Plot Synopsis:
Michael Moore‘s latest documentary targets the cause of the global financial crisis of 2008, and criticizes the government bailouts of privately owned businesses across America; capitalism being the root of problem in all respects.

Director:
Michael Moore

Genre:
Documentary

Review:
Although this is not my favourite Michael Moore documentary ( that spot is reserved for Bowling For Columbine =) ), I did think it was extremely informative and quite fascinating. I think that most people who are as interested in conspiracy theories as I am (NERD ALERT), already knew a lot of the points which he discussed in the film.

I have to say that I am starting to feel that if you’ve seen one Michael Moore film, you’ve seen them all. Yes, each one of his movies covers a different topic, and yes, he covers them well, giving the audience well-researched information, and a few good laughs, but I’ve really had enough with the Bush-bashing that comes with each film. No, it’s not because I like George Bush or think he was a good President, but I feel that he’s taking away from his work by dedicating so much time to putting him, as well as the entire Republican party, down.

Overall, I think that if you like documentary film, you would like this movie, and all I can hope for is that next time, Bush will have been out of office long enough for Moore to have gotten over his hate-on for the man. It’s become quite a bore.

Rating:
3.5/5

Last night we went to see Jack Peñate and Miike Snow at Wrongbar. We arrived and things started off a little strange, with a camera crew filming an episode of some Cop show right outside. So for tonight Wrongbar was re-christened ‘The Black Penny’! Luckily upon entering we discovered, despite the fracas outside, everything was as it should be inside.
So at this point its probably only fair we make a little confession, unlike 90% of people there, we were not here to see Miike Snow but instead we were all about Jack Peñate.

Jack Peñate went on first to an already excitable, packed crowd. He kicked off his set with the title track from his new album ‘Everything is New’ which immediately got everyone interested. I was intrigued (possibly sceptical?) to see how the sound of Jack Peñate’s sophomore album would translate to a live show. ‘Everything is New’ is a significant departure from the first album, the upbeat more radio-friendly ‘Matinee’ . However, the somnambulant synthy sounds worked surprisingly well when translated live. A combination of an awesome band, complete with soulful back up singer, and Peñate’s energetic, bordering on crazed, performance ensured the crowd did not get a chance to lose interest. It’s obvious that Peñate is just as excited to play his new album as he was the day he wrote the songs, which is refreshing after listening to so many bands who are obviously sick to death of touring their new album. This was highlighted by the fact that he only chose one track, ‘Second, Minute or Hour’, from his debut album to play tonight. A highlight came when Jack Peñate took to the piano for the more mellow track, ‘Body Down’. He kept the new album’s stand out tracks, ‘Be the One’ and ‘Tonight’s Today’ for the end of his set which ensured he went out on a high.
Musicians take note, this is how British acts perform and, quite frankly, how every gig should be.

So then it came to Miike Snow. So as we said we hadn’t seen/heard much about these guys. The only buzz I had heard was around some remixes (check out hypem for a full list) which I don’t think bodes particularly well for live artists. Judging by the crowd who were amped up and screaming (!!) everyone else was pretty pleased to be catching these guys. I am on the constant hunt for new music to devour so we were counting on something to fill the void here. The guys jumped on stage in darkness , and matching dark satine jackets. One of the opening songs, ‘Burial’ was obviously a crowd pleaser but I couldn’t shake that feeling of “ Have I heard this in a car advert?” I don’t mean to sound scathing to these guys because they are obviously well adored but as a new listener they just didn’t hook me in. I bobbed, I nodded I even felt it sometime but we were constantly chasing that epic feeling, that bass that grabs and shakes your heart. Andrew Wyatt’s voice was the treat, pure and on key perfect live. Perhaps Peñate’s energetic performance was too much of a contrast to the pretentious darkness of Miike Snow but judging by the idle chit chat, bar queue and smokers round the corner I think Miike Snow’s music is best left for alone time, travelling time or perhaps best left alone completely.

P.s  - We wrote this blog last night and feel compelled to add a post script. We stand by everything we wrote about the show last night but after listening to Miike Snow this morning we’d like to admit we’re really enjoying them. So our advice would be, get some Miike Snow in your life, you won’t be disappointed, just maybe give the live show a miss.

G + M

Plot Synopsis:
“This isn’t a love story, this is a story about love,” being the tagline for this film, pretty much sums up the entire plot. Tom still believes, even in today’s cynical society, that love can change, consume and conquer all. Summer, on the other hand, doesn’t believe in any of that, but Tom won’t let that change anything. He pursues her endlessly, falling in love with not only Summer, but the very idea of love and how it might be able to change people and the world, regardless of the odds.

Cast:
Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Clark Gregg, Minka Kelly, Chloe Moretz, Matthew Gray Gubler, Geoffrey Arend

Director:
Mark Webb

Review:
500 Days of Summer is like a fairy tale gone wrong… but in a good way. I have never seen any movie that so eloquently captures what it’s like to have your heart completely and utterly broken in 2009. In those 500 days, we are allowed to view the beginning, middle and end to a relationship, and anyone who has ever loved someone knows what that looks like.

The soundtrack is absolutely fabulous with songs from The Smiths, She & Him, Regina Spektor, etc… You really feel the emotions that Tom is going through throughout the film strictly because the music is so perfectly matched with all of the scenes.

The cinematography and writing were absolutely beautiful, and probably my favourite part of the entire film. The split screen between Tom’s reality and his expectations in a particular scene, the dance sequence, the colours, everything.. it was just beautiful to look at. I especially liked the fact that, in terms of colour scheme, they stuck to one colour, blue, which really brought the entire film together, visually.

500 Days of Summer is one of my favourite films of all time, and not because it’s a Citizen Kane or a Godfather, but because it’s so real. And any movie that allows you to relate to it so well, has to be given a chance. So go see it!!!!

Rating:
5/5

By the way, heres a link to a short video that Zooey and Joseph made for the film, with music from She & Him in the background.

Plot Synopsis:
The film begins in German-occupied France in 1941 where a young, Jewish girl (Melanie Laurent) witnesses the death of her family at the hands of Hitler‘s ‘Jew Hunter,’ Nazi Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz).

Flash forward to 1944, and we’re introduced to Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) who, along with his band of fellow Jews, The Basterds, are causing a ruckus by scalping and eliminating every Nazi they meet.

Cast:
Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Eli Roth, Melanie Laurent, Diana Kruger

Director:
Quentin Tarantino

This film was a typical Quentin Tarantino movie from start to finish. I have been hearing from a lot of other people who have seen it, that there’s “too much talking.” Well, to them I say “get some taste in cinema”, and instead of seeing something just because Brad Pitt is in it, know what type of genre, etc… that Tarantino typically produces. Of course there’s going to be a lot of talking. No one is going to make a movie that is based strictly on Nazi‘s having their heads bashed in. No one with any talent for making a good movie, anyway.

The cinematography was amazing and one of my favourite parts of the entire film. Camera angles, shots, etc, were perfection. The soundtrack to the film was also wonderful. It went perfectly with everything I was watching. Acting and casting were amazing, although I was a little disturbed by Quentin Tarantino‘s choice to have Mike Myers make a cameo appearance as a British general. I just felt dirty looking at him. He has a perverted look to his face.

Overall, Inglourious Basterds is a very good movie, if you like that style of film. I don’t think it’s for everyone, so if you’re just looking for some action, or to gaze at Brad Pitt for 3 hours, don’t waste $12.95. If you want to enjoy well-made cinema, then go for it.

Rating:
5/5

It’s been a crazy year for British electro-pop duo La Roux. Elly Jackson took some time out of her busy touring schedule to answer a few questions for us. Read the interview below, as well as our review of the fantastic self-titled album and – there’s a special surprise for you, yes you, at the end of the post.

Your touring schedule’s been pretty hectic since March, what’s the best concert/city you’ve played so far?
Glastonbury was amazing. 10,000 people losing it and singing In For The Kill and Bulletproof right back at me.  The breakdown in Kill was special, we all had a tear in our eye for that one.
Germany and France have always been mental and now on this tour the US and Canada are being great for us as well. We’re very lucky

I have never wanted to consume alcohol more than while listening to The Black Eyed Peas‘ new album, The E.N.D. Not because that’s what it takes to get through the 15 track-listing, but because it is in solid running for the most fun-filled record ever! The E.N.D. (which stands for “The Energy Never Dies”) is BEP’s third Fergie-featured album, fifth in total. The energy has indeed not died. Fizzling for a few years, their spark has been reignited and the Peas are back with a new look and sound.

Taking a 3 year hiatus in which each member worked on solo projects including both Fergie and will.i.am‘s solo albums, they laughed off rumours of break-up and speculation. This is the ultimate proof of recharge.

Delivering a self-described “futuristic” sound, there is definitely no shortage of catch phrases and gimmicky lyrics. The beats are more subtle and bass-y, yet infused with that electro stuff everyone’s into now. Taunting with in-your-face lyrics and imagery, BEP make it clear that they have an agenda for crunken debauchery. They pound it into our heads that they’re here and coming at us with a party vengeance.

While the party theme has potential of getting tired, there are plenty of contrasting tracks to divvy it up. Ring-A-Ling features a nonchalant booty call via text and Now Generation is all about modern technology taking over the youth. For the romantics, check out Meet Me Halfway, Alive, and Missing You. There’s a tune for everyone’s taste.

Mixing the familiarity of reggae and hip-hop with electronic sounds and synths makes for a unique and new endeavour for The Black Eyed Peas. Trading in signature BEP style, we get a taste of mainstream electro techniques. Rap-tastic Imma Be keeps it early 2000′s, but not forgetting that hint of synths they’ve developed a penchant for.

Every single track has chart-topping single potential, nothing new for The Peas. Previous album Monkey Business kicked out 4 out of 4 hits, while Fergie’s solo disc The Dutchess gave us 5 solid.

Most tracks are over four minutes in length; a hefty amount of tunes, giving DJs the creative room to mix and add their magic touch. The likes of Kid Cudi and LMFAO have hopped on board, remixing first single Boom Boom Pow. Second radio single I Gotta Feeling was produced by David Guetta and gives people everywhere a new anthem for pre-drinking.

Having a developed a generally younger demographic via Elephunk and Monkey Business, the subject matter might fluster a few. Needless to say, The E.N.D. will appeal to a whole new flock of club crawlers.

The E.N.D. Deluxe Edition features 10 bonus tracks, including Simple Little Melody (produced by Boys Noize) and 6 remixes of existing tracks off previous albums.

Whether you’re hanging out in the clubbing district or doing keg stands at a stranger’s sketchy house party, The Black Eyed Peas will turn it into rager like no other, and they’re not apologizing for it.

The E.N.D. is undeniably a frenzy of feisty-ness that’ll tie you over until the after hours bar. Get ready to rumble and stumble home after a hard night’s play.

The Peas can party all the time and I will definitely be there to crash it. The end.

Words by Melania Fedyna

Nobody told me I was attending a hardcore show. Or the impending brilliance of Peaches, live!

I was definitely expecting the unexpected, and the expectantly unexpected is what went down Wednesday night. Peaches was back in Toronto in all her hometown glory. Playing to a packed Phoenix Concert Theatre, the crowd was diverse, eccentric, and ready & willing.

Peaches can’t help but engage you. Appropriately, Show Stopper was song number one, with Peaches creeping out of the shadows in a giant pink bubble-like contraption and sparkly mask, resembling one of those exotic, man-trap flowers.

Stripping the pink wonder, a variety of wardrobe changes were had throughout, including a bathrobe (complete with towel-on-head), multiple body suits, and some gold chains. A highlight, literally, was a flashing light attached to her crotch area. This little gem was revealed when she stood atop the drum set.

A few songs in, Peaches willingly threw herself into an already out of control audience, crowd surfing her way around the pack, becoming a victim of grope at every degree. Next, she was gracing a balcony high above the stage, treating us to an opera-worthy spectacle.

Peaches’ over the top theatrics are what make her stand out as an artist and performer, and why her show ranks tops in my books. I was an aptly titled “Peaches virgin”, but she did me with just the right amount of finesse and colourful energy. Peaches is an infectious confection that will leave you craving more.

The new album in its entirety was brought to life, along with a multitude of songs off previous records; Boys Wanna Be Her, Shake Yer Dix, Fuck the Pain Away, anyone? During Talk To Me, two bleach blonde Cousin It-like, lingerie-clad girls came on stage, straight out of the song’s video. My favourite performance was of I Feel Cream. Peaches’ vocals really shine on this track and she blew me away.

Standing to the right of the stage proved to be a bad choice, because I was subjected to a few rumbles. Caught in the crossfire, the punch to my side endured was completely worth it and I felt pretty bad ass. No blood shed there, but Peaches took care of that by spitting up fake blood during a song. So awesome!

There were 3 encores; people ended up leaving after the second, thinking the show was done for good. Not so. With one final hurrah, Peaches glided onto stage in what can only be described as a red and black bull-fighting, flapper dress. A solid performance later, the show ended with bows and thank yous to an undeniably seduced crowd.

Acting as a back-up band for Peaches is Berlin band Sweet Machine, who compliment her persona quite perfectly.

Opening this tour is Drums of Death, a guy from London town that DJs and MCs. My dark side was really into his white face paint and crazy bass. His act was what I imagine an underground European gothic rave in the 90s would’ve look like. There were dudes in black baggy pants with chains, glow sticking. Minus the glow sticks. Drums of Death also had a hand in producing one of Peaches’ tracks, I Feel Cream. Ten cool points for that great tune.

Final verdict: Peaches is a whole bunch of cool wrapped into a few layers of body suits and one majestic gold cape. No smoke and mirrors here, just fog machines and lasers to pierce through your soul.

Peaches, who? If for some reason you’re clueless, click here for a mini-documentary of what you’ve been missing.

Big shout out and thanks to SheDoesTheCity.com Contests for hooking me up with tickets!

Words and Photos by Melania Fedyna

I am not not singing a love song for Camila Grey and Leisha Hailey, the duo behind LA-based synthy sensation Uh Huh Her. The girls were at The Phoenix in Toronto Saturday night, and I got the chance to catch up with them before the show.

I was pretty much a nervous wreck, trying not to show it as I was escorted onto their tour bus to conduct my first interview ever. I had never met them before, or even seen them live, so I didn’t know what to expect. I had briefly walked past them the street a few months back, but that doesn’t count, does it?

Officially meeting, Leisha and Cam were really nice, down to earth, and graciously answered my questions. There’s a strong dynamic between them, and I could tell right away that they get along well, and are genuinely good people. (Read the full interview here.)

I asked them how they first met. They hadn’t known each other at all; Leisha had heard of Camila and her old band Mellowdrone, and went to see her play one night. She then decided to call Cam up out of the blue, after meeting her a a few times, and the rest is history.

Leisha, who was a self-proclaimed “musical theatre geek”, moved to New York City at 17 to study acting and music. She had no intentions of playing in a band when growing up, but in 1991, formed her first band The Murmurs while studying in NYC.
Cam, on the other hand, had always dreamt of pursuing music, and has been playing instruments since she can remember. She says she even used to draw tour buses for fun as a child. Over the years, Cam has worked with artists such as Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, and Kelly Osbourne.

Uh Huh Her’s debut album, ‘Common Reaction’ (go get it, it’s amazing!), is a bit more “poppier” than their 2007 EP, ‘I See Red’, which had more of a “dark and melancholy” sound. Overall, they “didn’t really know what to expect out of it”, since this was their first full-length CD, but their expectations were met.

As a band, they listen to a variety of music, including MGMT, LCD Soundsystem, and Adele, saying they draw inspiration from “people who are truly unique…and don’t pay attention to what the mainstream does”, for example, Bjork.
People who “are born with a gift and just spend their whole life focusing on this one thing”, is something Leisha feels is amazing to see.
I’d say they’re ironically an example of those whom they admire, a person who strives to do their thing, and perseveres through to achieve their goals. “To see other people do it and succeed at it”, is a driving force.
“You have to keep doing your thing and never give up”, says Cam.
I think that’s pretty much the rule of life.

One of the biggest obstacles for Uh Huh Her has been having to work around Leisha’s hectic filming schedule, and being apart; finding time to write amidst travelling back and forth between LA and Vancouver (where her show is shot). Whenever Leisha had a break, they got down to recording and got it done in about 4 weeks. “It’s a little bit tricky, but we made it work, I guess, we’re making it work”.

You can catch Leisha as Alice Pieszecki on Showtime’s ‘The L Word’, which is approaching it’s final season in 2009, with a spin-off in the works, focusing around her character.

Now onto the concert.
I have been listening to Common Reaction over and over, so I was familiar with the songs, and was really looking forward to hearing and seeing the tracks come to life. The entire evening definitely lived up to what I was hoping to experience.

Touring with, and opening for Uh Huh Her were The Fashion, of Denmark. They were energetic and bouncy, and got the crowd clapping and lively. These four guys totally revved it up!

Uh Huh Her hit the stage around 7:45pm, and played about an hour’s long set, including a cover of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams”. Both girls rocked it on keys and bass, with some electric guitar in the mix, and a brilliant drummer who was wonderfully hyped. I loved him!

If I could describe their music, I would say that it is melodically mellow, bass-infused, synth-pop orgasmic-amazingness, that can, and should be replayed approximately 598 times/day.

Music aside, I witnessed a spectacular showing of lights, which is a reason alone, according to Cam and Leisha, to come see the show. They had been playing for about a year under “bright spotlights with no fuckin’ vibe”, and finally got into the theatrics of it. It’s just a fun night to be had by all, with great energy largely attributed to the audience (despite some obnoxious yelling at the stage, i.e. “YOU’RE HOT!”). What an insightful observation!

After the show, there was a signing of all things merch. You had to have bought something from the merchandise stand in order to get an autograph, but people snuck in with ticket stubs. What seemed to be half the capacity of the club, were all hustled into a line, waiting eagerly for the ladies who happily signed tees and CD’s.

As for Uh Huh Her’s future, they hope to continue having a really good time doing what they do, and “just keep making records”.
Cam joked that they would like a better tour bus, perhaps with a Jacuzzi on it. But that idea was quickly shut down with the fact that that’d be skanky and gross. I strongly agree.

Leisha and Cam would like to say “Thank You!”; For having such loyal, forgiving fans, for coming back to see their shows, giving them a chance, watching them grow, and just sticking by them.

Uh Huh Her are currently on tour across the U.S., with a few Canadian dates. They hit up Vancouver on November 9th.
Catch the official vid for their first single ‘Not A Love Song’ here. It’s pretty pretty!

Also, here’s a short video I took of my fave song, “Dance With Me”.
Check them out in action!

Leisha, me, and Cam, after the show

Interview by Melania Fedyna (melaniafedyna@gmail.com)
Photos by Natalie Johnson (natalielisajohnson@gmail.com)