1. PunBB
Latest Threads

Forum Statistics
  • Forum posts:91,344
  • Forum threads:17,032
  • Members:7,551
  • Latest member:admin

  More Kathleen Parker....

Posted by: The Horrible Esthete
01-25-2007, 03:57 PM
Forum: Non Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (4)

My favorite columnist. I always think she's right on the mark, though maybe some of you won't think so.....

---------------------

Not Your Friend Flicka
By Kathleen Parker
Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Critiquing American culture is tricky for people in the family newspaper business, especially this week as two controversial movies open at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

I shall try to be discreet.

One film, "Hounddog," involves the rape of a child, starring 12-year-old Dakota Fanning. The other, "Zoo," concerns, how to put it: an equine brothel wherein certain activities lead to a curious death. (You might want to hold the Shredded Wheat. While you're at it, cancel lunch.)

"Zoo" is based on a real-life incident in Enumclaw, Wash., in 2005, and stars -- oh, who cares? Suffice it to say, what we have here is a man, a horse and a barn.

The world is not bereft of disturbed people, some of whom apparently find pleasure in the intimate company of stallions. When one such disturbed fellow died from internal injuries suffered during the pursuit of -- whatever! -- investigating police discovered a trove of depravity.

Hundreds of hours of videotape revealed that not one, but several men had found unusual companionship in the stud barn.

So much for plot.

More compelling than the depths of man's degeneracy is our cultural rationalization of "art," whereby pushing the envelope is confused with genius and scuttling The Last Taboo is seen as an expression of sophistication.

In interviews, both filmmaker Robinson Devor and THINKfilms distributor Mark Urman have emphasized the film's universalism. Urman says the film is "a universal look at what goes on behind the facade of everyday, quotidian, normal American middle-class life."

Devor admits that the protagonist "seems like an oddball at the outset of the movie" (ya think?), but the filmmaker is trying to reveal "the human capacity to do the most awful things, chart(ing) the journey of this unhappily married man who began to explore sexual alternatives, as so many do."

Ew-kay. We all understand unhappy marriages -- and the quotidian life grabs me every time I'm in the Piggly Wiggly checkout line. But is Mr. Ed the only refuge for thwarted man?

Forgotten in all the lofty talk about universal themes, testing thresholds and the artful treatment of this forbidden subject is the logic of taboos and boundaries. In most cases they exist for good reason -- evolved over time in the service of civilization.

The filmmaker's ultimate justification for laying it all bare is the human factor, which in this case seems overrated. Whatever one's moral objections, says Devor, these men are "still people. They are still us. ... It's sad."

To each his own tearjerker. Caligula, I hear, had a rotten childhood.

The same taboo-busting impulse drives "Hounddog," wherein we witness a real 12-year-old portray a girl waking up as her naked father climbs into bed with her; "dancing" in her underwear while lying in bed; and getting raped by a teenage boy.

We are, in other words, voyeurs to a young girl acting out a sexual predator's fantasies. If we have a problem with that, we're told these are real issues that beg honest exploration. No, amend that. We're lectured -- by a 12-year-old, who, we're reminded, is a sophisticated actress.

"You know, I'm an actress," Fanning patiently explained to The New York Times. "It's what I want to do, it's what I've been so lucky to have done for almost seven years now. And I am getting older."

Does anything quite equal the ennui born of being scolded by a too-precious child?

Far be it for anyone to suggest that adults know more about such things than children. At least some of them do. Fanning's parents support their daughter's decision to play the rape scene, noting that this could cinch an Oscar for the child star.

Even Marc Klaas -- the ubiquitous been-there father of his murdered daughter Polly -- has given his nod to the film, vouching for its sensitive, supportive treatment of Fanning.

Only the actress' face is shown during the rape scene, which reportedly has been tastefully executed.

It's hard to get enough of tasteful rapes, I admit. Unless you're a real child rapist, the bunch of whom doubtless will be sufficiently stimulated by Fanning's rape-face, as well as her panty-dance and her little visit from bad Daddy.

But it's Art, so relaaaaax. And it's real, so get with it.

And it's the last taboo.

Until the next one.

Print this item

  New U2 Music Video...

Posted by: sean.bonner
01-25-2007, 03:44 PM
Forum: Non Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (9)

...not the best song...

but a PHENOMENAL music video.
See for yourself: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VskbxuehP3I">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VskbxuehP3I</a><!-- m -->

The song is called "Window In The Skies"

Print this item

  Van Halen reuniting

Posted by: Tthip
01-25-2007, 02:51 PM
Forum: Non Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (12)

Rage, The Police, soon the Pumpkins.
It looks like it is time for reunions:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16794212/">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16794212/</a><!-- m -->

Print this item

  Scrubs musical episode

Posted by: MattyM
01-25-2007, 02:13 PM
Forum: Non Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (4)

Sheer genius? Quite possibly (in terms of TV comedy at least...)


If you haven't yet seen it: click me

Print this item

  tax time

Posted by: laliber
01-25-2007, 12:48 PM
Forum: Non Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (1)

Knee In Your Package
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.vidilife.com/index.cfm?f=media.play&vchrMediaProgramIDCryp=055F409C-6103-4E1D-B7C0-E&action=1">http://www.vidilife.com/index.cfm?f=med ... E&action=1</a><!-- m -->

Print this item

  Where a new fan attempts to review the Hip albums.

Posted by: Soupy
01-25-2007, 11:08 AM
Forum: Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (32)

Hi.

I posted a few weeks back having recently purchased 'Yer Favourites' and wanted to explore this band some more, I was requesting a starting point album. (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://hipbase.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10674">http://hipbase.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10674</a><!-- m -->).

Well thanks to all the replies and i'm now well on the way to completing the Hip set albumwise. Infact i'm just 'Full Completely and 'Up To Here' short now and both are on order and should be with me within the next couple of weeks.

Anyway I've decided to bore you lot with a little review of each album, I'm not one of these people who just throws the highest mark at anything, so don't be to worried if my review scores seem alittle harsh!

I'll review the albums in the order I collected them (which has generally been determined by the availability and post!).


World Container.
Coming from only 'Yer Favourites' WC was abit of a shock. It's such a short, sweet and loud album, it's obvisously a rock album but it's undertones and probably it's heart is purely pop, full of short snappy songs with huge choruses. Bob Rock isn't a producer an normally very keen on, but he compliments this albums straightforwardness well. This is a great album to go driving too, driving fast.

Fav Song : Last Night I Dreamed You Didn't Love Me
Other highlights : Luv (Sic), Lonely End of the Rink, Family Band
Rating : B+


In Violet Light.
A much calmer affair than WC with sparse production values. I mostly enjoy this album it doesn't have any real weak tracks although it does have alittle lull in the middle and the opening track 'Are You Ready?' isn't a very strong track for an opener. 'Dire Wolf' however is utterly fantasic and may well be my Fav Hip track i've heard so far.

Fav Song : Dire Wolf.
Other Hightlights : Darkest One, Silver Jet & It's A Good Life If You Don't Weaken.
Rating : B.

*Special thanks to the forum use 'Chris' who linked the 3 tracks that didn't make IVL - I like Ultra Mundane & Problem Bears alot*


Day For Night.
Having read abit of on this forum after posting my original post I soon became apparient this is one of the highly regarded albums. I can see why, this is a stunning piece of work. From the opening bars of 'Grace, too' to the conclusion of 'Impossibilium' it doesn't often do much wrong, and of course the album centrepiece is the stunning 'Nautical Disaster' a song that oddly didn't connect with me much on 'Yer Favs' but instantly made more sense on this album.

Fav Song : Nautical Disaster.
Other Hightlights : Greasy Jungle, Inevitability of Death, Grace too.
Rating : A-


In Between Evolution.
The grower, first impressions of this album weren't to high it seemed to muddy production wise, the songs didn't standout. A few listens later and I now like this album alot. I still think it stutters somewhat towards the end (although the last 2 tracks are great) and 'Vaccination Scar' was a odd choice for 'Yer Favs' as it's one of the lesser track in my opinion. The opening track 'Heaven....' sounds like The Jam (British Mod band from the early 80's) which is cool.

Fav Song : You've Everywhere.
Other Highlights : Nashville Everynight, Are We Family & New Orleans is Beat.
Rating B

Trouble At The Henhouse.
This is so far my least favourite Hip album, I find this to one paced. 'Ahead By a Century' stands out on this album with it's poppy beat. I do quite enjoy most of the first 6 tracks, but struggle with the latter 6 (Apartment Song aside). It just seems alittle lifeless compared to the other albums.

Fav Track : 'Ahead By a Century
Other Highlights : Gift Shop, Flamenco & Apartment Song.
Rating : C.


Music@Work.
Like Henhouse this album has a much better first half to second (in my opinion anyway!). My Music At Work though to The Completists are 7 great tracks 'Stay' is absolutely beautiful. However the remaining 7 tracks vary in quality and some feel alittle rushed, unfinished or better b-side material which is a shame.

Fav Track : Stay.
Other Highlights : Lake Fever, Tiger The Lion, The Completists.
Rating : C+


Phantom Power.
I can honestly say this is one of the best albums i've heard in years, this sails into my top 10 albums of all time. From the tracks on 'Yer Favs' I knew I was going to enjoy this album - but 11 outta 12 tracks on this album are stunning and even the weak track 'The Rules' is still a decent effort. Awesome, awesome album.

Fav Track : This is hard but it's probably a tossup between Bobcaygeon and Vapour Trails
Other Highlights : The other tracks Smile
Rating : A

Ok I'll review 'Road Apples' (if anyones interested) after i've played it a few more times I only got it yesterday. Fully Completely and Up To Here reviews later still when i've got them and had a chance to digest them.

Print this item

  Anybody going to the Atlanta show?

Posted by: The Tragically Hip
01-25-2007, 10:29 AM
Forum: Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (5)

Just curious if anyone here will be at the Atlanta show.
I wonder what kind of draw The Hip will have in Atlanta.

Print this item

  I'm listening to Our Lady Peace

Posted by: MattyM
01-25-2007, 08:51 AM
Forum: Non Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (20)

and suddenly the song title Under Zenith comes up, while I'm reading one of Ben's posts.


Freaky!

Print this item

  NHL Allstar itunes playlists

Posted by: borgs
01-24-2007, 11:57 PM
Forum: Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (1)

Not only did the Western Conference win the allstar game but thanks to Joe Thorton, Patrick Marleau and Dion Phaneuf they also win the hipbase allstar music challenge (I just created the competition and I am the only judge).

Check out the itunes NHL Allstar celebrity playlists... or if you don't want to, then I'll just tell you that Big Joe, Marleau and Dion threw some HIP on the Western Allstar playlist.

Print this item

  Barrie Meet Up?

Posted by: Hairbird
01-24-2007, 08:19 PM
Forum: Tragically Hip Discussion
- Replies (3)

Anyone going to get the chance to meet up for a bite or drink before the show? I'm heading down tomorrow and I'll be at the Holiday Inn Express for a couple of nights. It was the closest place to the arena that I could find, hopefully within walking distance. Also, I got one whole free night, at the lowest point class hotel chain there is, after colleceting AirMiles since 1997! Oh well, one free night is better than none. I've passed by many times, but I don't know that area of Barrie very well. Any suggestions?

Print this item


  1. PunBB