Wishing I'd Never Come to the End

I've learned not to ever believe the hype when it comes to literature. Considering the New York Times actually considered Curtis Sittenfeld's Prep one of the ten best books of 2004, I've been wary of critics for some time. But two books have blasted any expectations I could ever have: Marisha Pessl's Special Topics in Calamity Physics and Joshua Ferris' And Then We Came to the End.
Special Topics is about the relationship between a college professor and his daughter, Blue as well as the girl's experience with a selective group of students. The novel is filled with annotations and drawings, as Blue writes the story in the form of a lesson plan. Littered with hundreds of references to all forms of pop culture, Pessl creates a Noir story with a contemporary feel.
And Then We Came to the End is a book centered on employees in an advertising agency who are coping with downsiding. What struck me most about the novel was how well Ferris was able to utilize the first person plural narrative. By talking in terms of "We," I somehow felt that I was gossiping about the latest person to be given the boot right along with the rest of them. For anyone who loves the Office or Office Space, this novel is a gem.
Although the two don't have a single thing in common, save superb writing and wicked humor, both have easily become favorites. And I've been even more impressed by the fact that the novels were the first for both authors. It gives me hope, not only that quality literature is never fading, but that writing a good book is possible before 30.

Desperately Seeking Comedy

What happened to American comedy? Once, we were considered the elite. From the Three Stooges to Mel Brooks to Billy Wilder, everyone else attempted to emulate the American standard. In TV, we're borrowing from England every chance we get. But even worse is the state of comedy in film. I hardly recognize the supposed funny films the US has been putting out in the last few years. And this summer is no exception. With the Love Guru and You Don't Mess with the Zohan leading the pack of cringe-worthy movies without any smart humor, I can understand why a few of my friends have become obsessed with British programming. And I'm right there with them. Give me someone original like Russell Brand over a desperate Adam Sandler any day.
However, I won't dismiss all American comedy. I've become a loyal fan of Seth Rogan, especially after Forgetting Sarah Marshall. But for the most part, the most commercial comedies have been utter duds (I'm looking at you Will Farrell.)

So I Think I Can Be the Mole

Me and reality TV just don't get along. Never have, and considering the newest bash of trashy concepts, we never will. But that doesn't mean I don't have a soft spot for quality programming. There are some reality shows that I'm completely and utterly obsessed with, to the point where I check discussion boards on a regular basis. Shows that I'd be willing to debate with anyone on their awesomeness. Every year, while I passionately despise 95% of the reality programs, there are always one or two exceptions. From Murder in a Small Town X to America's Next Top Model (Damn those modelathons), I found programs that actually entertained me.
And this summer, I'm not embarrassed to admit I've fallen for two shows: The Mole and So You Think You Can Dance. Of course, I've been obsessed with both since their initial run, but that doesn't make me any less excited to see a new batch of contestants. With the Mole, I can't help but play along with the players, developing my own theories on the deceptive contestant (My money's on Craig, for the record.) And sure, no one can replace Anderson Cooper. But I still get excited during each execution without the steel fox.
With SYTYCD, I'm living vicariously through the dancers. I can't dance for shit. But I can appreciate the talent on the show. And even though I rooted for David Cook, American Idol doesn't have anything on the performances and quality of the show.
As much as I hate reality TV, everything is ok in moderation.

Just Can't Quit You Yet

I'll admit, TV and I haven't been getting along too well lately. Not since the writers' strike went and completely through my viewing schedule off. Not since I realized there was life outside of that glass screen. And not since I remembered my love for Buffy and Gilmore Girls thanks to my box sets. Usually at this time of year, I'm constantly updating EW and TV Guide's websites, waiting for confirmation of my shows' renewals. A year ago, I was cursing the CW for ending my beloved Veronica Mars. This year, I could care less what shows made it. Hell, I could care less what happened on any show, what character suddenly got the axe.
That is, until I watched House.
The two-part finale was everything I love and missed about television. The storyline, the twists and turns, and the incredibly painful ending. This may have been the only show that benefitted from the Writers' Strike. Regardless of how uneven the season was as a whole, what with the cast shakeups and drawn out team selection, the acting in those two hours may have been the best on television all year. Hugh Laurie, Robert Sean Leonard and Anne Dudek were simply incredible and hopefully at least one of their names will appear on an Emmy ballot.
Here's hoping next season picks up right where this one brilliantly left off. And more importantly, here's to my renewed love for TV.

Giving summer blockbuster a better meaning

With summer typically known as the blockbuster season for movies, it's safe to say you won't find too many Oscar contenders in the upcoming months. And Dark Knight aside, I didn't really have high, or even slightly high expectations for any of the films released during the vacation season, especially after the barrage of sequels last year. And then came Iron Man. Sure, it's another superhero movie with a relatively predictable plot. And yes, the villains aren't the most developed. But the big kicker about the quality of the film is the exact reason I hate the Spiderman series: the star. Regardless of his notorious past, Robert Downey Jr. was the perfect choice for the rough around the edges Tony Stark. They didn't try to suppress the womanizing or alcohol abusing to make the film safe for the kids. And Downey has a way of playing up the chauvinism and cockiness while still becoming a character who the audience wants to root for. For once, the guy seems normal. He isn't the humdrum, corny Peter Parker, dancing around the streets or hamming it up for the kids. Downey didn't seem afraid to show his character's appalling qualities. And Toby Maguire? Well, he grew out his hair to have an emo swoop. If you get a chance, check out Iron Man. If nothing else, it'll feed your superhero appetite until Christian Bale dons the batsuit once again.

Emo Line of the Week

I have a confession to make.  I love emo music.  The moment I hear those whiny, depressing, and ridiculously morbid lyrics, I'm sold.  As long as they don't kill any semblance of joy in the room, they provide for a good laugh. And I'll admit it. Sometimes those exaggerated lyrics describe just how I'm feeling. Granted, I've never really wanted to "cut my wrists and black my eyes" (Thank you Hawthorne Heights), but you get the idea. With that being said, I want to celebrate all that is emo. And thus, I give you the first installment of "Emo Line of the Week."

The Spill Canvas- "Battles"
It's like one thousand papercuts,
Soaked in vinegar.
Like the battles with yourself,
That leave you insecure.

The Spill Canvas does have a way with describing their anguish in the most uplifting similes. No, it isn't enough to say something is painful. Instead, they paint a lovely picture of burning your bloody hand on the acidic liquid. Who wouldn't sing along?
And here's an added bonus just in case you were doubting their emo-ness:

From "Polygraph, Right Now"
I bleed confidence from deep within my guts now
I’m the king of this pity party with my jewel encrusted crown

Honey, honey honey... you're the death of me

Now that I've slacked off for the past month on posting, I figured the best way to start would be with a review of an incredible album.  Today marks the release of the Hush Sound's third full-length album, Goodbye Blues.

I've never been the greatest at categorizing bands, what with the various labels (can someone please tell me the difference between hardcore, post-hardcore and metal?), but when it comes to the Hush Sound, you just have to listen.  And not just to a few songs.  Although ITunes may label them "alternative," the category only simplifies them to only one of their many styles.  This band has a habit for blending different musical genres, resulting in albums that range from poppy with infectious choruses ("Don't Wake Me Up"), to the 1920s-esque piano driven songs ("Walking Towards the Sun") to something all their own ("Sweet Tangerine", "Momentum").  Although one may be quick to write them off as yet another pop punk alternative band like their label-mates (Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco), they are undoubtedly the most unique, and perhaps riskiest band on Fueled By Ramen.

And somehow, they've taken it a step further with their newest album.  Some songs are definitely radio-friendly, like the lead single, "Honey," but unlike other bands, their sound is still as indy and folksy as always, if not more.  "Love You Better" and "Molasses"stand out as tracks that are not a product of the music industry's current generic sound.  Even something as simple as the hook is reminiscent of the good ol' days in music, when the lyrics actually served a purpose rather than offering a spelling lesson (Damn you Fergie).

More than anything, you can hear the growth of the band with each guitar riff or high note. There's no denying that vocalist/pianist Greta Salpeter has always had a great voice.  But this time around, the emotional undertones provide an added layer to the singer's vocal presence.  Not to take away from their other vocalist, Bob Morris, who's distinct and unique voice is as amazing as always.

As excited as I am for the release, more than anything I'm relieved that the band is still together.  The Chicago group nearly called it quits at the end of 2006.  Thank the band's faithful fans for reminding the band just how much of an impact can music can make on people's lives.

I'm still in the process of picking a favorite song, though I've had the entire album on repeat for a few hours now.  To find a favorite of your own, check out their myspace, or better yet, purchase their album here.

Wiggle your big toe

I've always been obsessed with introductions.  From leads in magazine articles to the opening line of a song, there's something about how the writer chooses to introduce themselves and set the tone for the rest of the work.  And while there are an exorbitant amount of awful hooks, there's something about coming across those opening lines to a novel that draw you in for the long hall or the first lyric that grabs your attention and makes you really listen.

When it came to starting the first post of pop rocks, I antagonized over the introduction, wanting to keep the right pace of the blog without going too deep in the exposition. So instead, I thought I'd just begin with a brief snapshot into my mindset, obsession with introductions and all.

Pop rocks began as an idea a few months ago, as I started toying with the idea of jumping on the bandwagon and entering the blogosphere.  Originally, I had no idea what specific topic I wanted to cover.  As I considered the multitude of options, I asked myself one thing: what do I really care about? What can I talk about to utter exhaustion?  Only one thing really stood out at that point--pop culture.  As much as I'd like to lie and say I'm obsessed with politics or public health, the entertainment world has always intrigued me the most.  It's the reason I read Variety every morning, checking out the latest project greenlit or recent review.  It's why I read the Arts section of the New York Times from cover to cover and only skim the national news.

And I'm sure many question the importance of the entertainment industry compared to foreign policy or economics.  But you can't argue the importance of having such an accessible form of expression available to the masses. As important as it is to be informed of the latest news, we all need a from of escapism every once in awhile when we need relief from the real world. Every once in awhile, we need to turn away from our lives and escape into a family sitcom.   

Recently, the art of the entertainment industry seems to have fallen by the wayside in favor of constant surveillance on the celebrities themselves.  A new album or movie is no longer necessary to attract publicity.  Now, the public seems more focused on the latest star to enter rehab than the number one movie at the box office.

But this blog isn't about that.  You won't find any gossip or rumor about the latest pregnancy or divorce.  You will find news on some of the latest movies, plot developments in television shows, and recommendations for the indy band you haven't heard yet.  Overall, the goal of pop rocks is to celebrate the art created by the film, television, and music industries.  This blog is about raising awareness to remember the true reason for the existence of the entertainment industry--the work itself.