Music Score - Jazzy Jeff at Zeal on The Bund
REVIEW BY THOMAS DEMERATH
Earlier this month Jazzy Jeff (aka DJ Jazzy Jeff, aka Jazz) blessed Shanghai, China with a blowout at Zeal on The Bund. As part of a concert series that featured other Hip-Hop legends like DAS EFX, Jazzy Jeff brought hundreds of Shanghai locals and expats back to a golden era. Basking in the light that shines across the Huangpu river from Pudong’s countless skyscrapers, Zeal offered the opportunity to revel to the sounds of one of the premier DJ/producers in the world.
The classic “transform” scratch was present throughout Jazz’s two hour set which included todays chart toppers and some nostalgic songs from the 80’s and 90’s. Reading and feeding the crowd has always been Jazz’s strength, and he made sure he used that power to warm his fans. Whether he was giving Skillz (Mad Skillz, Rawkus Records) instrumentals to freestyle over or he was playing dusty breaks and ancient soul, Hip-Hop’s improvisational magic was alive. The lone disappointment of the night was Jazz playing too much Mac Miller (not party music) whose mixtape he produced.
Recent shows by MC Supernatural, DJ Shadow and other artists who demonstrate the dynamics of the four elements of Hip-Hop, are still overpowered by Pop. As Akon (sold out arena last month), Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars are more popular that the “little red book”, the presence of 70’s and 80’s babies will keep icons like Jazz working for more than a minute.
Film Review: The Adventures of Tintin (PG)
The Adventures of Tintin marks the first time a western film has come to China before it debuted America. After his boycott of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Steven Spielberg wanted to give back to everyone’s favorite Peoples Republic. While Georges Remi’s (pen name Hergé) Tintin comic was one of the greatest accomplishments of any Belgian that didn’t involve chocolate or beer, its success was primarily in Europe. Tintin and Snowy were household names in much of the world throughout the 20th Century because of hundreds of animated episodes that were translated into over fifty languages. The comics outsold some holy scriptures in their prime. As Disney, Hanna-Barbera and Warner Brothers capitalized on Hollywood, places like New York with “Eurofluences” had glimpses of Hergé’s masterpiece. The result of that presence are modern artist’s like Warhol and Liechtenstein who credit the Belgian illustrator as a major influence.
The Adventures of Tintin series that was made in the 20th century didn’t age well. Children would have never experienced the lovable and interesting characters if it wasn’t for Spielberg and producer and Peter Jackson. The duo used their expertise at creating movies that appeal to a wide variety of people and ages. The animation is a perfect mix of reality and cartoon. Based off of three different episodes of Tintin from the 1940’s, the classic feeling and 21st century 3-D animation in this movie is great. Landscapes and action sequences that leap off the screen are one of this film’s many strengths. The tale follows Tintin, a young detective who constantly asks his dog Snowy analytical questions and interacts with a slew of fascinating and goofy characters. Unlike Pixar movies where all voices are recognizable, in this film, actors like Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg and Jamie Bell are the lone stars.
With a son, daughter, nephew, niece, or even a significant other, this is the time of year to see a feel good movie. Warm up with a sight that may be all too familiar for Hollywood, but be assured that this remake is done well and revives a worldly classic. Tintin will be nominated for an Oscar for good reason. It is a quality film that carries on animation traditions, and in true Jackson and Spielberg fashion, they will be making the Tintin trilogy.
Music Video - Duck Sauce “Big Bad Wolf”
BIG BAD WOLF duck sauce from caviar on Vimeo.Not going to say much about this. Just want you to watch it. Pretty odd and funny.
Music Video -Beyonce’s “Countdown”
Get More: Beyoncé, Music, More Music VideosNot much to say. Very well done music video. Beyonce looks amazing as always. Amazing editing and post production on this bad boy. Loves it.
Extras - THEARC by MRB Creative Content
My girlfriend (and former GoodenoughFilms blogger) Sara Armour works for a very cool production company called MRB Creative Content Studio in Alexandria, VA that made this video for THEARC (an awesome place itself in Southeast DC for at-risk youth). It first saw the light of day at a fundraising gala a few weeks back that I was lucky enough to attend. The video looked great then and looks great now. Check it out and click here for further explanation of the entire production.
Music Video - Kimbra “Settle Down”
Been a busy past few weeks but a buddy shipped me over this video today and I think the song is not only pretty awesome but I am liking the direction they took with it. Let me know what you think!
Sports - Ovechkin’s First Pitch
Shameless self promotion. This was a really fun time and I like the way the piece came out.
News — Point Break Remake Good To Go
Turns out a previously cancelled remake of Point Break is BACK. The project was put on hold when Swayze died but the producers have decided that the first one was just too damn good not to do it again. One of my favorite movies of all time. Cannot wait.
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