IMDB 250 Challenge Revision 3 Complete

As you probably know, I have a (continuing) mission to watch every movie on the IMDB Top 250. As ratings fluctuate and more movies are released, movies slip out of the 250 and others take their place so I have to continuously revise my list and watch the new ones to keep up. I finished the third revision tonight, finally watching the movie "Moon". Here are the latest movies and a few thoughts.

Up (2009)

My Rating: 9/10.

By far the best movie on the latest revision. It manages to be a kid's movie while not being a kid's movie to a surprising degree. The phrase you always hear with cartoons is that "Kids will love it and there are enough jokes for the adults to keep them from being bored". Pixar is so good at making movies that this is usually true but this movie is a step above the rest in that respect. This movie doesn't strike a balance between kids and adults, it creates characters, drama and comedy that both enjoy simultaneously. The look and use of color looks amazing, and not too "cartooney". I love... LOVE that they had the guts to make a kid's movie where the main character is a ostensibly a cranky old guy. And not the one-dimensional "Oscar the grouch" type of cranky either, the character is fully-realized and sympathetic. The character Dug is instantly one of my favorite animated characters ever. The ending is beautiful and perfect (I teared up, I can admit that) and this movie probably has the most creative/most touching credits (that's right, credits) I've ever seen. If you watch it, you'll see.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

My Rating: 6/10.

This is a fun movie. It has some excitement and some humor and some nice Tarantino moments. But with one exception there's nothing great here. The movie kept my interest and, being a Tarantino movie, I was expecting a great ending... some great twist or payoff. Instead, it just ended. There isn't enough to this movie for me to really like it in any substantive way. The one exception I mentioned is the first scene which revels in an almost suffocating tension for what seems like hours. It's not far from Hitchcock.

District 9 (2009)

My Rating: 6/10.

This movie is one of the reasons I'm glad I'm not a film critic. The special effects are some of the most seamless in recent memory. The whole "documentary" style is expertly executed by the actors and director. The story is very good. It's a must see for sci-fi lovers everywhere. So there's no reason not to like this movie and yet it didn't grab me for some unknown reason. It was worth watching though but it kind of washed over me.

Star Trek (2009)

My Rating: 8/10.

This is a just a really fun action movie more in the vein of "Die Hard" or "Speed" than "Star Trek 3". Everyone knows Star Trek by now and so the creators of this movie put themselves in an extremely difficult position: attempting to shuffle the deck and produce something new while still satisfying the hardcore critical nerdbase who regard Star Trek as scripture. Somehow they succeeded at both. Some actors impersonate the old characters (Scotty), some go in their own direction (Kirk) and some are in between (Spock). All of them do a good job and the action is quite a departure from the usual Star Trek fare (they gave up and made it like Star Wars). Plus, they successfully set up the possibility for many sequels to come.

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

My Rating: 7/10.

A well done Romantic Comedy. All the "boy meets girl" romantic comedy themes have been played out so many times, it's hard to come up with something original. This movie strives to be "different" and "original" right from a disclaimer at the beginning through to the very end. From non-linear story to dividing the screen in half to show imagination and reality side by side to drawn backgrounds... It almost tries too hard to be different but mostly just succeeds. Quirky story and believable characters - it's a good romantic comedy if you're in the mood for it and Zooey Deschanel doesn't hurt.

The Hangover (2009)

My Rating: 7/10.

Doesn't really need a review, it's exactly what you'd expect. Actually, it's probably better than I expected. It's no "Wedding Crashers" or "Old School" in my opinion, though but I did like it.

Moon (2009)

My Rating: 8/10.

Hype and expectation can be deadly. I really liked this movie. It's weird and thought provoking and sci-fi-tastic. It deals with a deterministic view of the mind, the nature of reality, the nature of consciousness, etc. And yet, I did expect more! I did expect something legendary and it wasn't quite there. I don't want to give anything away... which is cool because this is already waaay to long. If you do see it though, definitely check out this page afterward for some interesting thoughts about what you just saw.

My Man Godfrey (1936)

My Rating: 6/10.

A standard romantic comedy that was probably not so standard when it was made in 1936. A woman finds a hobo on the street, likes his 'tude and hires him to be her family's new butler. It's entertaining if you're desperate for a movie but nothing to hold up as "one of the best of all-time" I don't think.

The Big Parade (1925)

My Rating: 5/10.

A silent World War I movie made just a few years after World War I. The makers of this movie made the interesting choice to make a movie where the "hero" doesn't do anything at all heroic. Instead it focuses on the struggles of the average foot soldier. But that's where the pro's end. It's too long, the characters are pretty much one-dimensional caricatures, the romantic plot is, frankly, stupid and takes up way too much time.

Movies This Revision: 9.

Average Score: 6.88 (of course repeating)

Best Movie This Revision: "Up".

Total "Top 250" Movies Seen: 329.

Talk Show Roundup

Late Night: Last night's episode was the biggest, most amazing episode of 1987! Last night's first guest was Edward Norton (meh). However the second guest was none other than Hulk Hogan. Musical guest? Weird Al Yankovic. It was very unusual, and what made it more so was the serious subject matter of the Hulk Hogan interview. Still, just his presence was enough to make me train, say my prayers and eat my vitamins.

Classic Roots Choice #10, #11: Edward Norton and Hulk Hogan on the same show? Play the opening theme to the classic tv show "The Incredible Hulk" for Norton (who played the Incredible Hulk) and play the theme played at the end of "The Incredible Hulk" for Hulk Hogan. Two "hulks" on one show. Sorted. You might also recognize the end theme from "Family Guy" where it was described as "that sad walking away song".

Late Show: Just as he did in the "Campaign 2000" and "Oprah Log" days, Dave is campaigning. His newest project is to get Sarah Palin on the show. Every day they're calling and reporting any new developments on each show. I don't see it happening but the journey is the important thing.

Tonight Show: Andy's Birthday. Andy's awesome.

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Classic Roots Choice #9

Yesterday I promised a post that would change the future of history and here it is. Imagine you are the Roots and Olivia Munn is on the show, what song do you choose to introduce her? I'll give you a minute to think it over.

Time's up and your choice is pretty good but I think the Roots have done better. To see the song for Olivia Munn, skip to 25:40 here:

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I SUBMIT TO THE COURT THAT THIS SONG COMES FROM WHAT I CALL THE CLASSIC "RAH-GAE" SCENE.

If I am correct, the world as we know it has ceased to be and everything henceforth must be viewed with new eyes.

Rocktober 2 / Tech Support

It's still technically October so here is the conclusion of "Rocktober":

An eternal classic.

Speaking of which... here's one just recently uploaded. [Link Updated] NBC made a copyright claim and that means embedding isn't allowed here and yet it isn't deleted. I don't get it. Anyways, watch it while it's still not deleted. There's a sentence.

Artie and Olivia

Yesterday I reported that I had lost my constant and was probably going to die from the time-shift sickness. (Thanks everyone for the cards and letters.) Fortunately, Questlove is back to the afro, it was just a one show aberration and so I'm fine.

I'm not a big fan of Artie Lange. He seems to have an eating problem/alcohol problem/drug problem that we're all supposed to ignore until he's found dead one day in his bathroom. I also don't listen to Howard Stern and couldn't be payed to. However, be that as it may, I do know that if I'm running a talk show, I'm going to try to get Artie as often as possible as he is talk show dynamite.

His interview to some extent and especially the group dynamic when he stuck around for the second guest, Olivia Munn, reminded me of the old days that I'm too young to remember when Johnny Carson would have Bob Hope, Dean Martin and George Gobel on the same show and it was the comedy gold. Not that Olivia Munn and Artie Lang have the same star power or exchanges that Carson, Hope and Martin had, they don't (let's be clear about that), but it's the same spirit of unscripted hilarious back-and-forth.

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Bonus: Jimmy Fallon, Artie Lange, Olivia Munn and Susan Sarandon play ping pong: 

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Tomorrow we'll examine more closely a very important moment in this show. Something will be revealed which will change everyone's life forever.

Phillies vs. Yankees

Monday's episode of Late Night actually gave me a nosebleed because apparently Questlove's afro is gone and I lost my constant. Instead, he's sporting a new dread look:

That episode was also the first chance they've gotten to discuss the upcoming Phillies/Yankees World Series. Jimmy Fallon being a Yankee fan and his house band, The Roots, being Phillies fans.

Jimmy Fallon: The Roots - I don't know if you guys know this - they're from Philadelphia, they love it so much they go home every night to Philadelphia. I mean- and you guys are really Philly fans.

Questlove: Oh yeah.

Jimmy Fallon: So this is gonna be heated.

Questlove: Yeah, we won't be friends after this series.

[Jimmy Laughs]

Jimmy Fallon: Well, we don't know what's gonna happen.

Questlove: Oh, we know what's gonna happen.

Forrest Gump

In the video PSA found here, Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant discuss the importance of hiring actors in Hollywood with physical handicaps.

Weighty issues discussed with sensitivity, wisdom and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the subject.

Davy Gam...

[Enter the KING]

WESTMORELAND. O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!

KING. What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

In Legos

Last Summer I told you about how Radiohead had created their video for the song "House of Cards" (off of "In Rainbows") in a slightly unusual way. The entire music video was created without using a single frame of film, a single tape, nor a camera, nor a light (in the traditional sense). Instead, the entire video was created with 3D imaging devices. One, for the outdoor shots, works by rotating 64 lasers in a 360 degree radius 900 times per minute. These devices wrote the real-time 3D data to hard drive, the data was then manipulated in various ways and then finally rendered as a digital video for the final product. And there it was - a filmless, cameraless music video.

The music video can be viewed here.

As a, sort of, "indy", "techie" thing to do, the resulting 3D data was released free to download on the internet at code.google.com/creative/radiohead. People were free to learn more about visualizations, develop there own, etc. Basically the public was given the raw data, to do whatever they wished with it and encouraged to make and share their own videos.

Here's where it gets unusual. I just saw one of the resulting videos today:

In case you missed it, someone has, "frame by frame" (heh), actually modeled the 3D data in lego form. SPROING! WHAT IN THE WORLD?! Absolutely amazing.

Also on the topic of stop motion videos, I found this related video which I really thought was well done.

Not quite the same time sink though, I'd of thought.

The Phightin Philadelphia Philadelphians

The Phillies won their second pennant in a row last night. I, of course, didn't see the game since every darn NL game has been on TBS (Thank you Earnie Johnson for being horrible). Anywho, the Phillies look to be going against the Yankees in the World Series. This video has nothing to do with that, but it's awesome.

FAIR BALL HOME RUN, DICKIE THON!

Best
Phillies
Game
Ever and best
Ending
Ever

You might think that my acronym-making is terrible at this point. I've been watching baseball and I'd say I'm actually about average.

Last night's game was amazing. If you didn't see it, you didn't see it, I'm not going to try to describe it. I had an interesting experience... I don't have cable so I watched it over the internet except the sound wasn't working so I was basically watching the game on 'mute'. A strange way to watch a walk-off double (and post-game interviews for that matter). But I did and it was incredible.

Drop Pants, Fire Rocket

Don Rickles was on the Late Show yesterday night. Classic stories and quips as always.

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Classic Roots Choice #8: Introduced comedian Eddie Izzard with "Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed.

And Now For Something Completely Different

Yesterday night when Jimmy Fallon mentioned who would be on the show tomorrow, I did an audio double-take. "I think he just said... what did he just say?" Rewinding and watching it again confirmed that he just said that tomorrow night he would have "the guys" from "Monty Python". "What does that mean?", I thought. "Ooh, probably from the musical on Broadway."

The reality of the situation is what I dismissed in my mind automatically. He was going to have - in one show - John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Eric Idle (all living members of Monty Python except Michael Palin).

The show was amazing. A particular highlight was "Wheel Of Carpet Samples" where the usual Pythonesque silliness was joined with an appearance by John Cleese himself. Then Fallon and Cleese were unable to keep it together and giggled like school children midway through.

Other highlights: The Roots performing "I'm a Lumberjack" and backing Eric Idle on a live performance "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life". And the first 5 minutes of the "interview" is about the zaniest 5 minutes you'll see in any interview ever. They even started the show with the old man climbing out of the sea routine ("It's...").

Wheel Of Carpet Samples 1 + 2:

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"Interview": Parts 1-4. Note: The members were introduced and came out one at a time. John Cleese, being introduced first, quickly hid one of the chairs before the others came out. The last one out, Terry Gilliam found that he didn't have a chair. That's the situation we find ourselves at the beginning of the clip..... Let's watch..... 

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"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" 

The Tom Hanks Button

The Late Show - Following his monologue, David Letterman went to his desk only to discover a strange device that he doesn't remember seeing before. Lying there is a black box with a red button and no label or information of any kind. Out of curiosity, Dave presses it a few times. Momentarily, Tom Hanks bolts on stage and sits down at the desk, out of breath and ready to chat. Dave apologizes and explains that he already has a booked guest, he only pressed the button out of curiosity. Annoyed, Tom Hanks walks away to thunderous applause.

Having been away for a while, Letterman giggles to himself and explains that now he really wants to press the button. He does and an out of breath Tom Hanks runs on stage and sits down. A false alarm again.

When this happens a third time towards the end of the show, Tom Hanks is fed up. He scolds Dave, violently rips the Tom Hanks button off the desk, throws it into the audience and storms off. This move backfires later when an audience member presses the button and Tom Hanks has to run back in.

That's Ajay Bhatt, He's So Hot Right Now

In a classic interview, Conan talks to the real co-inventor of USB, Ajay Bhatt. Topics include emerging technologies such as the bleeding edge Jub Jub Port.

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We Suck Young Blood

It's time for some angst, baby! Apparently there will be a new "Twilight" movie and it will feature a Thom Yorke song on its soundtrack. "New Moon" is expected to be out October 20th and will feature a Thom Yorke track "Hearing Damage". Get out your pale makeup and feel like no one understands you! CHOO-WOO!

You can listen to the new song here:

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I don't know what to make of any of these new tracks that keep popping up and this one especially. Should I instantly like it because I'm such a fan or should I instantly hate it because it's associated with "Twilight"? So much conflict. On first listen, it is really catchy and has a cool "dance" vibe to it. It actually reminds me a little bit of Joy Division though don't quiz me on that.

In related news, (anything to keep this post from being entirely devoted to Twilight) the online music magazine Gigwise have voted "Idioteque" the best song of the 2000's. I don't know, seems like it doesn't fit. A great song though, no argument about that, but the best song of an entire decade is so hard to judge and in my opinion this wouldn't even achieve "best song on the album" . But it's particularly good live where every performance, around the same time, one of the variations of "the crazy dance" makes an appearance. Never get tired of it, never get tired of the song.

Here's a really good version. I remember a friend of mine taped it off MTV for me a long time ago:

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See the full top 50 list here.

The Best Show on TV That You're Not Watching (And Nor is Anyone Else)

In order to determine whether a car should include a certain safety feature, an auto company breaks the decision down in monetary terms. On one side is the cost, in dollar terms, of manufacturing, testing, assembling the safety feature and including it in the car. On the other is the dollar cost of the deaths that the safety feature would, otherwise, have prevented. By merely comparing the two dollar values, the company has decided which is the right thing to do: the dollar values summarize utility, the lesser cost is the greater good.

Is this right? Can everything be summed in dollar values? If so, what is the dollar value of a single life? $One million? $10 million? $3,409.55? If no, what criteria should be used to make such business decisions?

Such large questions are just a few of the questions raised within the space of a few minutes of the show "Justice: What's the Right Thing To Do?". The show's format is the following: film Michael Sandel's lectures at Harvard in which he surveys significant philosophies and then show them on TV. That's it.

There are no actors, there are no plot twists, there's no comedy or celebrity interviews, no special effects, flashy editing or catchy music. "Justice" merely presents the moral and logical arguments made by philosophers (particularly as they relate to the world today) and asks, "Do you agree?... Why?", often with surprising results. Such are the reasons why almost nobody is watching the show and such are the reasons why the show is so amazing. In short, it forces the viewer to learn, it forces the viewer to think, yet still leaves it up to the viewer to decide. In spirit, it reminds me of the series "Ethics in America" (also fantastic) though with more emphasis on formal philosophical history.

From the show's website: "Is torture ever justified? Would you steal a drug that your child needs to survive? Is it sometimes wrong to tell the truth? How much is one human life worth?"

You may be able to find "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" on your local PBS station.

You can buy the series on DVD here.

But you can watch the episodes online here.

The Plastic Yorke Band

The band that was previously reported featuring Thom Yorke and Flea has played 3 gigs in LA and have announced that they'll do more in the future.

The standout song (for me) is "Atoms For Peace".


Love the bass on this, reminds me of "Fame". "Paperbag Writer".


The entire first gig is available here.

In other news Radiohead have announced they'll be working on a new album this Winter.

Rocktober 1

It's officially Rocktober again and check me out, I'm Spock. Deal, dude.

Let's go back and relive the memories.



PS - Chevy Chase on Jimmy Fallon tonight. To introduce him the Roots, with special guest Lenny Kravitz, played the "National Lampoon's Summer Vacation" theme song. A joy.

Yacht Rock Party: Epilogue

Epilogue: Johnny Louis never made it to San Francisco. He was hit and killed by a drunk driver.

Adam and Katie were married later that summer but divorced 5 years later. Both have since remarried.

---

As a bookend to the Yacht Rock Party, here are some notable Yacht Rock songs that I either love or are just evocative of memories from their era.

Steely Dan - Peg

Knowledgeable music listeners will recognize that this was sampled in the also cool "Eye Know" by De La Soul. This song features Michael McDonald.

The Doobie Brothers - What a Fool Believes

Written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. Michael Jackson has also claimed to have contributed to at least one backing track but is not credited.

Jefferson Starship - Sara

OK, maybe this one doesn't belong here, I don't know, but I felt it should be included. It's the epitome of "smooth rock" for better or worse in my opinion. Hey, is that Rebecca Demornay?! Yes, it is. I'm no doctor but if you suspect storms are brewin' in your eyes, you should seek medical attention and/or a meteorologist immediately.

Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgettin'

Man, Michael McDonald is dominating this list. Again, sharp music listeners will note that this song was sampled later by Warren G on "Regulate".

Christopher Cross - Never Be the Same

I really wanted to use "Ride Like the Wind" but I thought I would avoid repetition. This song though, REALLY sounds like it was used as a television show theme in the 80s. Perhaps it's just my imagination but I think it's from somewhere. What am I thinking of? It's similar to the "Doogie Howser" theme, but I think there's something else... Anyway, good song.

Personal Perfection Plus Prolific Ping Pong Paddles Positively Patents Peoples Pointless Pride

Two things to watch for in this glorious video.

1) The sweat stains on the guy going against Mr. Perfect. It's ping pong dude.
2) Be sure to stay tuned to the very end for a signature Mr. Perfect move.

Yacht Rocked

Well, it happened. The Yacht Rock Party was a complete success (inasmuch as you can call a themed episode of a TV show a success, let alone verify the completeness of its success).

A COMPLETE SUCCESS. And I was there with my captain's hat, double-breasted blazer, ascot champagne and pipe.

In case you missed it - and to miss it you'd have to be one of those people who would say, "Oohh, I didn't go to Woodstock because I had homework to do!" - but if you did miss it, here's the performance in its entirety. The performance was everything I ever thought a Christopher Cross performance could be and the special guest surprise was so awesome that I shot fire-breathing sharks out of my eyes.

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And a special web-only exclusive "Sailing".

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Conan V. Newark Round 2: FIGHT!

I must apologize, apparently my previous post criticizing the local news was incorrect. In his latest video (since when are mayors releasing videos?!) the mayor of Newark, really has banned Conan from the entire state of New Jersey!!! Imagine not being able to go to New Jersey! I would rather not.

Here Conan responds:

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House Rules

Rule: If you are watching "House" and they think they know how to cure the patient and there is 15 minutes or more left to go in the episode, they don't know how to cure the patient.

One of the best shows on TV though. Possibly THE best until "Lost" comes back.

1 Day until THE Yacht Rock Party. Blazers on the ready, everyone!

Lay The Plaque Down

When I first heard that Stephen Merchant was doing a film with The Rock called "Tooth Fairy", and that the title wasn't just a poetic flourish or even a metaphor - the Rock actually plays the Tooth Fairy - I thought, "WTF?". But now, after having a few months to think about it, I think, "WTF?".

As you may or may not know, Steve Merchant is the co-creator, co-writer, co-director of "The Office" and "Extras" together with Ricky Gervais and also co-presenter of the (amazing) Ricky Gervais Show radio programme (British spelling!) and (inconsistent) Ricky Gervais Podcasts. He's also a 6-foot-7 goggle-eyed, bespectacled bean pole.

The first trailer was just released and it is a Disney movie. There's no getting around that. And it'll probably be very average. However, I will have to see it, being such a huge Merchant fan. Here it is:

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Notice that in the trailer he doesn't get any billing or say a single line. Classic.

"The Invention of Lying" starring Merchant's writing partner Ricky Gervais opens today as well. From what I've seen, I'm not holding out much hope that that's going to be great either but, again, I'll at least see it.

Conan Banned, Letterman Blackmailed

The Tonight Show

After making a few jokes about Newark, New Jersey the mayor of that city, apparently drunk with power, took offense and actually banned him from the airport. There's a phrase that asks more questions than it answers. For a full video recap, see the following:

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A local news broadcast actually ran a story called "Conan Banned From New Jersey". Never mind that he was only "banned" from one specific airport within New Jersey, we want a headline! As if the whole state has turned against him, waiting at the turnpike to stab him in the heart. Factual accuracy is for suckers.

The Late Show
Dave Letterman announced that he is being blackmailed. Arriving one morning at his car, he found that there was a box and a note saying, in effect, "I Know What You Did". Apparently someone has written a "tell all" book and movie script about all the bad things Mr. Letterman has done and has threatened to release it unless he recieves 2 million dollars. Letterman contacted the authorities and said he spoke before a grand jury earlier today.

The long and short of the "allegations" is that David had sex with some women who work (or worked) on his show. When he said that it was true, I thought it was a joke and the audience laughed. But he was actually being serious.

Dave explained all of this at the top of his show. For a comedy show, it was very strange. The whole thing is just odd. News Story Link. Video Link.

Late Night
Only 3 days until The Christopher Cross & The Roots Yacht Rock Party. It's so exciting my eyes are shooting lasers that freeze stuff and then shooting fireballs that thaw the stuff that was just frozen. WHAT?!

Non-Worrying Headline

There are certain headlines that upon seeing them I would get an instant shot of adrenaline and despair in equal measures. "Nuclear War Declared", "Your House is On Fire", "Ronald Reagan Comes Back to Life... Dies Again", etc. I had the unfortunate experience to see one such headline for real.

Viewing the Information Superhighway one day I saw the following: "Thom Yorke Forms New Band, Announces Live Shows". I had my sword pressed against my stomach in preparation and read on...Turns out it's not that Radiohead are disbanded, but probably just that a temporary band was put together for a few shows and some laughs. I can put away my sword (where did I get a sword from anyway?!).

Interestingly, the band is to include Joey Waronker, Mauro Refosco, Nigel Godrich and Flea (YES, Flea!). They will be doing a few shows in LA and will be performing songs from The Eraser. I'm not a big fan of The Eraser myself so I'm not that interested, though Thom Yorke and Flea in the same band is an interesting concept. It's like watching Hall meet Oates probably.