The Stone Roses

If ever there was a band that led up to the indie rock of today, it was truly them. Their debut album came out in 1989 and paved the way for bands that I love. If you want to look back to the roots, this is where you should start. I think that along with "Pink Floyd" and "Joy Division" they are one of the most influential bands for the better modern music. They are little known, so now is a great time to get into them and have a knowledge of their brilliant music. Their first self titled album is truly a gem. Their second album has it's moments, but is not as strong as this amazing debut. Here is a link to "Waterfall" for now. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
Justice is served for my sugar spun sister.

Darker My Love: "2"

Yeah I know you are thinking "Two posts about the same band? Really?", but if you have heard this band, you will aggree that this album is also outstanding. I forgot to mention how amazing it was in the previous post, but I listened to it again and was reminded of just how great it really is. Enough of me just talking about things, I'm going to start giving you real examples. I'm giving you a link to the song "Pale Sun". Soon, I think I'm going to start doing video posts talking about the underrated things. This album is brilliant and goes in an even greater direction than their first album. This is a must hear, but you could listen to "Pale Sun". Justice is served.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LDqnujgubY

Darker My Love: "Alive As You Are"

This great band from the west coast has undergone many changes in their sound for the better. They started out really distorted and dark with their first album. The best moments on that album were the lighter ones. With their second album, they went in a direction that had them mixing a 60's rock sound with modern alternative. "Alive As You Are" is their third outing and it shows just how chill their awesome sound could be. It is their most consistent and fun album that captures a west coast vibe. I always feel happy when I hear it. It reminds me of last summer when it came out. So many great melodies here. This is an album that I highly recommend, and one that should be talked about in more circles of rock fans everywhere. Justice is served. I feel like having a Rain Party.

The Most Serene Republic: "Pre Serene: Thee Oneironauts"

Back in May this clever band released an 8 song album of their recordings prior to them becoming The Most Serene Republic. All of the members of Thee Oneironauts are present in Most Serene. If you haven't heard this band at all, they are an acquired taste, but one that will be rewarding if you are willing to acquire it. I can't exactly describe their sound aside from saying that it is wonderful. This release is a must have for fans of the band, and shows just how outstanding and original these guys were from the beginning. This album shows the roots, and fits right in with all of their other music. The song "Zoltar Speaks" stuck out to me because it is based on the Tom Hanks film "Big". How awesome is that? Really great songs here. Justice is served. Your name is on every bathroom wall in French, in France.

Cedar Rapids

This little known comedy is one of my favorite comedies that I have seen in recent memory. Miguel Arteta, who also directed the underrated film "Youth In Revolt", did a great job finding the balance between sentimental moments and crazy ones. This film is a feel good story about a guy who's life literally is changed for the better while on a business trip. Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, and Isiah Whitlck Jr. are outstanding. Some of the greatest comedic performances of all time in my opinion. I dared to say that because they really blew me away and became characters that I wanted to hang out with by the end. They make this a must see. Just amazing. More people need to see this film. Justice is served. And remember, what happens in Cedar Rapids stays in Cedar Rapids.

Albums that shouldn't go without being heard this summer!

This is an epic summer for indie music. A ton of bands that I love have released amazing albums this summer. Here is the list so far of what needs to be heard.

The Sea and Cake- "The Moonlight Elephant"
Bon Iver- "Bon Iver"
TV On The Radio- "Nine Types of Light"
Beirut- "The Rip Tide"
Arctic Monkeys- "Suck It And See"
Fleet Foxes- "Helplessness Blues"
The Blood Arm- "Turn and Face Me"
Friendly Fires- "Pala"
Junior Boys- "It's All True"
Kaiser Chiefs- "The Future is Medieval"
Memory Tapes- "Player Piano"


All of these albums are outstanding. Bravo to all of these bands. Justice is served.

Fletch (1985 film)

As you could see, I've been getting back into some Chevy Chase movies lately. I noticed that I always overlooked Fletch as a kid. The film shows Chase's knack for his hilarious delivery of sarcastic lines. This could be my favorite lead role for Chase. The more I think about it, the more I realize how smart and funny it actually is. It works well as a crime mystery also. Chase could play a great dramatic role also when he needs to. This helps keep the film relatable and down to earth. I didn't read the novel, but I'm sure that it is very clever source material. This film always gets overlooked. Justice is served, and my name is Ted Nugent.