Notes from a Genius

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Nicholas Hoult, Ellen Page, Peter Dinklage, Shawn Ashmore, Omar Sy, Anna Paquin, Evan Peters, Josh Helman, Daniel Cudmore directed by: Bryan Singer Perhaps it's because Bryan Singer is back at the helm, after starting up the millions-dollar franchise that is the "X-Men" (even though he has flown under the radar for press because of an allegation of sexual misconduct with a male minor), but this film is everything a close-to-summer blockbuster should be. I'm thinking back to "Star Trek Into Darkness" for excellent sequels in May. This film does not disappoint, even with the bizarre plot of time-shifting between the past and the future, along with the present, in a comic book world. Comic books have always been great fodder for cultural parallels and with X-Men, they writers know exactly what kind of stories they want you to ...

Friday night, my girlfriend and I traveled down to Boston to see Manchester Orchestra with two decent opening bands. This was kind of a last minute decision I had made last week, because I'd been into Manchester Orchestra since the early 00's but had never seen them. I did happen to catch pieces of them open for Silversun Pickups as a reincarnation known as Bad Books (equally as good, but definitely not the same), with Kevin Devine (who actually opened the show with his Goddamn Band). Also, Balance and Composure, whom I'd never heard of but were pleasantly surprised by. Manchester Orchestra was definitely the highlight and really did not disappoint. They put on a great show, as witnessed here: Shake It Out   Pensacola   Pale Black Eye   I Can Barely Breathe   Pride   100 Dollars   The Ocean   I've Got Friends   Colly Strings   Cope   Everything to Nothing   The River ...

Last night I traveled down to Boston in order to catch another show. I had never really been too interested in the California, emo band Augustana, ever since they burst onto the scene with their perpetually catchy, emo song "Boston" which became quite overplayed-- But, I saw that Chris Carrabba's newest incarnation as the band Twin Forks was opening, I decided $20 was worth it. And it so was worth it, even just for Twin Forks' set, which was awesome. Here's the thing, Twin Forks is Carrabba's take on bluegrass/country-esque music, and it works really well. Check out the setlist and some videos of songs and performances. I definitely encourage you to check them out! Can't Be Broken   Something We Just Know   Tall Green Grass   ( Cory Branan  cover) Cross My Mind   The Swiss Army Romance   ( Dashboard Confessional  cover) Kiss Me Darling   Who’s Looking Out   Galway Girl   ( Steve Earle ...