Umbrellas Are For Tourists: 01/19/08

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Music Collects Social Security Too

I've spent the last week pissed at Disney for three reasons. 1.) Their DVD "Vault"; from which they decide to periodically take movies "out of" and make them available to the general public for sale. Bullshit, Disney. If I want to see clocks and candlesticks serve dinner while singing I should be able to go drop the ridiculous 30 dollars you charge for Beauty and the Beast. I don't get to see Jerry Orbach on Law and Order anymore, and his animation voice over credits are limited to one film - one film you refuse to sell me. 2.) Hannah Montana. NO ONE is worth $15,000/ticket live. 3.) I forget because I'm currently too pissed about the first two. But whatever it is, it was legit.

Beauty and the Beast - Be Our Guest

Disney's method of moving movies in and out of retirement is apparently a staple of the music industry as well. I was unaware that records could collect SS, move to Florida, and stock up on prunes. So I was definitely surprised when KEXP announced they were only offering their third live-in-studio album until December 31, 2007.

Luckily I bought my copy a few weeks before, but I was bummed to hear other people wouldn't have the opportunity to hear these excellent live recordings from artisits like Peter Bjorn and John, Beirut, The Shins, and Billy Bragg because of retirement. KEXP is a non-profit organization however, so the move makes sense. Check out their website if you get a chance to hear streaming feeds of exclusive in-studio performances. Or on itunes, they offer upwards of five different podcasts which dole out free songs and videos on a daily basis. (Amazing). Heres a little sample of the now-retired record. I hope it has a condo with a view.

Hot Chip - And I Was a Boy from School (Live in Studio)

The Shackeltons - Your Movement (Live in Studio)

Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks (Live in Studio)

The Long Winters - Pushover (Live in Studio)

It's time for some new movie alerts! The fabulous Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars, Heroes) stars in the new comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall which, if I'm not mistaken is another Judd Apatow production the likes of Knocked Up and 40 Yr. Old Virgin. It also stars the loveable Jason Segel (Freaks and Geeks), Mila Kunis, Jonah Hill, and of course, Paul Rudd. Looks like another slightly shallow laugh out loud comedy. Loves it.