Archive for February 2011



Small bits of history- Revamped!

Written by Colton K
,
0 Comments

I've been going through some of my Grandmother's old photos. I'm slowly starting to scan them all, but I'm having trouble staying focused on that task... Every once in a while I'll come across very neat photograph and I have the urge to photoshop them into ever "neater" pieces of art. Here is a photo I doctored up. The original is the b&w one, of course! Hope you find them as cool as I did. They were taken at "Old Faithful" at Yellowstone Park in 1947. Great representation of the time period.

Scan 28

OldYellowstone



Adele, Amos Lee, Katy Perry, & Randy Montana are at the top of my list!

Written by Colton K
0 Comments

This has been a long week for my iPod. Adele came out with her sophomore album, 21, and I have listened to each on of her songs 20+ times. So thank you Adele for completing my week! As far as the other three singers titled, their play counts are pretty high also. Amos Lee had a "free" song released on iTunes not too long ago and I fell in love with the music. Katy Perry re-released her song "E.T." adding in a few lines of Kanye to the chorus. The song was great to begin with, but it's probably even better now. That leaves Randy Montana: His song was another "free" discovery download from iTunes. I wasn't sure if it would ever be a hit or not- usually the free country songs from iTunes aren't big hits, but he proved me wrong. His song's all over the country stations, almost annoying... but I still love the song.

Here are the four tracks I chose to include on this weeks episode:

1) Set Fire To The Rain - Adele
2) 1000 Faces - Randy Montana
3) Windows Are Rolled Down - Amos Lee
4) E.T. (Futuristic Lover) - Katy Perry feat. Kanye West

Hope you enjoy!

Podcast later.



Oh Tumblr, how you humor me!

Written by Colton K
0 Comments

I'm a huge Tumblr fan. If you have a Tumblr account, then definitely follow me and I'll return the favor.

Anyways, earlier today I was queuing pictures and videos to post later, when the servers went down. This is the message I received:


I've never laughed so hard!

~Blog later.



My favorite road-trip movie.

Written by Colton K
,
0 Comments

Last night, I entered in an Entertainment Weekly Facebook contest. It was quite simple- all I had to do was answer what I believed was the best road-trip movie. The prize? A free copy of "Due Date" on Blu Ray. It wasn't a big prize, but hey! it was free and easy to enter. I didn't win, but it made me think long and hard about which movie I thought was the best.

There were people entering "The Hangover" and "Star Wars" and "Toy Story 2"... all of which were quite ridiculous, except for Star Wars perhaps. There may not have been any 'roads' but I could consider that type of movie. Nevertheless, some people went on very thin stretches to try to come up with a unique answer. Those who went with the "of course" choices voted "Plains, Trains, & Automobiles", "Vacation", & probably the most answered was "Thelma & Louise"... all good choices, but none of which I thought was the BEST road-trip movie.

Here's what I consider when I'm thinking of the greatest "Road Trip" movie: 1) There has to be humor. If there's no humor, then why even go on a road trip. It's supposed to be about fun, and if the people in the movie aren't having fun, then neither is the audience. 2) It has to be dramatic. There has to be a confliction of some sorts. Some people like an easy-going movie with not-so-much suspense. I think there has to be a lot of suspense. 3) There has to be a goal. Going out and having fun is not a good movie to me. They have to be going somewhere- to a destination. I don't care if they make it or not, just as long as they try. 4) The characters have to grow. It doesn't necessarily have to be a "coming-of-age" movie, but they have to learn something or take something from the road trip.

So, out of these four things I pretty much always consider when I watch any movie (not just road trip movies) I come up with a huge list. Now, a lot of moves easily fit into all of those stipulations, however, I chose 2 of what I believe to be the greatest road trip movies. I won't write about them, but I'll post links to the movies.

#2: Thelma & Louise



#1: Wild America



"Wild America" has to be one of the greatest road trip movies of all time. If you haven't seen it, go check it out. It's not too old, but it'll make you laugh, perhaps cry at some point. But ultimately, you'll enjoy watching it.



'A' is for "The Adjustment Bureau"

Written by Colton K
0 Comments


Last Thursday, I was able to attend a pre-screening of "The Adjustment Bureau". I've thought it's looked interesting since I saw the preview for the movie over a month ago. It was a very interesting movie, actually. To be more clear, I really loved the movie. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt had perfect on-screen chemistry, and the whole plot and storyline was perfectly original.

Matt Damon plays a young politician that always finds himself in dark times, but still favored in the state of New York. Upon learning that his current election has been lost, he runs into an interesting woman he seems to instantly love. This led to a perfect speech and throws him as a front runner for the next elections. Since that night he met 'Emily' he can't stop thinking about her, but what he doesn't realize is that he isn't supposed to ever see her again... or his fate could go south. This is where 'The Adjustment Bureau' comes in. They're quite supernatural; they control, or help guide people to their rightful fates. The only thing they can't control is luck or chance. And by chance, Matt Damon ran into his love, Emily once more. This triggered a rippling affect on the fates of many people.

By now, the 'Bureau' has to try to steer him on a path without Emily, or their alternative is to erase the politician's mind. Matt Damon has other plans, though, and ultimately sets out to prove the Bureau, and whoever's controlling everyone's destiny, wrong.

I found the movie very compelling and very fast-paced. Every scene was a surprise because I could never predict what was going to happen. So, would I recommend you going to see this movie when it comes out? Absolutely. It comes out in theaters March 4th. 





My Thoughts On The Grammys...

Written by Colton K
0 Comments


Lady Antebellum
Last night shocked me in more than one way. First of all, I loved how the Country trio "Lady Antebellum" dominated the record and single of the year. As an avid Country listener, I was very pleased to see them win. However, I do believe that their songs are more crossover than solely country. My reasoning for saying this: I'm listening to the local pop/rock radio station and "Need You Now" starts in while Lady Gaga's "Alejandro" finishes up. So, is their popularity stemming just from Country roots? Or are they hugely famous, now, because of their pop "aspirations" or "influences"? I think the latter, but I'm still love them and I will never change the station upon hearing their voices just because they are pop AND country. Some people discriminate when a singer/group's songs dominate both charts. I know that people especially get disgusted with Taylor Swift (who's often in the same situation)... but a really good artist can be played everywhere, and I believe that's what Lady Antebellum has accomplished. They've earned their wide listenership, especially after last night. Congrats Lady A.

Gaga in her "Egg"
As for the other "Lady"... what was she thinking? Her new single "Born This Way" is a very catchy tune, but I found her dramatic entrance to the Grammys in her Egg a bit tacky. I guess she is known for her tacky, over-the-top clothes and entrances, but I found it quite annoying. And what did she have on her shoulders and face? Horns? What the hell? Anyways, I thought her win last night was well-deserved for "The Fame Monster". Nevertheless, hopefully people don't get tired of her over-the-topness. But, I guess if she's always surprising everyone, then that's something she won't need to worry about.


Best New Artist - Spalding
Out of all of the surprises last night, the two largest ones, in my opinion, were the winners of Album of the Year, and Best New Artist. Best new artist was the most shocking thing I've ever seen on the Grammy's. My top two choices were a showdown between Mumford and Sons and Justin Bieber.  I didn't used to be a Bieber fan, but recently I've felt partial to his music. I don't know why, but the more I listen to his music, the more I like it. Don't ask why, this was definitely against my wishes. Nevertheless, I thought Justin Bieber would have won Best New Artist, FOR SURE. He's one of the largest artists on the planet and has only been around since 2008. I thought it was a Gimme. Then when they announced Esperanza Spalding, the first thing that popped into my head was "Is this a joke?" and "Who in the hell is that?". I can't say much about the woman, but I have no idea who she is nor what she's sang or what she sounds like. Can the academy choose somebody that so few people have heard of? I guess last night proves that they can, but I'm still shocked. Bieber or Mumford & Sons; either should have won. I guess this would be a good time to listen to Spalding on iTunes and decide if the Academy could possibly be right.

Suburbs - Arcade Fire
As for the last shock of my night: Best Album. It was a tough choice from my end. The nominees were Arcade Fire's 'The Suburbs', Eminem's 'The Recovery', Lady A's 'Need You Now', & Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream'. My choice was between Lady Antebellum and Eminem, but Arcade Fire took home the Grammy. That was a shock to me. I have most of their albums, but I've never really liked their music. I hadn't heard their 'Suburbs' album yet, so I couldn't judge last night. This morning, however, I pulled up their album on iTunes, and I LOVE the album. So I definitely think they rightfully won Album of the Year, but I still think it's a shocker. Such a small, alternative band winning Album of the Year? What an honor. Congrats Arcade Fire, I'm sorry I underestimated you!

What do you think about the winners?

Blog Later.



2011 Grammy Winners

Written by Colton K
,
0 Comments


For the first time in my life, I sat on my couch and watched EVERY minute of the Grammy's this year. So, as a member of Tumblr, a blog I follow posted the winners of the Grammy's. So I'm "reblogging" their post here.

Album of the Year: The Suburbs, Arcade Fire
Record of the Year: “Need You Now,” Lady Antebellum
Rap Album: Recovery, Eminem
New Artist: Esperanza Spalding
Song of the Year: “Need You Now,” Lady Antebellum


POP:
Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster
Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Train, “Hey, Soul Sister (Live)”
Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Bublé, Crazy Love
Female Pop Vocal Performance: Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance,” The Fame Monster
Male Pop Vocal Performance: Bruno Mars, “Just The Way You Are,” Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Pop Collaboration With Vocals: “Imagine,” Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare, The Imagine Project
Pop Instrumental Performance: “Nessun Dorma,” Jeff Beck, Emotion & Commotion
Pop Instrumental Album: Take Your Pick, Larry Carlton & Tak Matsumoto

R&B:
Female R&B Vocal Performance: Fantasia, “Bittersweet,” Back to Me
Male R&B Vocal Performance: Usher, “There Goes My Baby,” Raymond V Raymond
R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Sade, “Soldier of Love,” Soldier of Love
Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: John Legend & The Roots, “Hang On In There,” Wake Up!
R&B Song: John Legend & The Roots, “Shine,” Wake Up!
R&B Album: Wake Up!, John Legend & The Roots
Contemporary R&B Album: Raymond V Raymond, Usher

RAP:
Rap Song: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind,” The Blueprint 3
Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind,” The Blueprint 3
Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz, “On to the Next One,” The Blueprint 3
Rap Solo Performance: Eminem, “Not Afraid,” Recovery
Urban/Alternative Performance: “F*** You,” Cee Lo Green

ROCK:
Rock Album: Muse, The Resistance
Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Paul McCartney, “Helter Skelter,” Good Evening New York City
Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: The Black Keys, “Tighten Up,” Brothers
Rock Song: “Angry World,” Neil Young, Le Noise
Hard Rock Performance: New Fang, “Them Crooked Vultures,” Them Crooked Vultures
Metal Performance: “El Dorado,” Iron Maiden, The Final Frontier
Rock Instrumental Performance: Jeff Beck, “Hammerhead,” Emotion & Commotion

COUNTRY:
Country Album: Lady Antebellum, Need You Now
Female Country Vocal Performance: Miranda Lambert, ” The House That Built Me,” Revolution
Male Country Vocal Performance: Keith Urban, “‘Til Summer Comes Around”
Country Song: “Need You Now,” Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott, songwriters (Lady Antebellum) (Need You Now)
Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now”
Country Instrumental Performance: Marty Stuart, “Hummingbyrd” (Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions)
New Age Album:Miho: Journey to the Mountain, Paul Winter Consort
Contemporary Jazz Album:The Stanley Clarke Band, The Stanley Clarke Band
Jazz Vocal Album:Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee, Dee Dee Bridgewater

LATIN:
Latin Pop Album: Paraiso Express, Alejandro Sanz
Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album: El Existential, Grupo Fantasma
Tropical Latin Album: Viva La Tradición, Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Tejano Album: Recuerdos, Little Joe & La Familia
Norteño Album: Classic, Intocable
Banda Album: Enamórate De Mí, El Güero Y Su Banda Centenario

JAZZ:
Contemporary Jazz Album: The Stanley Clarke Band, The Stanley Clarke Band
Jazz Vocal Album: Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee, Dee Dee Bridgewater
Improvised Jazz Solo: “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Herbie Hancock (The Imagine Project)
Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group: Moody 4B, James Moody
Large Jazz Ensemble Album: Live at Jazz Standard, Mingus Big Band
Latin Jazz Album: Chucho’s Steps, Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers

GOSPEL:
Gospel Performance: “Grace,” BeBe & CeCe Winans, Still
Gospel Song: “It’s What I Do,” Jerry Peters & Kirk Whalum, songwriters (Kirk Whalum & Lalah Hathaway), The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter III
Rock or Rap Gospel Album: Hello Hurricane, Switchfoot
Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album: Love God. Love People, Israel Houghton
Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album: The Reason, Diamond Rio
Traditional Gospel Album: Downtown Church, Patty Griffin
Contemporary R&B Gospel Album: Still, BeBe & CeCe Winans

DANCE:
Dance Recording: “Only Girl (in the World),” Rihanna
Electronic/Dance Album: La Roux, La Roux

TRADITIONAL/ALTERNATIVE/WORLD:
Alternative Music Album: Brothers, The Black Keys
Americana Album: You Are Not Alone, Mavis Staples
Bluegrass Album: Mountain Soul II, Patty Loveless
Traditional Blues Album: Joined At The Hip, Pinetop Perkins & Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith
Contemporary Blues Album: Living Proof, Buddy Guy
Traditional Folk Album: Genuine Negro Jig, Carolina Chocolate Drops
Contemporary Folk Album: God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise, Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
Hawaiian Music Album: Huana Ke Aloha, Tia Carrere
Native American Music Album: 2010 Gathering Of Nations Pow Wow: A Spirit’s Dance, Various Artists
Zydeco or Cajun Music Album: Zydeco Junkie, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band
Reggae Album: Before The Dawn, Buju Banton
Traditional World Music Album: Ali And Toumani, Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté
Contemporary World Music Album: Throw Down Your Heart, Africa Sessions Part 2: Unreleased Tracks, Béla Fleck
New Age Album: Miho: Journey to the Mountain, Paul Winter Consort

VISUAL MEDIA:
Short Form Music Video: “Bad Romance,” Lady Gaga
Long Form Music Video: “When You’re Strange,” The Doors
Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books and Storytelling): The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Presents Earth (The Audiobook)
Musical Show Album: American Idiot (Featuring Green Day)
Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Crazy Heart (Various Artists)
Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Toy Story 3, Randy Newman, composer
Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: “The Weary Kind” (From Crazy Heart), Ryan Bingham & T Bone Burnett, songwriters
Instrumental Composition: “The Path Among the Trees,” Billy Childs, composer (Billy Childs Ensemble), Autumn: In Moving Pictures Jazz—Chamber Music Vol. 2
Instrumental Arrangement: “Carlos,” Vince Mendoza, arranger (John Scofield, Vince Mendoza & Metropole Orkest), 54

CLASSICAL:
Engineered Album, Classical:Daugherty: Metropolis Symphony; Deus Ex Machina, Giancarlo Guerrero &Nashville Symphony Orchestra
Producer of the Year, Classical: David Frost
Classical Album:Verdi: Requiem, Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Chicago Symphony Chorus
Orchestral Performance:Daugherty: Metropolis Symphony; Deus Ex Machina, Nashville Symphony
Opera Recording:Saariaho: L’Amour De Loin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
Choral Performance:Verdi: Requiem, Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Chicago Symphony Chorus
Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (With Orchestra):Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 23 & 24, Mitsuko Uchida (The Cleveland Orchestra)
Instrumental Soloist Performance (Without Orchestra): Paul Jacobs, Messiaen: Livre Du Saint-Sacrement
Chamber Music Performance:Ligeti: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2, Parker Quartet
Small Ensemble Performance:Dinastia Borja, Jordi Savall, conductor; Hespèrion XXI & La Capella Reial De Catalunya
Classical Vocal Performance:Sacrificium, Cecilia Bartoli (Giovanni Antonini; Il Giardino Armonico)
Classical Contemporary Composition: Michael Daugherty: Deus Ex Machina, Michael Daugherty (Giancarlo Guerrero), Daugherty: Metropolis Symphony
Classical Crossover Album:Christopher Tin: Calling All Dawns
Surround Sound Album:Britten’s Orchestra, Michael Stern & Kansas City Symphony

CHILDREN:
Musical Album for Children: Tomorrow’s Children, Pete Seeger with the Rivertown Kids and Friends
Spoken Word Album for Children: Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies, Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton

OTHER:
Comedy Album: Lewis Black, Stark Raving Black
Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s): “Baba Yetu,” Christopher Tin, Soweto Gospel Choir & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Calling All Dawns
Recording Package: Brothers, The Black Keys
Boxed or Special Limited-Edition Package: Under Great White Northern Lights (Limited Edition Box Set), The White Stripes
Album Notes: Keep An Eye On The Sky, Big Star
Historical Album: The Beatles (The Original Studio Recordings), The Beatles
Engineered Album, Nonclassical: Battle Studies, John Mayer
Producer of the Year, Nonclassical: Danger Mouse
Remixed Recording, Nonclassical: “Revolver” (David Guetta’s One Love Club Remix), Madonna



"X-Men: First Class" Trailer

Written by Colton K
0 Comments



Oh How I Miss The 90's

Written by Colton K
,
0 Comments


I was a 90's kid. So the music I grew up listening to was the music of the 90's... duh. So my newest podcast is a composition of several different songs of the 90's. They aren't all complete songs, but there are a few.

Some of my favorite 90's songs aren't going to be on the podcast because of time issues. But below, I've included a list of all of the songs I love along with links to the music (youtube).

Top 3 Artists of the Decade? (And yes I was young so I am partial to these)

1) Hanson
2) Savage Garden
3) N*SYNC

As for the list of favorite songs:

Tearin' Up My Heart - N*SYNC

Wonderwall - Oasis

You Learn - Alanis Morissette

Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve

I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly

Crash Into Me - Dave Matthews Band

Good Riddance - Green Day

Jumper - Third Eye Blind

Cryin' - Aerosmith

Better Man - Pearl Jam

One Headlight - The Wallflowers

Higher - Creed

I Try - Macy Gray

Waiting For Tonight - Jennifer Lopez

Drive - Incubus

Baby One More Time - Britney Spears

Sweet Dreams - Nas

3 AM - Matchbox 20

Fly - Sugar Ray

She's So High - Tal Bachman

Weird - Hanson


So there you have it. My list of favorite 90's songs! Hope you enjoy!



Saying goodbye to an old friend.

Written by Colton K
1 Comments

We've all lost someone special in our lives. Today, I lost my best friend- Woody. Woody was my family's first pet and this morning he peacefully left our lives. I don't have much to say about losing our pet, but I just wanted to post something about him. I know some people may think it weird to mourn the loss of a pet, but I find it rightfully just when you've had an animal in your lives for 14 years. I grew up with him and he's been with me during every step of my life.

Here's a picture of Woodrow. He's a Bassett Hound, 14 years of age and this picture was taken approximately 10 years ago. We were bored one day and decided to dress him up in some of my brother and I's baby clothes.



Baby, It's cold outside!

Written by Colton K
0 Comments

If you live in the states, there's a good possibility that it's -5 degrees outside with more than an inch of snow on the ground. As a Kansas resident, I've been cooped-up in my house for two days with a foot of snow on the ground. My parents received 17" of snow, which the local news reporters are saying is the most snow Kansas has gotten in the past 60 years. Facebook groups are now sprouting up everywhere named "Snowpocolypse" and "Real-Life Day After Tomorrow", and I'm proud to say that I've joined both of them. Now I'm not one to find a foot of snow really interesting, but it's not just the midwest that has recently received so much white stuff. The east coast has also got a couple of feet within the last two months. It's freakish, but who doesn't love a little / lot of snow?

In light of it all, my father sent a picture of our cows back on the farm. I thought it was hilarious.



"Red Riding Hood" Trailer

Written by Colton K
0 Comments



Hits theaters on March 11th. Can't wait!



The Rite... Was 'Right' On!

Written by Colton K
0 Comments


I'm a horror fanatic. You can probably tell by how much I love Halloween. Nevertheless, a new movie sparked my interest recently. To say the least, I wasn't really sure what The Rite was about. I saw a glimpse of the previews which showed Anthony Hopkins as a preist and was set in Rome. That enough was all it took for me to head over to the theater. And to be specifically clear, this movie wasn't a horror, but it very well could be- it just depends on the person.

Kovak, played by Colin O'Donoghue
When the movie started, it was a little creepy. A young boy whose father was a mortician? Not what I was expecting... but that led to the boy entering the priesthood as an adult. The man was quite a skeptic for a priest (or potential priest) and caught the eyes of his superiors. They sent him to the vatican as a "last chance" mission to test his faith, more or less. He was to attend classes on exorcisms. 

Quickly, the vatican realized his skepticisms and decided to send him to a local "legend" in the exorcism professions, Father Lucas. Lucas, played by Hopkins, is a normal- quite humorous priest who, what seemed like a daily basis, performed exorcists on local civilians.


From then on, the young skeptic, Kovak, is tested in his faith and ultimately faces the horrific demon who has been possessing the locals, only to find out that it's ultimate target is...?

Sir Anthony Hopkins as Father Lucas
To shortly review the movie: It starts off very interesting, but definitely fast pasted. It maybe takes Lucas 15 minutes of the movie to get to The Vatican. Twenty minutes before you witness the first exorcist. Even though this is not what I was expecting the movie to be about, although now when I fully watch the previews it specifically portrays exorcisms, it was Excellent. I've seen them all- The Exorcist, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Possession, The Last Exorcist, to name a few, and I haven't been impressed with either of them. None of the movies have seemed realistic, but this one did. There was no head spinning- all the way, that is. No impossible bodily positions. It was basic- but visually terrifying. 

O'Donoghue with co-star Alice Braga
I wouldn't classify this as a Horror movie, but as a Thriller. So if you are up for a good Thriller than definitely go see The Rite. If seeing a movie about exorcisms that is based on true events scares the hell out of you, then this movie will scare the hell out of you. The movie is based on true facts, and does say so in the beginning and end of the film. Also, both of the priests in the movie are based on real people and are still living today. Go check them out- and the movie too!



New Angle on This Blog...

Written by Colton K
0 Comments

Okay, so I've created two different blogs. One for my personal life and one for reviews and entertainment. I've done away with my personal blog because I could never find anything to write about. I would sit there for an hour with no exciting things to write. However, every now and then I'll think about something I'd like to write, and I have no personal blog. So, I'm going to combine some of my personal thoughts and stories with the entertainment articles that I already include in this blog.

Hardly anything will change, but there will just be more than personal stuff mixed in here or there. Hope you enjoy it all.

Blog later.

Powered by Blogger.