Homemade Chocolate

In this time of the year, you could really appreciate the shops that make homemade goods in your area. Like almost everyone, chocolate is a guilty pleasure of mine. Next time you pass by, think about getting some homemade chocolate and you just might be surprised by how rich it is. I was reminded by some amazing homemade chocolate covered popcorn that I had. Justice is served.

Stars: "The Bedroom Demos"

If you haven't heard the brilliant album "In Our Bedroom After The War", I would recommend listening to that first. The production on the actual album is very dramatic and commercial. That is why this collection of demos from the album is so interesting. The songs feel more personal when they are stripped down of their heavy production. "My Favorite Book" is their greatest song of all of their albums in my opinion. The demo is beautiful also. For $7.99 on I-tunes, this is a bargain. It's great that they chose to release this collection. It may be even better than the actual album. Justice is served for the ghost of Genova Heights.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: "I'm With You"

I thought that it would be impossible for this band to even come close to their 2006 album "Stadium Arcadium". That album blew me away, and this reminds me that I have to listen to it again soon. This follow up exceeded my expectations and was able to channel the best parts of the album before it. Once known for their crazy persona, it's really great to see that they are very talented musicians with heartfelt lyrics. The funk is not missing here though. They were able to combine their sounds over the years. As the end of the year approaches, its important that this album is not forgotten about. This band still has it. Justice is served. Like I said, ya know I'm almost dead, ya know I'm almost gone.

Florence + The Machine

Time magazine rewarded the song "No Light, No Light" the greatest song of 2011. I clicked on the link and listened to it. I wasn't prepared for how epic it was going to be. Florence Welch's voice is stunning. The band members provide her with the perfect backing music. Both of her albums are an epic breakthrough in music in my opinion. They reminded me of why I love music. The songs provided were ones that I could relate to in tough times, while delivering beautiful chord changes. Florence Welch is a true entertainer. They are performing at the new years eve ball drop coming up. I'm sure that the band will gain new fans after this performance. I am in awe of their material. It is empowering and moving.
Here is a link to "No Light, No Light": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXzDuNPGR8
Justice is served. Just keep following the heartlines in your hand.

The Black Keys: "El Camino"

Last year, their album "Brothers" was great. It amazes me that in just one year, they were able to make an even better album in my opinion. It is perfectly paced and packs in the mixture of great hooks and emotion that we have come to expect from them. There is not one song that isn't top notch. This album shows why they just might me the greatest indie rock band right now. They may be the greatest rock band period right now. This album deserves to be recognized as one of the best of the year. With possible I-tunes gift cards being given to you tomorrow, this album is a MUST HAVE. Everyone will be talking about it. Bravo guys on another triumph. Justice is served. Don't let it be your love, oh love.

Midnight In Paris

Lately, there hasn't been a Woody Allen film that I loved like I love "Annie Hall". There hasn't been a charming one with hope and a redeemable lead character. I'm happy to say that I found my other favorite Woody Allen film. Midnight In Paris is Allen's return to making a moving film. The cast is excellent, and this is Owen Wilson's greatest performance in my opinion. This could be partly because I related a lot with his character. It's fun to see Rachel McAdams play a character that you hate, but that shows how great of an actress she is. For a quick plot that doesn't give too much away, the film is about a guy who leaves his dreadful life behind when he mistakenly finds out how to travel back in time to the 1920's each night. The supernatural plot is fantastic and a lot of fun. This is a must see for film buffs. I will be talking about this movie forever. It leaves you with a great feeling of hope. Much like "Annie Hall", it put a smile on my face. Bravo Mr. Allen. Justice is served. My novel is being read by Gertrude Stein!

Community Season 2

After re-watching some of the second season of this brilliant show, it makes me mad that they are apparently on an indefinite hiatus in their third season right now. I have mentioned this show before, but I felt the need to bring it up again because of this. I'm sure that there are people out there that would be huge fans of the show if they gave it a chance. Definitely check out season 2 to see just why this show is genius. For the plot and my other thoughts, here is a link back to my review: http://mostunderratedthings.blogspot.com/2011/01/community.html
Justice is served.

Grindhouse (2007 Film)

Every once in a while, there comes a film that could only be appreciated fully by huge film geeks. I'm not ashamed to say that I fall into this crowd, and I am studying film making. Now that Grindhouse is on Blu-ray, there are many reasons that make it a must see. The project as a whole consists of two films, Robert Rodriguez's "Planet Terror" and Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof". These two films are very different from each other. "Planet Terror" pokes fun at the 70's low budget action-horror apocalypse film, while "Death Proof" pokes fun at the even more low budget 70's dialogue driven thriller that relied on a couple of huge set pieces. Each film is very different, but they both hit the nail on the head. The films that they are making fun of were not particularly memorable, but these films manage to be brilliant in a self-aware style. The trailers in between films are hilarious also. If you want to feel the experience of being at a 70's B movie double feature, this is the perfect ticket. It's a lot better on blu-ray not only because the films look fantastic, but also because the two films play back to back like they did theatrically. The dvd release split them onto two discs. This is a must see in it's original form. Justice is served. IF YOU WERE THINKING ABOUT SKIPPING THIS MOVIE..........DON'T.

The Adjustment Bureau

It's not often that a film with a larger than life sci-fi premise has relatable characters in it. A recent film that I could think of that fell flat for this reason is "I Am Number Four". I couldn't relate to a single character in that movie, and I didn't care about it. As for The Adjustment Bureau, I could relate to a guy who has to fight against all odds to hold onto the woman that he loves. At the core of the film are two people that fall in love after randomly meeting and decide to go with their gut and stay with eachother. This is unfortunately not in the "plan" for the way that their lives were supposed to go. I don't want to say any more, except that the film surprised me because I was able to emotionally care about a sci-fi film for the first time in a very long time. It is very inspiring.Matt Damon and Emily Blunt are outstanding. Justice is served. You should deviate from your plans and give this film a watch.

Everything Must Go

We are in an era where a film shouldn't be judged by the previous work of the star. Will Ferrell proves here that he could give a top-notch dramatic performance. Yes, he did a great job in "Stranger Than Fiction", but it was a quirky film. Everything Must Go is a down to earth film that is very emotional. The film follows a man who is kicked out of his house by his wife. She has thrown all of his possessions onto the front lawn. Instead of moving them, he decides to have a garage sale. This is one of the most meaningful films in recent memory. Ferrell was perfectly cast. Everyone could relate to being in a hard spot in life, and finding the hope to move on. Justice is served.

Modest Mouse: "Building Nothing Out Of Something"

There is something really addicting about early Modest Mouse music. I think it may be the gritty and honest quality that all of it has. Isaac Brock is a lyrical genius without a doubt. This compilation album has some of his greatest lines on it. He says things like "I'm the same as I was when I was six years old" and "I'm working on leaving, I'm working on living, I'm working on leaving the living." These are phrases that haunt me as I type these words. Any fan of early Modest Mouse knows what I'm talking about. Yes, this is technically a compilation album of their early b-sides and unreleased material, but they put it together as a stand alone album. It is paced very well and all of the songs feel like some of their best work. In no way would I label any of these as b-sides. There is no wonder why the album received an 8.9 out of 10 on Pitchfork Media. You have to listen to this album and let it sink in to really understand why it is outstanding. Justice is served. 1100 miles is too far inside a car.