Notes from a Genius

It's no surprise for anyone who reads/follows this blog to see that 2015 was the year of concerts for me. Well, to be honest, the past few years of been all about live music and enjoying the moment of excitement when I purchase the ticket to a show, followed by the anticipation of the show, since it's usually a couple months later. I've been keeping track of the concerts I go to on this blog for a few years, not to brag, but as a way to remember (myself) whom I've seen, what they played, etc. A few years ago I had an epiphany that I would say "yes" more creating memories that I will look back at and enjoy telling stories about. For me, that means going to concerts. Sure, I could probably spend my hard-earned money on some trip(s), and that's not to say that I won't, if the urge strikes me. There has always been something inside of me that awakens and just makes me extremely happy when I go to a concert, when I see the band or artist come on stage, wh

Albums of the Year-- circa 2015-- It's no secret that I love going to concerts or discovering new music and this year was another staple in great live experiences. I have not bought an actual album in a few years, opting more towards the free streaming service of Spotify to discover and listen to my music (as well as my trusty, albeit out-of-date iPod). For me, this year was the year of the woman (although my list definitely has some men within it). I was supremely impressed with the women I've loved for years or just happened to discover. I cannot possibly attempt to rate the albums on a scale from bottom to top and give them a number. Instead, I simply offer up my suggestions here. Torres- Sprinter Colleen Green- I Want to Grow Up Kacey Musgraves- Pageant Material  Grimes- Art Angel Chrvches- Every Open Eye Lana Del Ray- Honeymoon Sleater Kinney- No Cities to Love Joanna Newsom- Diver Coeur de Pirate- Roses Courtne

"Venus in Furs" starring: Emmanuelle Seigner and Mathieu Amalric directed by: Roman Polanski written by: David Ives (play) Roman Polanski (film) Kudos to Roman Polanski for returning to film with full-force and really tackling a great story that I recently saw as a read-through for local theatre here in Portland where a friend of mine read the part of Vanda. As I listened on that night, I couldn't help but visualize the story as I heard it unfolding on the stage and I was left with a desire to see the actual play. Then, I found Roman Polanski's adaptation on Netflix and was intrigued, because of all directors I knew Polanski was the right man to tackle the job. I also found it an interesting choice that he cast his French wife, Emmanuelle Seigner in the lead role as Vanda, because I honestly pictured a younger actress in the titular role, but after viewing the film, I can say, she blew me away (having only seen her in another Polanski film, "The Nin

"The Lazarus Effect" starring: Mark Duplass, Olivia Wilde, Evan Peters, Sarah Bolger, Donald Glover, Ray Wise, Scott Weldon, Emily Kelavos, written by: Luke Dawson and Jeremy Slater directed by: David Gelb It's hard to believe, first of all, that this film was made and released this past year. Olivia Wilde has made some decent decisions with indie films and television roles. Case in point, I love her almost unrecognizable small role in "Portlandia" (check it out). And she's in an upcoming miniseries titled "Vinyl" on HBO next year. And let's not forget her extended role on "House." She had a small role in the excellent film "Her" a couple of years ago, almost a blink and you'll miss it part as a blind date for Joaquin Phoenix's character. But perhaps my favorite role for her was in the mumblecore film "Drinking Buddies" with Anna Kendrick. And then, there's "The O.C." where she play

"This Isn't Funny" starring: Paul Ashton, Katie Page, Ahmed Bharoocha, Gia Carides, Edi Gathegi, Mark Harelik, Anthony LaPaglia, Tim Maculan, Angie Milliken, Danielle Panabaker written and directed by: Paul Ashton and Katie Page This is an indie version of the rom-com complete with a "meet cute" scenario, but it explores the whole relationship with an interesting microscope- giving each of them interesting emotional baggage they are set to deal with on their own. The film was written by the real-life couple, Paul Ashton and Katie Page, both of whom play the lead characters in the film, as well. Paul Ashton directed the film as well, and shows the audience small, out of the way spots in Southern California among a crowd of hipsters with feelings of mid-20s angst and the uncertainties of growing up among smart and funny people (in a much better way than the Judd Apatow film "Funny People" from a few years back). You know they're invested in