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DO NOT MISS THIS GIG! 
NEW MOVIE REVIEW
I'm sorry, all I can say is... "It was money, baby!"
Come on! It was directed by Jon Favreau! I had to get my one allotted Swingers reference in. But damn, he was firing off all cylinders when he brought this sparkling gem to theaters. Something definitely went right.
I have waited for this delicious tray of eye candy for months. As soon as I heard the words, I was bouncing on my heels with excitement. The words, of course, were "Robert Downey Jr." He is one of my absolute favourites. I did not doubt him as Iron Man for one second. His beauty, his wit, his muscles, his… Where was I? Oh right. He was quite possibly put on this earth to play Tony Stark.
Terrence Howard, also seen in the award winning film, Crash, does a fantastic job of playing Rhodey, Tony Stark's best friend. Expect to see him suiting up for the sequel as Iron Man's partner, War Machine.
Gwyneth Paltrow adds to this amazing cast with her quiet-cool. Well, more like quiet awkwardness, but I loved her all the more for it. She plays the role of Pepper Potts, the highly professional and devout personal assistant to weapons mogul, Tony Stark. The sexual tension between Ms. Potts and Mr. Stark absolutely crackles against the screen! Half the time I expect to see embers shooting off of them as during their many tension filled silences. If their chemistry had a sound effect, it would most likely resemble the sizzle of a frying pan. Spicey!
It's not all fun and sexual tension, though. The first portion of this film is a very dark and tense 25 minutes. It adds so many layers to the blossoming characters, paving the way for a deeper connection. No spoiler alert here. I won't divulge any further.
I was pleased to see that Favreau did not pull a Spider-Man 3. I'm sorry Spidey, I love you, but I had to say it. Unlike the third, and far overdone, installment of Spiderman, this film does an excellent job of developing the characters into people we can feel for. It's done at a leisurely pace, so the audience doesn't feel rushed. Some have said that Iron Man is just an introductory tail. I agree, and it makes me impatient for more. This beginning contains plenty of action, comedy, and drama; A spectacular blending of genres. If the full cast can be gathered for the sequel, we can certainly expect another box office smash!
It's a nice day for a White wedding.
When first introduced to the works of American composer Eric Whitacre, it is hard to believe that the creator of such rich compositions and thick harmonic textures received no formal training until the age of eighteen. A mere twenty years later, Whitacre has become one of the most sought-after contemporary composers, by professional and amateur choirs alike. When listening to the most recent addition to his discography, entitled Cloudburst, it is not hard to understand why audiences adore his work, and are left aching for more. This recording has that same effect.The concluding track of the disc, "Lux Arumque," is yet another glorious setting of a seemingly simple text, which Whitacre chose to have translated into Latin. He does an excellent job of establishing setting in this one. The mysterious chords in the opening and the way Whitacre layers the voices make it an appropriate conclusion, ending in a way that should leave its audience at peace.
For this recording, Whitacre is joined by the collegiate choir Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton, and for the most part, they suit the album wonderfully. My only complaint would be that the soloists did not adequately perform the solos, and that there was not enough depth to them. My feeling is that the soprano was the strongest of the four, and that her voice fit the stylistics of the pieces the best.
Many people have criticized Whitacre for the fact that his pieces sound so similar. I, however, found something distinctly different about each one of the tracks on this disc. The poetry he uses is unbelievably honest and exquisite, and his music follows suit. Although many people believe Whitacre's texts to be heavily rooted in religion, they will find that it is actually quite the contrary. Whitacre has been quoted as saying that he chooses only the texts that he finds, simple, honest, and often quiet, allowing the audience to take what they want from it. Speaking from experience, his music is rangy and painstakingly difficult to learn, but penetrates the souls of its performers and listeners with the onset of the first chord. What is so lovely and different about this work is that, with the exception of the title track, the only instruments used are human voices. There is nothing more miraculous and magnificent. Regardless of whether or not you are a fan of choral music, this is a record that is a feast for the ears and should definitely be given a chance. It will undoubtedly leave its listeners humbled and awestruck.
Track Listings for Cloudburst:
1. i thank You God for most this amazing day (1999, TEXT: e.e. cummings)
2. I hide myself (1991, TEXT: Emily Dickinson)
3. Sleep (2000, TEXT: Charles Anthony Silvestri)
4. Go, lovely Rose (1991, TEXT: Edmund Waller)
5. When David Heard (1999, TEXT: II Samuel 18:33)
6. hope, faith, life, love (1999, TEXT: e.e. cummings)
7. Cloudburst (1993, TEXT: Octavio Paz)
8. With a lily in your hand (1991, TEXT: Federico Garcia Lorca
9. This Marriage (2004, TEXT: Jalal al-Din Rumi)
10. Water Night (1995, TEXT: Octavio Paz)
11. A Boy and a Girl (2002, TEXT: Octavio Paz)
12. Her sacred spirit soars (2002, TEXT: Charles Anthony Silvestri)
13. Lux aurumque (2000, TEXT: Edward Esch/Charles Anthony Silvestri)
Check out his MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ericwhitacre
While I think this is a solid pop record, some people may find this album too bubblegum, or candy-like (unintentional, yet appropriate, reference to Mandy Moore's 2005 compilation). But in all honesty, who doesn't enjoy a sweet aftertaste? I know I do. Go listen to tracks from this delight on Digby's MySpace. Buy it. Own it. Love it.
Before you do anything else, please, come cry with me:
A video of "Miss Invisible."
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mariedigby
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mariedigby
Marié's remaining US Tour Dates:
I love this show! American Idol move aside! It's time for some dancin'! I like exclamator statements! YEAH!
Much like the first couple weeks of American Idol, So you think you can dance has mass auditions. They feature a wide range of styles and caliber. It also has its share of spotlight seekers that really have no interest in dance, but just crave a bit of attention. Of course, without these desperate cries for love and affection, the first few weeks would only be filled with GOOD dancers. And who wants to watch that? Let's thank the mothers of the world that didn't hug their children enough. Thanks mom.
No-talent hacks aside, this show really does feature some of the best dancers yet to be recognized. Many have struggled for years in their chosen career, though most would argue they didn't choose dancing; dancing chose them. In my opinion, this is true for all artists. It isn't really a choice, but a calling. Just like a fire won't vanish because we ignore it, neither does passion. It can wan, but it will never truly disappear.
This is why I love the show. The passion expressed by these people is so incredibly honest and intense. When the show gets to the top 20 dancers, it transforms. It becomes a weekly therapy session- dancing style. They bare their souls on the floor. They are so clearly seen by all watching, and it can become overwhelming. Everyone should have an artistic outlet. It is truly purging, and soul-satisfying.
I can't wait for the weeks to come. It's one of the things I look forward to the most. That sounds a bit sad, since it is a reality dancing competition, but it's worth your time. You will be exposed to all types of dance styles done by incredible human beings. So stay tuned. I'll update every week!
DAVID BOWIE LAUNCHES "GLASS SPIDER" WORLD TOUR!
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