'Dark Angel' a tribute film to Sophie Lancaster

'Dark Angel' a tribute film to Sophie Lancaster

In August 2007, 20 year old Sophie Lancaster was kicked to death, simply for dressing differently. As a brand that promotes the right to experiment and self-express through the way you look, Illamasqua is committed to changing attitudes towards subcultures.

In tribute to Sophie, Illamasqua has commissioned ‘Dark Angel’ – a short film by award-winning director Fursy Teyssier, that’s a haunting rendition of Sophie’s story, featuring the music of iconic British band, Portishead.

The film launches on MTV on 26th November – Sophie’s birthday.

As a result, the Sophie Lancaster Foundation hopes to generate £500,000 to fund national youth workshops on tolerance. But they can only deliver this essential education programme with your help.

Or follow these links

http://www.youtube.com/sophiefoundation

http://www.illamasqua.com/sophie/

Happy Holidays from Destroy All Monsters

Hey there everyone!

Here's wishing you and yours a fantastic holiday season! Thanks for making this year with Destroy All Monsters fun and rewarding. Be sure to stay tuned as me and Richard will be counting down our picks for the best of the best in film, music, and anything else that suits our fancy.

Work it Out by RJD2

Pretty cool video for a pretty cool song. It's directed by Joey Garfield in one continuous single shot. The gentleman on the crutches is Bill Shannon who was born with a degenerative hip condition. His legs cannot carry his own weight and so he has lived a life on crutches. He has developed a new way of moving through life on his skateboard and the crutches.

Film Review: Avatar

Film Review: Avatar

Out of all the films that have come out this year, Avatar ranks as my number one! I was completely mesmerized by the experience, and yes it is an experience rather than another winter blockbuster. The film hit me on a deeper level than I expected, and the feeling seemed to be mutual among my fellow movie goers.

It is best to go into this film with little knowledge of what to expect, so I will keep this brief.

Very rarely does a film compel me to be a better person in my everyday life. It isn't often I am left with my mind completely blown, not only due to the gorgeous art direction and animation, but to the feeling and emotion conveyed on screen.

If I had seen this as a kid I would have left the theater in a state of euphoric child like bliss. I can imagine myself climbing every tree in sight, and opening my eyes a little bit wider than usual.

Bottom line: This film makes you want to hug the world and plant a tree. Go see it now!

Film Review: White Dog

Film Review:White Dog

I took interest in this film a while ago for the reason it was portraying a White German Shepherd. I'm a proud owner of a White German Shepherd and he's pretty huge. I really didn't know what the film was about. It's actually a very disturbing film about a racist dog that kills on site. It has a strong theme about if racism is a curable mental illness or a learned behavior. The owners try to reverse what was brought onto the shepherd with great struggle. The film was so controversial at it's time Paramount refused to release it cause of it's strong content. This film is now part of the Criterion Collection as well. I found the movie well produced and well written. Based from a novel of the same title. I highly recommend this film.

Here is a trailer for the film.

Story of my life told in a Levi's commercial

Story of my life

I remember falling in love with this commercial when I was little. It was directed by Micheal Bay. The guy that does the epic we are all going to die and save the world films. I can so relate to this commercial on so many levels. Well anyways this commercial came to mind randomly in my head as most things. Commercials really aren't what they used to be. Maybe I'm wrong?

Introducing:Yppah

Introducing:Yppah

Had a chat with Yppah about his new album that just came out. He's currently signed onto to Ninja Tune and from Texas. His music productions has been featured in games and even films.

How are you doing today?

Hello Richard. I am very well thank you. :D

How did you get your start in wanting to produce songs and into DJing?

I started playing guitar when I was like 10 and would learn songs that I liked and formed shitty little rock bands. I kind of just did that until i was a couple of years into high school. Around that time me and some friends of mine got into DJing and that led to scratching and working on 'scratch music'. After a while we started recording what we were doing with samples and turntables. That led to wanting to produce and the realization that i could start incorporating guitar and other instruments that I played.

On your last album They know what Ghosts Know how long did it take you to create it?

It took about a year. I had about a year and a half's worth of material from right after i finished my first album, but i ended up scrapping everything. I wasn't satisfied with anything i was making and felt it was all mediocre. I was having trouble finding a direction. I'm not exactly sure when or what song i was working on when i turned the corner but had taken a short break and was listening to a lot of early 90s indie rock. Mainly shoe gaze sort of stuff. It was then that i started finally coming up with songs that i was happy with. Then a year later i had the songs for my final album.

What instruments do prefer to use for the past album?

I was pretty much going for a straight rock band sound with the electronic feel along with most of the same elements from my first album. Things like guitar, bass, drums... standard rock band instruments.

Did you have a concept for it when structuring it?

Not originally. I definitely had a idea after all the break and the whole scrapping of the first batch of material situation.

The track Shutter Speed is rather interesting in the build up, how did you create the song and what inspired you for that song?

I actually made that track when i was living in Austin for a short time. I think i was listening to a ton of stereo lab, so I'm sure that had a big influence. A friend of mine had this junky little drum set that i recorded with a pzm mic and kind of just built everything else around it.

What are some of your influences?

I like comic art a lot. I don't know exactly how much it directly affects my music. I like looking at Basil Wolverton drawings... they make me laugh. I guess i try to incorporate melodies that invoke emotion along the lines of melancholy and a sort of happy whimsical giddyness. Maybe that's where the comic side fits in. Aside from that its just a lot of psych rock, shoegaze and beat oriented music. A lot of various electronic bands. I like Air and Radiohead's compositions a ton. Clark is some really awesome stuff that I've been just recently get into.

Any plans on using live vocals for future projects or road shows?

Yeah there are always plans for vocals. I tried to incorporate some on this last one, but it didn't really pan out. I think this next album should definitely be quite a bit more vocal heavy.

Do you have any more plans for having music on video games?

That's kind of up to my licensing. Hopefully we get some leads soon. I really like money. Spending it, Using it to buy things and live. So yeah, I hope it happens soon ha ha.

How was traveling to Japan and what were some highlights being out there?

I loved Japan. The crowds out there are great. The first trip out we played a sold out crowd in Tokyo a couple thousand deep i think. That was pretty crazy playing to that many people. I liked walking around the Shibuya area. Its fascinating with all the crazy little stores and lights. Kind of expensive but fun.

Any plans on performing soon?

The only thing of the books for Yppah so far is SXSW. We are working on securing a spot for the NRMAL Festival in Monterrey Mexico the week before SXSW. It looks like that might pan out.

What are some current projects you have and future plans?

Right now I'm working on a project called Collider with a friend of mine who produces under the name Pollination. He has a release out on Exponential Records called Inca Orange and was also a part of the Day Of The Woman project. As of right now all we have out is a remix we did for the major lazer contest. We should hopefully have something completed by the summer.

Any films that find influencing you with creating your tunes?

Nah not really. I watch a bunch of junk. I like typical shitty movies so i don't think that's really influencing anything I'm making..Ha.

What is your favorite film monster?

ha ha... the Leprechaun from the Leprechaun Movies. Hes a little bastard!

The Lovely Sparrows - Take Care

Here for your viewing enjoyment is my 20th animated music video!!! This one is for The Lovely Sparrows song 'Take Care'.
The song is actually a cover of a Yo La Tengo song, which was itself a cover of a Big Star song. Very interesting life this song has had.

Flim Preview: Iron Man 2

Film Preview: Iron Man 2

There is just so much to look forward to with Cinema in 2010.
Been looking forward to this since the ending of the first Iron Man. This is a random pirated version from a theater and looking forward to replacing it with the official trailer very soon. They just have the perfect person to play Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. I'll let the preview explain everything also the other starring roles to hit the screen.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Destroy all Monsters!

Thanks for reading! Looking forward to the new year that awaits!!!

Film Preview: Sherlock Holmes

Film Preview: Sherlock Holmes

Looking forward to seeing this since it's one of my childhood hero's and directed by Guy Richie. I read the stories when I was little. It seems to have a dark and edgy type of tone. Looking forward to seeing this

Film Preview: Clash of the Titans

Film Preview: Clash of the Titans

I remember watching the original version and thinking wow this is something to really watch and press rewind on the remote again, again and again. I have a bad habit of doing that anyways.
This remake is somewhat promising and curious to see if they go the whole Micheal Bay route or have some storyline to follow up. Either way I'm looking forward to seeing this in the theater.

Film Preview: The Wolfman

Film Preview:The Wolfman

It has a pretty awesome cast and Danny Elfman is producing the soundtrack for the film. I really hope they do this remake justice. Please don't suck. The music in the trailer makes me hesitant though....

Film Review: Instrument

Film Review:Instrument

I found this film to be one of the best film documentaries about one of the most influential bands of our time. Fugazi is a band formed in Washington DC which continues to influence bands across the globe. A very do it yourself type style which I grew up on and still maintain. It was shot from 1987 to 1998 with Super 8 to 16mm to video film. A film 10 years in the making. Mostly footage of behind the scenes, live footage, interviews with fans and practice sessions. Some of the clips are from an old 8th grade TV interview and shows the misconceptions some have about the band in a humorous manner.

Here's a clip from the film, also one my favorite songs from the group.

Film Review: Kill Your Idols

Film Review:Kill Your Idols

"Was it Punk Rock? Well sort of not really."

This is a documentary about the no wave scene in New York told in interviews. It's mostly about the Post Punk phase in New York and how it progressed to what is now. I found this documentary to be very informative and entertaining for the most part. Maybe cause it's the times I was growing up listening to random music from this style. Suicide, Teenage Jesus, The Jerks, Theoretical Girls, DNA, Sonic Youth, Swans, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more are covered in the film. This is a must have for the all round music fanatic.

Blakroc

BlakRoc

This is the official video from the Black Keys new project called BlakRoc. It's composed of an all star cast of rappers such as Mos Def, Q-Tip, Jim Jones, The Rza and more! It's been in heavy rotation in my personal playlist. It's very innovative and simply just good music.

Film Review: Broken Flowers

Film Review:Broken Flowers

Bill Murray plays Don Johnston, a computer salesman that did financially well in the computer industry. He's an ex womanizer and as his current girlfriend is leaving him, he finds a letter in a pink envelope that informs him of news of a son from a previous relation many years ago. His neighbor Winston encourages him to investigate which leads him to making contact with each past girlfriend from that time. Each following encounter worsens. There is an amazing soundtrack to the film that adds to the quirky dark humor of the film. I really enjoyed Winston's character in the film who pushes Don to move forward with his Sherlock Holmes journey. I found this film very enjoyable but sad at the same time as the film progresses.

Film Review: Thirst

Film Review: Thirst

Korean director Park Chan-wook directs and writes another brilliant film. Thirst is a film about a priest that helps the needy but looks to find himself in a twist of fate when volunteering to be an experiment to find a cure for a deadly disease to help rid himself of coping watching the world devour itself in pain and suffering. He survives the experiment to slowly find himself turning into a vampire. He falls into a love triangle with a childhood friends wife that's in an ill relation. Things escalate in the heat of passion to a thrill ride into a dark tunnel of events to come. The film is loosely based on Thérèse Raquin by French writer Émile François Zola. The plot and characters in the film are well crafted. The cinematography is amazing with the use of color and much symbolism throughout the whole film. One of my favorite films from this year hands down.

Introducing:Emily Haines

Introducing:Emily Haines

I heard about Metric via a close friend long ago and been a fan since then. They have well produced songs with lyrics to match with great stage presence. She has a long history of music in her and has seen much. I just really like her view on life and can really relate on many levels on what she has to say. I would say that she is one of my influences. It's a pleasure to see her and perform this evening in Metric at La Zona Rosa. One of the shows I'm very excited to see this week. Hope to see you out tonight.!

This is just great

Check out this hilarious video. Like baseball? Like LSD? Put em together then.

Now this is cool!

Check out this fantastic animated video for a Tom Waits & Kool Keith collaboration!!!

Driftwood - a short animated film

A short film made for Troika Moonshine 300, a group of writers who are tasked with creating short stories (300 words or less) based on 3 words given to them by another artist.
I was allowed to interpret my words visually!

The words were: driftwood, poncho, and sacrificial

these-three-things.blogspot.com/

I left the ending open to interpretation. The story changes depending on what you think he is actually doing.

The Blair Witch Project

Film Review: The Blair Witch Project

An American horror film from the late 90s. Most have seen this or heard about it. If you scare easily I would watch this before going on that weekend camping trip.
It's a film shot in real time about three film makers off to capture a documentary about an old legend of a witch that haunts the near by woods. Little did they know that what they were dealing with. It's a very disorienting film at parts but adds to the suspense of what's going on. It's based on the legendary Jersey Devil that lurks in the Jersey forest. I highly recommend this film and very surprise it's not in my video collection yet. It's one of the best horror films of our time.

Exit music for a film

Found this video randomly looking for music for the Fall and very impressed by the animation that supports the eerie song by Radiohead which was written for the ending credits of Romeo and Juliet. Which never made the score on the request of Tom Yorke. The song changed Marylin Mansons life when he was over looking a cliff. I remember listening to the song on my journeys on the trains long ago across the country and found the music a bit somber yet chilling. Was looking for soundtrack music for my train ride.

Scary Games to Play in the Dark

Film Review: Cape Fear

Film Review: Cape Fear

In the spirit of Halloween I decided to revisit some of my favorite films about freaks and creeps. On the top of my list was this gem from Martin Scorsese: Cape Fear!

Widely considered one of the best remakes in history (up there with another favorite The Thing), Cape Fear takes the viewer on a crazy ride through the eyes of a psychopath!

And who better to play a murderous ex con than Robert De Niro.  He will send a chill down your spine as you place yourselves in the victims shoes.  His performance takes this film to a whole other level, and in my opinion is one of his best roles.

I love the old style direction Scorsese implemented.  It feels like a cross between a Hitchcock thriller and an old school horror flick.  And to top it off, we get an excellent intro sequence from the king of the intros Saul Bass!  

The entire film has an amazing sense of tension, that keeps you on the edge of your seat to see how far this creep will go in his blind quest for vengeance.  Scenes that stand out in particular are the stake out at the victims house that goes awry, and of course the amazing conclusion while floating down a river.  

Chances are you've seen this film before, but I would love to recommend you re-watch this fantastic film while the season is ripe.  

In Cadeo - City Lights

JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN: 

 A Monstrous Music Video

My latest music video is now complete and ready to view! Check it out. The song is City Lights off of In Cadeo's full length album 'Making Our Graves'.
www.incadeo.com

Introducing: Waajeed

Introducing:Waajeed

From Detroit, a city I vaguely remember in my travels but would like revisit very soon. Waajeed has been busy for a while and people really need to know about it. From Slum Village to Dilla to Platnium Pied Pipers, he's been there creating some of the most respectful beats around.
Here is a little interview with him at the Red Bull Academy. Still waiting for my application....
He's performing tonight at the Beauty bar with Blu Jemz and Geo-logy. Rare Austin performance to not be missed out on.

Cemetery Man

Film Review:Cemetery Man

One of my favorites of favorites of zombie films. Cemetery Man can hold it's own in this category. It's an Italian horror film from the early 90s. Saw this film when it hit the local student cinema and was blown away about how dark and funny it was. Francesco Dellamorteis the main character is a lonely graves keeper that runs a cemetery in a very small village/town with the help of his assistant Gnaghi. It's very Italy. Spends his time crossing off the deceased in the phone book and trying to assemble a human skull puzzle in his free time. At night mostly on the 7th day he spends knocking out "returners" as part of his duty before they over run the town. Of course no one believes him. Finds himself having the most amazing love ever on top of a grave with a widow to find this character recurring through out the film. Eventually he has a brilliant idea on how to finish off the "returners" not the best ideas. Gnaghi is an amazing part of the film, glad this character was in it. The camera work in the film is great with it's old vintage look. I found the soundtrack to be memorable also fitting. Kinda like Grounds Hog Day meets George Romero in Italy. It's a roller coaster of Film I must say. Also Martin Scorsese called Cemetery Man (Dellamorte Dellamore) one of the best Italian films of the 1990s.

Film Review Nadja

Review:Nadja

Hal Hartley meets David Lynch in this stylish vampire film. The film is from the mid 90s and shot in black & white. Saw this in the cinema when it first came out and was one of the first films that got me into the art house/indie films over the blockbuster types. The sound track is notable for having Portishead, My Bloody Valentine and more which gives it that creepy yet dream like feel. Peter Fonda and Martin Donovan star in the film. Nadja is such an overlooked vampire film and should be watched for style not for action. It's in the vain of The Hunger starring David Bowie for vampire flicks in an Art House sense. A very wintery film. I just wrote wintery.

Film Review Dead Man

Review:Dead Man

Dead Man is considered the ultimate post modern western by some. Some consider it just weird and others say it's simply art. Directed by Jim Jarmusch in the Acid Western style. This film has an all star cast including Robert Mitchell for his final role in a film, Johnny Depp, Gibby Haines, Iggy Pop, Crispen Glover and the list just keeps going on and on. An amazing score by Neil Young to give the added quirk and mystery. The cinematography is so clean and well done. Gives you the feel of a time warp back to the old west in California. The film is about a young man named William Blake making his way for a position as a clerk in some busted town. A simply nice person that starts running into odd situations from the beginning and finds himself on the run. The poet William Blake is made reference through out the film. This not just another art house film, the film has style and something to watch on one of those rainy days to have deep thoughts of something. I highly recommend this film for the movie goer and simply for the casting.

Introducing Rapid Ric

Introducing:Rapid Ric

Met Rapid Ric through the years and have nothing but repect for what he does. He's all over the place and putting things on the map for sure. He's currently touring with Chamillionaire as his DJ. He's been putting out these amazing mixtapes for a while. We decided to check up and see how he puts his magic to his tapes.

When did you start to work on your first mixtape and what's the
history behind it?

In High school around 10 years ago, i did a bunch of mixes at home or
at clubs that we use to spin at in Mexico... We didn't have a radio
station in my hometown that would play anything besides regional
spanish or country.. Kids at school just wanted club, street, or any
music that our parents didn't listen to.

How many mixtapes have you made since then?

If u include all the Hip-Hop series or the Whut It Dew series, the Chalie Boy's, and all
the personalized ones i did for other artists, i'd say its around 150
or so...

Which are your favorite mixes that you've compiled?

I like mixes that showcase talent from my state... so i'd say all the
Whut IT Dews, the ones i did for Z-ro, and the Chalie Boy Versatyle
Childs....

Who are some people that you collaborated with in the past?

Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Bun B, Z-ro, and of course Chalie Boy....
people outta Texas, Killer Mike, Mistah Fab, BOB, Huricaine Chris..

Do you see working with any of the past people in future projects?

absolutely, i think that if people have heard of me, they've heard of
the tapes i did in the past... so i almost have to stay involved in
the same circles of artists and friends..

Just want to say I was very impressed with your King of Trill tape!

How long did it take to create that mix?

Took me a couple of weeks... at that time, there wasn't a full conversion of vinyl to mp3 yet, so i
was still finding alot of Bun B verses and UGK features on vinyl. So
i was completing the tape piece by piece every time i found a new
song..

How do you begin working on a concept with your mixtapes?

I try to fill a musical void that i think i can do a good job at... I
just always Liked Texas stuff and so the void was easy for me to do...
Normally i wait till there's a good amount of songs that make up the
bulk of the tape, then i add to it...

Any programs that you prefer to use?

Back in the day i use to use a tascam, then a sony muli-track- then
after that, I used cool edit pro which is now Adobe Audition..... Now
i do all my mixtape work, production, mixing, and engineering on Logic
9, which i highly recommend...

What do you reccommend for people starting to make a mix?

2 things- Make sure you have continuity throughout the whole tape, and
make sure the 1st 15 minutes of your tape is bangin...

Any thoughts on where to promote their mixtapes at?

Nowadays, blogs, friends, facebook, twitter, all these resources that
mom and pop shops in the 90's and early 2000's couldn't deliver.....

What future projects do you have coming up?

I have a mixtape coming that isn't fully titled yet that I'm doing
with Skratch Bastid from Canada... he collected all the original
samples from past UGK and Pimp C songs and we are compiling them in
this crazy multi-genre mix... should be fun... I also did another Z-ro
mixtape for Rap-A-Lot, and of course there's another Chalie Boy
Versatyle Child coming before his album, as well as Whut It Dew 6,
before the Whut It Dew album drops..

What is your favorite film monster?

Did really ask for my favorite film MONSTER??? hmmm, i'd say it's got to be the trolls from Willow, remember those dudes??

Yes I did!

Introducing Blu Jemz

Introducing:Blu Jemz

Heard about Blu Jemz a while ago from friends and have been curious for some time. Did some researching about him, noticed this guy knows his music and been doing what he does for a minute. I give props on his work ethic to keep things innovative and enjoyable. Blu Jemz took some time with us have a sit down via the intrawebs to discuss what he is up to these days. He is currently on tour and just came back from Russia. He'll be playing on 8 October for his Beat Machine tour at the Beauty Bar in Austin Tejas among other spots.


What are you doing right now besides typing and reading?

Sitting in the airport listening to people bash Obama behind me and Gadhafi really lay into the general assembly in front of me on CNN. I forgot my headphones and it's really killing me, i never listened to people at the airport before, what assholes. I would buy some over priced headphones from one of those Sony vending machines right now if I could.

Do you currently have any nights in New York right now and what would some expect to hear when walking in?

Right now I'm only doing one monthly part on a consistent basis. Its called Boys On Film and I do it with my friend Lloyd-Ski. We only play 12"s that were made in the 80s, whether it's new wave, rap, house, pop, whatever you have to have the 12" to play it. Before Serato we had all beome these 12" fiends, like all we wanted was to have the original 12" of the song, cause the mix is usually cooler (not always) and the sound quality is a lot better than LPs.

I read that you have a little bit of a hip hop back round somewhere, what have you done in the past and any plans to move forward with any of it?

Yeah I used to be in a group called SBL. Looking back it was some backpack shit, but at the time I never saw it like that. When we finally got the chance to put out records (2000) rap music had become sucky. Like either you could be a "jiggy" raper who talks about nothing or a "backpacker" who talked about how wack jiggy rappers were. All people cared about was battling or $, cash, hoes. We were weirdo's and our music was always kind of cerebral an there just wasnt any room for that any more so we stopped.

Who are the Hardy Boyz and what future plans do you have with them?

Hardy Boyz started as just me and my two friends going home after a party and making a song. We never thought of it as anything more than that. But than of all the music we played for people those were the songs people were reacting to the most. Than turntable lab wanted to put out some Hardy Boyz so here we are working on an album. I would call it New Wave Italo rap.

What production work are you focusing on right now, any plans for some remixes?

I just did a remix for my boy Amp Live's new song which i'm pretty happy with. I do have other shit i'm working on but remixes take me forever so who knows if they will ever get finished

How was Russia?

Moscow was crazy it's like the richest city in Europe or something. I ended up having breakfast in my hotel the first morning only to figure out later that it cost me $40. It was worth it tho because they had caviar and a harp player. In general Moscow was crazy (clubs stay open till 6am) tho and NOT dangerous at all as most think.

What’s the most cinematic party you’ve played at?

I guess when I used to DJ at this really "hip" club in LA called Teddys. Every actor in LA would come thru, but what made it cinematic was just everyone was dressed so slick. Like if you were to watch an upscale party scene in a movie. It was unreal.

Notice that you are going on Tour for the Beat Machine Tour soon in the states. What are the tour stops, who is on it and what’s the concept behind it?

Well I put together this compilation for Scion of different producers who's beats i always was a fan of. Two of the guys on the comp are my good friends (ge-ology and Waajeed) and to me they're a little slept on for there production. So I got a little sponsorship and decided to take them on tour with me. Basically its gonna be like dance parties that are grounded in the beats and electronic sound. Both of them are some of my favorite DJ's and know how to turn dance floors out.

In your free time from music land what do you enjoy partaking in?

Tennis although I haven't played in a while. I like to pretend like one day my friends and I will make a movie so we talk about that all the time.

What are some movies that you are enjoying from now and the past?

I just saw La Dolce Vita recently and that put me into a Fellini phase, that film is just so cool like you don't even have to put quotation marks around the word "cool." I also really like District 9. I thought any movie that puts aliens in Africa can't lose.

Who or what is your favorite monster?

I wanna say Animal from the Muppets, but that doesn't seem right.

Thoughts on Film: Cliches Part 2

Part Two of my look at Film Cliches



for more videos go to www.ericpowerup.com

Django

Film Review:Django

A 1966 spaghetti western being one of the most violent films of that time. Django is a simple man, living life as a gun runner while dragging his burdens everywhere he goes in a coffin that conceals a machine gun. He rescues a lovely lady named Maria during the beginning sequence also kills over 70 people in the film. He finds vengeance for the murder of his wife and will forever be alone. The soundtrack is amazing and gives the film much power in a vengeful manner. Wish more current soundtracks were more up to par from that time. The film earned a reputation of being one of the most violent films ever made up to that point. One of my favorite westerns that I found inspiring.

Inglorious Basterds

Film Review:Inglorious Basterds

This is my favorite film from 2009 and made my top 20 favorite films. So amazing I saw it in the theaters 2 times and might see it again. The film takes place in Nazi occupied France with a band of American Jewish soldiers led by Lt. Aldo on a hunt for Nazis. Another important character in the film is Shosanna Dreyfus played by the lovely Melanie Laurent. Christopher Waltz plays the Jew Hunter Nazi and should receive much applause at the film festivals.The film is told in stories from the beginning to the end with much violence and twists of dark humor that flood the film. Vengeance is the theme and it's known through out the film. It was very well written and the characters are on point. Very impressed with Quentin for finally making a good movie. Honestly I just want to tell to go see this, I really don't want to give out too much info about the film.

District 9

Film Review:District 9

"We just want to go home."

Where to begin with District 9. Just been in anticipation seeing this film since the previews a while ago. The setting is in South Africa near Johannesburg in the current. Basically some Aliens ran out of gas, took a pit stop in South Africa and are trying to get back home while going through some hardships. The special effects are stunning throughout the film. The is a strong racist undertone in the film with the humans view of the aliens. Segregation of them into these favela style housing then attempts to relocate them farther away from human contact in some white garbage bag made tent compound. Another observation is when the Warlords consume the aliens for meals so they can gain their special powers in their eyes. This is true right now in Africa with Albinos being dragged out of their huts to find themselves being grounded to dust also eaten alive by witch doctors. That's something that's really frightening. I even cried during the film at points. I support the aliens trying to go home. On a lighter note there are plenty of times that made me laugh in a quirky sort of way. The film did go a little too fast for character development and could have had a better ending but I see this possibly turning into a sequel in a good way. Overall I liked the movie very much and plan to add this to my home collection.

The Unborn

Review:The Unborn

I went into watching this film with a more negative idea of another demon baby flick. Actually I was proven wrong. The film deals with Jewish mythology of an evil lost soul trying to regain entrance to the relm of the living. It's has a Hitchock type feel to it with the built up suspense. The cinematography was on point and gave the film its feel of a cold blooded horror movie. Odette Yustman plays Casey whom is being tormented by odd dreams with Gary Oldman playing Rabbi Sendak. Odette Yustmans has a very promising future after this role and Cloverfield or I just simply have a crush on her at the moment. Sorry I can't lie. I was spell bounded by The Unborn. There is no happy ending in this film sorry to burst your balloon.

Introducing: Dylan Roadie

Introducing:Dylan Roadie Interview

Had the pleasure to have quick sit down with Dylan Roadie. Dylan is always on the move on something big.

Tell us a little about yourself and how did you get your start in the business.

Shortly after my first high school band, PUD, started up. I started putting on shows. By the end of high school i was putting out records, driving bands around the NW and playing in several bands a year, when I had the time.

In my early 20s i was working at Sub Pop records and one of their bands, The Black Halos, needed a roadie. I gave Sub Pop a two day notice, called my brother Gabe in to take over my job, and headed out on the road. That was 1999... Haven't really looked back.

What are some your more enjoyable tours that you have been on?

I really loved touring Australia on the Big Day Out tour with Peaches. I was working for Samantha Maloney, who was playing drums for Peaches. We hung out with Tool and Crystal Method, a lot. 11 shows in three weeks... it ruled. After the last show of the tour, Tool hosted a Super Bowl party at the hotel. It was great.

Most interesting situations you’ve been in within the past year?

I have had several interesting situations this year. Two that stick out: 1) Going golfing in Austin with Spyder (Pat Benatars husband and Guitar player). That was a great day. I played like crap and enjoyed every minute of it.

2) My older brother's wedding this past September. I went up a few days before and helped work on his house. The wedding was in the back yard. Family and Home are super important, especially when you tour a lot. My brother has been on the road for a few years more then I. So it was cool to see him get something so important.

What’s playing in your I-pod these days?

Sleepercar, Jim Ward's (Sparta/ATDI) new band. Its a great record of Texas rock.

Mariachi El Bronx. This is my favorite record of this year. I have listened to it every morning since July 16th.

Book of Black Earth has been blasting my iPod when i get ready to go out at night. They are my dudes from Seattle. They play brutal Black Metal. It is completely unforgiving and raw. Every record is a winner.

You have a little crush on Tejano trumpets I hear, how long has this been going on?

Yeah, I have always liked latin music. Especially, the boarder music and just about any polka from mexico. So when i moved to LA two years ago i started listening to all the great Spanish language stations. And then my best friend Zane told me our friend Jorma's band, The Bronx, were doing a Mariachi record. I was so stoked when Jorma gave me an advance copy. That shit has hardly left my ears this year. I can't say enough about this record. it was exicuted so well. go get it!

What are some of your current projects that you have on your plate?

Well besides my regular gigs with The Donnas and The Chelsea Girls, I am working on launching a new lifestyle/art brand. It is called AVKult. It is based on the idea of pushing visual artists in the way that bands are. With t-shirts, blog reviews and live interactive shows. The first part is to launch the fashion line with a series of t-shirts designed by three artists, myself; Nicole Forte; and Stan Doll IV.

Tell us about the clothing line that you have coming out?

Like I said, i have a few artists that I am working with. The first series is based on touring. The planned soft launch of the shirts, will be this winter. Hopefully the shirts will start hitting the boutiques Spring 2010.

What is your favorite film monster?

I don't know... I guess Joker. Both Jack Nicholson's and Heath Ledger's. Both were appropriately creepy, vulgar and charming. Scary shit.

Introducing: The Hex Dispensers

Introducing:Alex Cuervo of the Hex Dispensers

I remember listening to them practicing from my porch and been on a mission to find out who is this band that simply rocks out. I heard some of the songs in a friends car and found out who the Hex Dispensers were. An amazing band that plays amazing shows. One of my favorite bands currently and had the pleasure to share a few words with Alex from the band. They have a new album out called Winchester Mystery House.

How long has the Hex Dispensers been together and who are the members?

We had our first rehearsal on 06.06.06 (true!). The original lineup was Alyse (drums), Tom (guitar) and myself (guitar and vocals). Dave joined on bass about a year later.

Was the Europe Tour enjoyable and any thoughts about future touring? Where did the Hex Dispensers travel to?

Europe was fantastic! We were there for a month and played about 27 different cities in Germany (mostly), the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, and Denmark. Dave and Tom had been to Europe before, but Alyse and I had never been. It's a really cool and different way to travel - you see parts of it that tourists don't - which is pretty great. It would have been nice to see a little more touristy stuff like the Colosseum in Rome, but there's just no time. We did make it to the Tower of Pisa, the Vespa Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Catacombs of Paris (whoa!), and the H.R. Giger Museum in Switzerland though. Plus the food was generally awesome so was the beer! We're hoping to go back again in the spring of 2010.

I really enjoy the cover art for your albums, has a cool theme, who does it?

Thanks! I did both LP covers, but Dave does a bunch of the designing too (he helped me nail down the composition on the Winchester cover). We're both artsy fartsy types.

How long did it take to finish Winchester Mystery House?

Well we recorded it all in a weekend at our friend Mark's house in Ft. Worth.

Did you have a concept behind the album from the get go or it just came together as songs came?

The album was named after we'd recorded everything. We'd made numerous unsuccessful attempts to write a song about Winchester Mystery House, so in the end we just used it as the album title. None of the songs on the album are actually about the house.

Which songs are you the most enjoyable to play from the past two albums?

The ones that are easiest to play are the most fun live. We're kind of burned out on a lot of the first record because we've been playing those songs for over 3 years now. We still like them, but it's nice to have a slightly bigger batch of songs to pick and choose from.

I noticed the Devo cover on the album, any other bands from back in the day that you find amazing or an influence?

We only listen to Devo, the Wipers, the Ramones and the Misfits. Occasionally the Marked Men and the Oblivians. I'm joking - there really are too many to mention.

What are some current local & non bands that you find enjoyable?

Locally, I'm enjoying the Young, Bottle Service, and the Cassingles a lot. Harlem and Woven Bones are good too. There's a lot of good bands in Austin - those are just the first ones that come to mind. As far as non-local goes, I've been listening to a lot of Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, Davilla 666, Explosions in the Sky, and the Horrors (UK) lately.

How is it working with Alien Snatch records?

It's been great!

What are some of your favorite film and do you find them as an influence on your music with the Hex Dispensers?

The list is incredibly long. Off the top of my head I'd say the Shining, Delicatessen, the Nightmare Before Christmas, Fireworks (Hana-Bi), The Big Lebowski, Spider Baby, Blue Velvet, Frankenstein (the original), The City of Lost Children, Rushmore, Oldboy, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Kung Fu Hustle, Evil Dead 2, Let the Right One In. This summer, I really enjoyed District 9, Inglourious Basterds, and Drag Me To Hell. And yeah - a lot of the subject matter I write about is heavily influenced by science fiction, horror and fantasy stuff. I'm a perpetual 12 year old.

What’s your favorite film monster?

Boris Karloff as Frankenstein - without a doubt.