Greetings, all! On November 29th, this little blog here hit its one year birthday. I merely listed pictures of albums that I liked, and moved on. Safe to say this blog has grown since then. And I continue to hope that the longer I do this, the better I'll get at it. Happy One Year Old Birthday, Art Batter! LOL. Anyway, it's DECEMBER. That last hurrah of 2012 before we are supposedly all going to die. (Uh, NO.) But it's also a great month for me to delve into one of my favorite facets of music--the cold night section. it's that kind of music that you listen to when you're walking along the city/neighborhood after sundown, when those orange streetlights are your only guide OR when the buildings light up and show you the route you're taking while driving. That kind of nighttime beauty, especially in the winter, can only be more enhanced with the right music to play. here I want to present some of my best Cold Night selections, starting with the incredible J Dilla (RIP).
**DISCLAIMER: This is not a piece about how sad the end of Twilight is to me. That would be a lie. Because I've already been sad at the end of a Book-Era (Harry Potter) and could never be sad about any other Era again. This is simply a humorous recount of my fling with the vampire life and what the end of it means for its fans.***
I have never found myself caught in the throes of sparkly-vampire passion the way so many fans did when "Twilight" first came onto the scene as a debut novel for Stephanie Meyer. I had no interest in the black book with an apple on the cover, not until it was made into a movie and I recognized three actors from my early teen-hood: Kristen Stewart, Cedric Diggory, and Sharkboy.
My mom and I decided to go to the opening night of the first movie. What the heck, why not? we said. We were sitting cramped between billions of girls in Team Edward T-Shirts giggling happily. As the screen darkened, the theater exploded in screams and a few vain calls "shut up!" I looked at my mother and silently vowed to never ever make her do something like this again. There was no way this movie would be worth it.
Oh, how wrong we were.
The plot about a young teenager outcast Bella who falls for the brooding mysterious Christian Gr--I mean, Edward Cullen, actually pulled us in. My mother and I were reduced to girl-hood again, that age when you wish for a love like the movie stars have. Somehow, surprisingly, the audience reactions to certain parts in the movie (especially the entrance of Edward Cullen) enhanced the whole experience. Suddenly, I was giggling with my mom about how handsome Edward was, while she agreed with a twinkle in her eye (of course, by the time Taylor Lautner buffed up a year later, we would be talking about HIM).
There were a lot of things about the first Twilight movie that makes it my favorite of all the movies. I am a sucker for good cinematography, and you cannot deny the attraction we all feel to the landscapes of pine trees and the faded effect of the entire film, as well as the well-paced change in shots to keep things from getting monotonous. Additionally, I thought the acting was pretty decent. Now, I know it's fun to make fun of Kristen's acting form, but I was used to it because I had seen her in other moves where her chops really got to shine. I hadn't known what to expect with Robert Pattinson. I'd only seen in as the bright-eyed Cedric Diggory, and, well, you know, he DIED at the end. But Rob did not disappoint, that cold November night in the theater. He pulled off the secretive romantic part relatively well, and his serious face doesn't look strained at all. I was especially impressed with how convinced I was by his American accent. It was believable, not over or underdone. I could see why they picked him.
...If I had to sparkle, I'd be mad too.
The biggest factor that won me over was the soundtrack. Even those who don't like this series can't sleep on the compilation of that first movie soundtrack. The Black Ghosts, Mute Math, Blue Foundation, even a song by Pattinson, who got a VOICE on him! I liked it so much, I went and bought the album instantly. Songs from that album remain part of my personal winter playlist.
Full Moon _Black Ghosts
Spotlight(Twilight Mix)_ Mute Math
Let Me Sign_Robert Pattinson
It was THIS first movie that compelled me to go see every other movie after that, even when the magic I once felt was completely diminished, as the plot annoyed me and the shooting-style was no longer enough, and when I never bought another Twilight soundtrack again. And it is THIS FIRST MOVIE that means I have to see this through to the end, on Friday tomorrow, even though I'm no longer the entranced watcher I was when it came to Eddie and Bella's first appearance on the screen.
All of this goes to say that as tomorrow inches closer, I thought of the explosion this series has made for the past few years, the hype, the promotion, the posters and what not...and now I'm reminded of another grander book-movie era. Harry Potter.
Yes, that is the album cover, and not the movie cover. Apologies.
That was MY era, the great story of my childhood. I have all seven books, two audio books, and four HP soundtracks. My entire childhood was shaped by debating whether harry or Ron would end up with Hermione and why Snape was such a jerk. And singing the Harry Potter theme at school until people begged me to shut up. When I walked out of the last Harry Potter movie (which was phenomenal) I wanted to cry. No more Harry Potter anticipation! Well, there's Pottermore, but I don't have that kind of time. :(
And I do expect to see wet eyes by the time the credits roll tomorrow. Girls who came into this as 12 and 13 year olds and are leaving as 16-18 year olds are going to mournfully file out of the theater, lamenting the end of anticipation for another movie. People will make Internet Memes depicting how Twilight was a landmark for so many young people, and Facebook will be flooded with sad faces and one finally #TeamJacob hashtag.
Yet, like all eras, it will eventually die out, and the next author will have a chance to wow us with a grand series or novel in which literally unknown actors can become world-class superstars and people will happily but every poster, shirt, and mug that has their faces on it. We will have another literary celebrity series again, my friends.
Is is this reality, and the fact I've already seen the others anyway, that will inspire me to say "one for Twilight, please," for the last time. So Dear Goddess, grant me the strength I need to sit once more in a theater full of screaming teenagers with old Twilight t-shirts and stare at a screen with sparkling vampires and furry werewolves, Kristen, Cedric, and Sharkboy...
HEYYYYYYYYY! October sucked. I had such a flu, SUCH. A. FLU. And after Hurricane Sandy my power was out for more than a week, leaving me frozen in time, literally. Of course, that's the least damage that happened to me, and I want to take a quick moment to send my well wishes to everybody that was truly affected by this storm, particularly Lower Manhattan and New Jersey. But now comes a new month of hope.
HAPPY NOVEMBER!!!
I have actually been waiting for the nor'easter to make this post a reality, because winter always has an effect on me, especially the beginning. The snow and the tree lights and the scarves and big coats--I just love it! And the biggest reason why I love this month is hinted in the sentence "But now comes a new month of hope."
That's right: we had an election earlier this week, and America's voice was heard, even with the confusion Sandy left behind. Voters stood in line for hours and they voted for their next president. A grand ritual of our democracy. Congratulations, Barack Obama! Good luck with the next four years, we are behind you all the way! But enough of all of that. It's time for the Friday Fondue. I celebrated a friend's birthday by accompanying him to see Cloud Atlas.
Yes, you may know of this through your friends, who saw the movie already and couldn't' explain to you just WHY it should win the "best makeup award." Or through your friend the purist who read the book and was still debating whether they should ruin their memory of it by going to the theater. I can't really explain it either. Basically, the idea is that every person's life is connected to each other. The things that happen t us, the people we meet or the things we do, none of it is truly accidental. There is always something, maybe years later, that will come out of the one decision we make now. From the 1800's to the 1930's to the 1970's to 2012 to 2144 to a post-apocalyptic era, this movie takes us through the lives of characters that seem to intertwine with characters years afterward. A handful of actors are recycled for each segment of the movie, so no one plays just one character from one era. This furthers the idea that we are all connected, and it also requires makeup. Lots and lots of good makeup. And I cannot explain it, but this movie really SHOULD win Best Makeup as well as best movie. Truly. Next up! I received this novel as a gift from a colleague early last month. It was my refuge as I rode out the flu.
Set in the 1970's, this story is about a 19 year old named Tish who is pregnant and in love the the child's father, 22 year old Fonny. Fonny has just been accused of a crime he did not commit, and is awaiting his trial in jail. Tish and her family, with all the odds stacked against them, fight tooth and nail to set the innocent man free. A we weave in between the past and the present, Baldwin brings together every precious moment between two black lovers in a country that disdains them. JAMES BALDWIN IS A BEAST. Not his first or his last novel, or even his most popular, but it resonated with me to read such realistic love story, equipped with a gradual love and a harsh reality check. This beats many love stories out there right now. Everything is poetic and raw, almost like Toni Morrison, but more conversational. Reading the last page was like breaking the surface of a pond I had peacefully swam in all day. Love this book. Finally, for music, I thought i'd compile a nice 10-Song Winter Playlist to get us started. Straight from my own personal Winter playlist, take a listen and see what you think.
Being a blogger is fun. But it's a hobby, not a full-time job. It's not like being a college student or a business woman; it neither pays nor causes stress. So why is it that when I'm writing up my next post in a coffee shop or a cafe, and I look over the top of my laptop and catch eyes with a business woman or a college student, I feel like I'm one of them?
What is it about coffee shops and cafes that bring out the inner cool in people who work there? Is it because an expresso next to our notebook signifies your determination NOT to pass out until your report is perfect? Is it because you're surrounded by chattering pairs and it's cool to imagine they're looking at you and thinking, "Wow, who's that cool dude with the laptop? Bet he's got a great work ethic…I want to meet him!"
At first, getting a coffee meant getting the coffee and leaving. Now, it means bringing my "office" and enough money for the next five hours (don't think all that time is devoted to blogging--I do have other tasks). Still not sure whether that has helped or hurt my work ethic. But that's not even the point.
The POINT was that I now have a playlist for when I enter a cafe or a coffee place because dammit, THAT'S WHAT I DO: tae situations and find songs to enhance the scenery.
I wanted to share some of them with you all, and find out what your personal playlists are, if you have any. Do you feel like playing more uptempo songs to go with the high of your americano? Maybe more melodic ballads as you sip your chai tea lattes? How about a soothing romantic mid-tempo jam as you relax with your salted caramel mocha?
(i go to cafes too much.) But here are a few songs that are included in my cappuccino world. There's an autumn-y feel due to the changing weather, and as you can see, I couldn't' narrow it down to a single-digit numbered list. Forgive. :) Homework- Big Deal
One of my favorite authors of the modern world is Jodi Picoult.
If this face, which you'd find in the jacket of her books or the back of her paper covers, doesn't ring a bell, I'll let you in on a personal journey to finding Jodi.
I first knew of her when I was twelve years old, when I found, "My Sister's Keeper."
For those of you who saw the movie, you'll know the basic idea; A family of five faces turmoil when the youngest child, Anna, who was created solely to save her leukemic sister's life, sues for medical emancipation from both her parents, who fight back. What the sole-moviegoers won't know is how much more emotionally riveting the book is.
Since then, I've fallen in love with more and more of her novels. My recent favorite is "Sing You Home."
It's about a musical therapist who falls in love with another woman and wants to use the embryo's from her failed marriage to start a new family. But he ex-husband, who signed over his rights to the embryos but fell into a deep religious faith post-divorce, fights to gain custody of children he doesn't want to keep them from growing in a family he doesn't believe in. What follows is an enticing dramatic case punctuated by original songs (you'll have to look that up) to add to the element of music.
Jodi's style of writing gives us an insight into everyone's perspective; the protagonist's, the antagonist's, the sidekick's, the skeptic's, and everyone in the between. Whether we agree with the perspective or not, we are given a chance to understand the motives of each character. Her writing is a cross between prose and poetry, which has always been my favorite form of writing. It's why I love Toni Morrison so much.
A Picoult novel is the toast to my afternoon tea, the companion in bed on a Lazy Sunday, and the flame under my arms as the weather starts to cool down. You won't regret picking up any of her books:
Yes, I posted close to all of the books she has out. You should see them all! Lol.
Yes, I know, it's been a long time, but Art Batter is off its summer hiatus, and what better way to get back to business than a recap of my personal favorite discoveries over the last season? Most of these are new and recent shows or artists for all of us, but some of these have been around long before summer. Either way, I hope you enjoy. :)
Top 5 Artists Of The Summer
Frank Ocean: I had first come to know about him through the song "She" by Tyler the Creator, and hadn't thought much of him since. Even with " ," I didn't see much of the talent he would soon come to show us. We all know his sparse but meaningful single, "Thinking About You," but listen to his entire new album and you'll appreciate his skill. His songwriting techniques, In my opinion, are brilliant, as is his within-range croons throughout each song. Here are the three songs that I have been bumping the most of his.
J*DaVeY: They are no novice to the game; this duo from LA has been around since 2008, taking over the "Black Hipster" culture with their blend of Electronic, RnB, Hip Hop, and Punk Rock. I can't get over how infectiously catchy and groovy their music is. The lead singer, Jack Davey's voice, is a sultry cooing that compliments the production of Brook D'Leau, and the result is demonstrated below.
Rapsody: There is nothing like a good MC, and for those who want more females at the forefront of the genre, there is nothing like a good female MC. And I have found a female MC that has made it to my Top 5 MC's overall. She is simple 20 years old, and has already been putting out music since 2008. An NC native under 9th Wonder's wing, this lady's flow is so fly I nearly had a heart attack. Don't believe me? Check below.
Kendrick Lamar: I'm anticipating his next album like my birthday; "good kid, m.A.A.d city" is set for release on October 22nd, 2012, and after hearing his earlier works, from OD to Section.80, October 22nd can't come fast enough. This is a Compton-based MC whose slight accent and quick witty verses over various forms of hip-hop beat-gold draw you in like lint to a vacuum cleaner. At this moment, I'm bumping three of his older jams until the heavenly day when his album comes out.
Azealia Banks: Her music errs on the side of pop-dance, which is actually great for me because I need more upbeat exercise songs to lift weights to! She's a 21 year old chick hailing from New York Cit-ay, and refers to herself and the Young Rapunzel. I have to warn you, she's not for kids under a certain age, so if you have kids who like her, make them buy the clean version. The bottom songs are my personal favorites of hers, and before I forget, focus on the cool tone of her voice over the hard beats. That's some real stuff. :)
Top 5 Show/Movies Of The Summer
Beasts Of The Southern Wild: This is not your normal feel-good summer flick. This is an indie, authentic, emotionally-charged, realistic portrayal of a group of people living in what is called the Bathtub, and risky swamp area to live; recently a storm warning has gone out and the authorities are begging for them to leave. Some of them do, but most of them stay steadfast where they are, including a man and his daughter, Hushpuppy. what follows after the storm is something I'm not capable of putting into words. True story--I nearly cried.
The Newsroom: Another masterpiece from the writer of "The Social Network." This is a series about a news anchor, Republican Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) who recently changed the way he broadcasts the news. With the help of his ex-girlfriend, Mackenzie (Emily Mortimer) and the dedicated staff of journalists for News Night (his show), Will McAvoy transforms himself from the neutral good guy who doesn't say anything wrong to the hard-hitting fact-digger who denounces what he believes is wrong and reports what he wants the audience to know if they want to be informed. Using real life events from the recent years, Aaron Sorkin (creator) orchestrates an HBO series unlike anything I've ever seen. Why, oh why did this first Season have to be only 10 episodes?
The Dark Knight Rises: The release of this movie was overshadowed by the horrific shootings at Aurora, and when I think of the circumstances surrounding the shooting, it reminds me why certain people should be evaluated before being able to buy a gun, but that's a noter topic for another time. THis movie was the perfect ending to the morbidly brilliant trilogy of Batman. The billionaire behind the mask (Christian Bale) has retired that mask with flourish--being blamed for the death of Harvey Dent. And yet the warnings of the sly robber Elena (Anne Hathaway) leads him to discover the return of that dark league he had once been a part of in the first movie, and a threat to permanently destroy Gotham using a dangerous weapon--Gotham's inhabitants. Overall, if you did not see this movie, you are really missing out. Buy the DVD or get it on Demand/Netflix, turn off the lights, turn UP the volume, and eat popcorn. It's worth it.
Melissa Harris Perry: I have always loved Rachel Maddow. She's a witty, intelligent woman who cracks down on and demolishes her opponents arguments, all with a smile. I love her more now because she helped give a weekend show on MSNBC to Melissa Harris-Perry, an equally beautiful and intelligent woman who is a Professor, a mother, a wife, and an African-American willing to talk about the African American community and how race still affects our country politically. Everytime she appears on TV, with her brown twists and high-pitched giggles, my morning is made just a little bit brighter. She is an ideal role model to all young girls, including girls of color, and for that she makes the Top 5.
Unsung: TVONE, in my opinion, is a haven for some great TV shows that once were, but are no longer. I've seen so many hilarious reruns of some classic shows, from Good Times to Living Single, that I'm almost sure these aren't really reruns, but actual new episodes. This series, which is not a rerun or new, has been the highlight for me of the entire channel. It is an hour long special chronicling the lives of stars from the past whose careers took a mysterious turn for the worst; the episode as an in-depth look at why. I've seen so many of them; Tammi Terrell, The Sylvers, Heatwave, Kool Moe Dee, Angela Winbush; the list goes on and on. And I think if you're a 20th Centuy Music buff, these episode are ESPECIALLY for you.
