surface level.
Jon cares about only a few things in life: his boys, his girls, his family, his body, his church, and his porn. The latter becomes an issue when he scores with a girl (Scarlett Johansson) he calls “the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen.” Once she discovers his little secret, she will have no part of him. He has a logical excuse for it and for the time being, she buys it. In the movie, Jon navigates boyfriend territory, beloved son, gym enthusiast, and student. Johansson’s character has Jon take a night class because she prefer for him to have a suit & tie job rather than a food service one (bartender). In the end, we realize this woman is very taxing with her demands. Scarlet Johansson is certainly adequate in her role, but it’s not as if she needs to go above and beyond. Other scenes depict Jon at church always asking for forgiveness when he has sex out of wedlock. It becomes comical as the priest always tells him practically the same thing. Then there’s his family life. Jon is actually very similar to his father, played by Tony Danza. His father looks at women the same way as his son and they both communally posses a random temper (several scenes within the film where Jon is screaming at passing drivers on the road). Despite a constantly moving camera and a film bursting with high energy, the film starts to deflate toward the half way mark. It picks up here and there, however, while there’s nothing erroneous to point out, the road it travels on isn’t as fascinating as I was eagerly hoping for.
      When Jon attends his night classes, introduced is Julianne Moore’s character. At first they don’t really get off to a good start despite a considerate effort on her part. Once Jon’s relationship with his girlfriend starts to deteriorate, the two of them start up an unlikely friendship that leads to unlikely intercourse. Keep in mind, Jon is always hooking up with women around his age and now finds himself attracted to a middle-aged woman. In fact, what he sees in her and most of all feels when with her doesn’t hold a candle to women of his past.  Moore is always great, but she doesn’t really have a whole lot to work with. Besides being a widow, that’s briefly touched upon, it’s unclear what her role really is. I guess she helps Jon figure out that there’s more to life than sex and porn. Don never spends time with women and really treats them as another conquest, one after the other. Moore opens his eyes to a different side; one that ultimately is more pleasing than what Jon gets out of watching porn. “Don Jon” is a fine effort from Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He surely has a knack for behind the camera, keeping us interested even if the story starts to go nowhere. You also realize that he’s carefully studied the directors he’s worked with on previous films. The screenplay is a bit green, but there have been far worse first time efforts. “Don Jon” is at times fun, humorous, and very light. Almost too light. With an abrupt, quickly wrapped up ending, and some themes never explored to their fullest, “Don Jon” is a decent time at the movies rather than something much more memorable.  

Grade: 3 out of 5

Kings of Leon - "Mechanical Bull"


Artist: Kings Of Leon
Album: Mechanical Bull
Label: RCA Records
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Review By: Sean Kayden


Call them overrated, underrated, rock Gods or major sellouts, but Kings of Leon, perhaps one of the biggest modern rock acts in the world, are back at it. It’s been three years since Kings of Leon released their fifth and ultimately disappointing album, “Come Around Sundown.” In 2011, it appeared the band was slowing down and hits like “Sex On Fire” and “Use Somebody” were clearly absent on the aforementioned record. With a tour abruptly cancelled and breakup rumors swirling, Kings of Leon decided to take a seemingly much desirable hiatus. This past June, however, it was revealed by the band that they would be making their return with album number six in ten years entitled, “Mechanical Bull.” Does “Mechanical Bull” put the band back on top? Well, for starters, after a first listen, this is clearly a much better record than “Come Around Sundown.” Nevertheless, some inconsistencies with tone and theme forbid the record on being spectacular rather than just very good. If you can skip through those particular tracks that drag down the record, you’ll find out that Kings of Leon still have the magic left in them.

“Mechanical Bull” kicks off with the first single, “Supersoaker,” a summer type jam with enthusiasm and vigor to boot. It recalls the youthful days of KOL such as the “Aha Shake Heartbreak” record. However, with the heavy studio sound surrounding it, the song appears less organic than those of their earlier days. Nonetheless, “Supersoaker” is undoubtedly the inner workings of a band that knows how to still have fun. After the frolicsome opener, the band throws a few misfires into the record. First with “Rock City” and subsequent track, “Don’t Matter.” Those two tracks stray away from what the album wants to say midway through the end. “Don’t Matter” channels the former days of KOL, but since the band has clearly grown into a more, mature rock band, this song feels painfully outdated to be added to their current repertoire. Rests assure, regardless of a pretty solid single that’s followed by two or three average tracks, Kings’ come on stronger than possibly ever before. “Temple,” a clear standout that is filled with hooks and powerful, but smooth guitars. It’s one of their catchiest songs to date and an obvious choice for the next single. “Wait For Me” slows it down, but you couldn’t ask for a better cool down track. Beautifully written, wonderfully wistful, and supporting a vintage KOL sound, “Wait For


“Comeback Story” is another gentle song, however, it’s very difficult not to be utterly enamored by it. Sure, it may sport some silly lyrics, “I walked a mile in your shoes/And now I am a mile away and I’ve got your shoes.” Nonetheless, the sensitive, attractive guitar layout pulls you in which easily captures your heart. Compassionate and cordial, Kings adds another strong track to their collection (one that is quite plentiful with hits). “On The Chin” closes out the album and it’s another simple and carefree tune. It has an alternative-country rock vibe attached to it. Not the best song here, but a fitting closer to an album that balances between youthful sounds and mature themes. The deluxe album has two bonus tracks that are terrific, especially “Work On Me.” This classic rock inspired tune alone should attract new fans that never seemed to give KOL a fighting chance. I wish the bonus material had been on the regular edition instead of some of the subpar tracks that did make the final cut. If you pick up this album and you totally should, the deluxe edition is the way to go. All in all, “Mechanical Bull” is a winning effort from a band that has had its share of ups and down. Kings of Leon are one of the biggest rock bands around and over the span of their 10 plus year career, no other rock act has come close to imitating their signature sound. Love them or hate them, they should be respected and regarded as utterly talented musicians. Innovators or not, Kings of Leon’s latest endeavor pulls the Nashville boys out of the rubble to shed new skin. At the very least, there is plenty of satisfying rock songs to enjoy. Deserves a listen, but possibly worth much more than just that.



Grade: 8.4 out of 10
Key Tracks: “Temple,” “Wait For Me,” “Comeback Story,” “Coming Back Again”

Published by Mountain Views News on October 5th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n40/p09.htm

Yuck - "Glow and Behold"


Artist: Yuck
Album: Glow and Behold
Label: Fat Possum Records
Release Date: September 30th, 2013
Review By: Sean Kayden

Two years ago Yuck released their highly inspired 90s alternative rock self-titled record. It was a glorious record that ranked among the best debuts of the year. Earlier this year when lead singer/songwriter Daniel Blumberg announced his departure from the band, it appeared the days of Yuck as a band would come to an abrupt end. However, guitarist Max Bloom stepped up to the mic and Yuck was reborn. Where Blumberg had an affinity for melancholy tunes, Bloom’s vocals are smoother, more cheerful. For their sophomore release, “Glow and Behold,” the band didn’t completely abandon their proclivity for 90s alternative/grunge, but their seemingly more optimistic approach has the band displaying new signs of life. Their aptly titled first single, “Rebirth” is a shining example of Yuck heading down a different direction, but ultimately reaching a similar destination as before. Blumberg’s dulcet vocals will be missed for sure, however, Yuck’s ability to carry on without him is commendable. They may not be the same band from 2011 and you know what, I’m okay with that.
“Memorial Fields” is a slow burner and reminds me a lot of their debut record. It’s not until track five, “Middle Sea,” where the energy and enthusiasm kicks into high gear. Half way into the album, you’re realizing Yuck is doing just fine without Blumberg. Disappointingly here comes the second half. Admittedly so, Yuck has established a unique sound with their new album that touches upon their old material as well as indicating the band isn’t resting on their laurels. However, “Glow and Behold” is different than what I was expecting.  I really enjoyed the first several tracks and then the rest of the album was, to put simply, a bore. It’s not as if the wheels come completely off the rails. However, while the first half was traveling smoothly, the record takes a turn to dullsville on the way to our destination.
While the sounds of their previous outing will always be cherished, Yuck’s decision to change it up second go around was probably necessary. “Glow and Behold” starts off incredibly strong for a band that could have been easily dismissed to never return again. I thought for a minute Yuck actually made a better album this time, but then my anticipation was shattered. The last few songs including, “Somewhere,” “Nothing New,” and “Glow and Behold” will have you snoozing. Those three songs alone account for over sixteen minutes of material that has you wondering what went wrong after hearing six really good songs in the beginning. In the end, I’m not exactly sure how I feel about Yuck. If they only released the first six tracks as an EP for their celebrated arrival, I would have praised the band to the fullest. Unfortunately, the additional five songs in the second half puts a real limitation on what could have been, should have been, a grand homecoming. Yuck didn’t quite hit a homerun with their latest at bat, but hung in there long enough to safely reach base. Still, they at least find themselves in scoring position.


Grade: 6.8 out of 10
Key Tracks: “Out of Time,” Memorial Fields,” “Middle Sea,” “Rebirth”

Published by Mountain Views News on September 28th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n39/p09.htm

Volcano Choir - "Repave"


Artist: Volcano Choir
Album: Repave
Label: Jagjaguwar
Release Date: September 3rd, 2013
Review by: Sean Kayden

Justin Vernon, better known as the mastermind behind Bon Iver, is a part of another experimental band called Volcano Choir. The group consists of Vernon on vocals and members of Wisconsin post-rock act Collections of Colonies of Bees. The sextet indie folk rockers have collaborated once again for the release of their sophomore record, “Repave.” This is not another Bon Iver album or Bon Iver revisited, but a few similarities do cross over. “Repave” is a lot more expansive than the music crafted in Bon Iver or Collections of Colonies of Bees. For only eight tracks, it runs short but despite inscrutable lyrics, the record shines most of the way. The record wavers between understated beauty and explosive stadium rock arena tracks. “Repave” doesn’t abandoned its experimental roots found on their debut record, but navigates through a more accessible listen than one may have been anticipating.
 There’s a feeling of hope and loss that surrounds the album. Where this is dark, light comes shining on. In “Alaskans,” the album’s half waypoint, this meditative song is pure storytelling. It’s a slow burn track and while not the best song off the record, it’s the most spiritual. Soft, tender, and sensitive, there are chills to be had. One of my favorite tracks is, “Dancepack,” the thundering, powerful, and hypnotic style of it is marvelously crafted. With the combination of Vernon’s incomparable vocal range (falsetto singing at its best) and the experience Collection of Colonies of Bees has in post-rock, the two together works majestically. In the track, “Comrade,” Vernon’s vocals glimmer with the tight and beautifully developed arrangements permitting the song to float on with uncompromising ease.
“Unmap,” the debut album, was dense and difficult to really get involved with. It took a lot more patience and several listens to sink into it. That’s not the case with “Repave.” There’s plenty to enjoy this time around that hits both somber and uplifting notes. About half way into the closing track, “Almanac,” Vernon just pulls you in tighter and closer than ever before. I’m not entirely sure what he always means with his skewed lyrics, but he can sure sell it with strong conviction. Volcano Choir seemingly started off as Vernon and company producing experimental tracks for the sake of being experimental. What once was merely a footnote in the Bon Iver era has now turned into a full-fledged band with equal passion and commitment. “Repave,” isn’t perfect but where it shines is something to marvel at least until the next Bon Iver record.  

Grade: 7.5 out of 10 Key Tracks: "Acetate," "Comrade," "Dancepak," "Almanac"

Published by Mountain Views News on September 21st, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n38/p14.htm