Beck's Journey To A "Sea Change"

With the recent news of a new album coming from Beck next month, let’s take a look back at his 2002 release Sea Change, which was a change of pace for the singer at the time. In the early 2000s, Beck was riding high on the success of releases like Odelay (1996) and Midnite Vultures (1998). He had become a favorite of alternative rock fans for his innovative use of electronic sounds & tape loops to underscore his unique songs. In early 2001, Beck and his fiancé Leigh Limon split up after a long relationship. The music Beck was preparing for his next record was heavily influenced by this event. He began writing songs that were more introspective and soul-searching than anything he had recorded before. The resulting album became one of his most heartfelt & powerful releases.

Some of the songs had been played at live shows before Beck brought them to the studio sessions. Working with his band and longtime producer Nigel Godrich, the artist crafted a song cycle that traces the ups & downs of romantic relationships. Beck had started out as a folk singer, and this album is firmly entrenched in that style & sound. Songs like “Lost Cause, Guess I’m Doing Fine and It’s All in Your Mind” have passionate lyrics & a distinctly emotional atmosphere. Other tunes like “The Golden Age” and “Lonesome Tears” have a country-esque flavor. In many ways, this is the Beck album you’ll appreciate even if you’re not really a fan of his other music or albums. This is a work that stands apart.

While the disc was a success, it wasn’t as successful as some of his earlier releases. However, it has gained stature with both fans and critics over the years, making many best of the decade lists. The album has often been compared to the work of Bob Dylan and British singer-songwriter Nick Drake. For me, the record has always been a favorite. This is an amazing album; Sea Change is about love, loss and the pain of fractured relationships, but ultimately the music does have a sense of hope for the future. It’s one of Beck’s finest, most fully realized works. Reports say his new disc, Morning Phase, will be a companion piece to Sea Change, and is very similar in tone and execution. Look for it on February 25. For now, if you haven’t heard Sea Change, I recommend you give it a listen. Here’s a link to the video for “Lost Cause,” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iEId2vmb0M.

Trivia notes: Roger Manning & Jason Falkner, former members of the well regarded power pop band Jellyfish, both played on the album. The track, "Ship In a Bottle," was left off the original release, but added to later re-issues of the disc.

Next time: A visit with "Doctor Sleep"

American Hustle: Is the Art of the Con the Art of Survival?

David O. Russell is one of the most interesting film directors working in the field today. From early films like Flirting With Disaster (1996) & Three Kings (1999) through recent successes like The Fighter (2010) and Silver Linings Playbook (2012), he’s shown an uncommon talent for picking good material and great actors to bring those stories to life. Now, with 2013’s American Hustle, he catapults to the front line of American filmmakers. The movie is a fictionalized version of the late 70s/early 80s FBI operation known as ABSCAM. As the tagline at the beginning of the film states, “Some of this actually happened.”

The story concerns Irving Rosenfeld, a small-time con artist who is working scams with his partner and lover, Sydney Prescott. They are deeply in love, but Irving refuses to leave his wife & son for her. An ambitious FBI agent named Richie Dimasso catches them working a loan scam, but offers to let them go if they help him make some big-time arrests. What follows is a scheme that spirals out of control, as Irving & Sydney try to entrap Carmine Polito, a New Jersey mayor who’s working hard to bring casino gambling & resorts back to Atlantic City, in order to create jobs & grow both the state & local economies. As things escalate, all of the major players will be affected in ways they can’t imagine.

What’s interesting about the characters is they’re all scam artists in their own way, though sometimes they’re only conning themselves. Irving wants nothing more than for things to continue the way they’re going, running low-end scams, and enjoying his life with his mistress, while never leaving his wife. Sydney wants to be with Irving full-time, and deludes herself into believing he’ll leave his wife Rosalyn for her. Richie thinks a big bust will get him respect within the Bureau. Rosalyn thinks she can control Irving, and make him stay with her through guilt and intimidation. But her off-kilter behavior just might derail their carefully laid out plan to snare Polito. In a way, they’re all dreamers as much as they’re con artists. They all learn something by the time the story is over, though it may not be the lesson they expected; they learn how to survive. As Irving says at the end of the film: “The art of survival is a story that never ends.”

The cast is brilliant, with an unrecognizable Christian Bale letter perfect as Rosenfeld. He’s matched by co-stars Amy Adams as Sydney, Bradley Cooper as Dimasso, and Jennifer Lawrence as Rosalyn. The four leads offer us a master class in acting, and are outstanding in their roles. They all give brave, powerful performances. The supporting cast is amazing as well, led by Jeremy Renner as Polito, and a host of familiar faces in minor roles. The film looks fantastic, courtesy of cinematographer Linus Sandgren & art director Jesse Rosenthal. The song choices, which range from ELO to Jack Jones to Donna Summer, recall the way Scorsese uses music for effect in his movies. Another thing Russell’s film shares with some of Scorsese’s is the use of multiple (and possibly unreliable) narrators to relate the story from their viewpoint.

American Hustle is one of the best films of 2013, and truly deserves the accolades & awards it has received so far. It was just awarded 10 Oscar nominations, including nods in all four major acting categories, a feat it shares with director Russell’s last movie, Silver Linings Playbook. This may be his best film yet. This darkly comic tale is currently in theaters, and is one of those films that’s worth going out to see on movie night. Here’s a link to the film’s trailer: http://www.fandango.com/movie-trailer/americanhustle-trailer/164469.

Family Tales & Unexpected Road Trips: Brief Reviews of Two Films

The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012) – It’s a tough balancing act to tell a good story that’s got one foot rooted in the real world, and another in the magical. Tim Burton has pulled this off in movies such as Big Fish (2003), but there are other cases where it doesn’t work at all, like Woody Allen’s Alice (1990). Director Peter Hedges’ The Odd Life of Timothy Green is a touching tale of a couple (Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Garner) that has been trying unsuccessfully to have a baby. One stormy night, they write all the best qualities they’d want in a child on pieces of paper. They place them in a box and bury it in the backyard. That same evening, a mysterious boy appears at their back door. He appears normal except for some leaves sprouting from the bottom of his legs. The boy says his name is Timothy, and addresses them as Mom and Dad. He says he's there for them. But who is he?

What follows is a seriocomic story of Timothy teaching his parents (and his extended family) some important lessons about life. Like the best fairy tales, there are moments of humor, sadness, triumph, loss, and ultimately, joy before the story is over. There are some good performances, especially by Garner and CJ Adams as Timothy. If (like me) you’re a fan of these types of sentimental films, you’ll enjoy this enchanting story. It's a touching, sentimental, extraordinary tale that will tug at your heartstrings. It didn’t make much of a splash when released theatrically, but it really is solid family entertainment. Highly recommended. It’s now available on DVD, Blu-ray and for digital download. Here’s a link to the film’s trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMSkbH0LuTc.

The Guilt Trip (2012) – Andrew (Seth Rogen) has a problem. He’s about to embark on a cross-country trip to visit potential clients & try to sell a product he’s developed. A brief visit to his overbearing Mom (Barbra Streisand) has some unexpected consequences. She ends up going on the road with him. Of course, the usual comic misadventures & misunderstandings occur. As the trip continues, they end up growing further apart, then closer together, and finally come to understand each other better. And maybe they even learn something about each other….perhaps Mom isn't so bad after all?

Rogen can play this kind of affable nerd in his sleep these days, and he & Streisand work very well together. It’s truly a kick to see her playing the Mom here. When she’s on screen the movie shines. Otherwise, it’s a predictable but enjoyable comedy, that’s worth a look for fans of the two stars. Directed by Anne Fletcher, the movie’s story is actually based on a real life road trip that writer Dan Fogelman took with his Mom. The Guilt Trip is now available on DVD, Blu-ray, and for digital download. Here’s a link to the film's trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezuLn0Eel6g.

Prince Reigns At Mohegan Sun Arena

Prince jams during the show

For the final show of his 3-night weekend residency at Mohegan Sun on December 29, Prince & some special guests brought the audience some soul, funk & old school R&B. After keeping the audience waiting almost an hour past the scheduled start time of 8pm, opening act Janelle Monae was wheeled out onto an asylum-like mini stage. She busted out of her strait-jacket to wow the crowd with a fantastic performance featuring songs from her recent release The Electric Lady. The early part of her set even included a cameo by Prince on the song “Givin’ Em What They Love,” where he said to the ecstatic crowd “I command you all to dance.” Monae powered through an energetic hour long set that included two excellent cover tunes: a wonderful version of The Jackson 5 classic “I Want You Back” and (in a ballsy move): a faithful take on Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” Monae is a talented singer whose look & sound channeled equal parts Michael Jackson, David Bowie, James Brown and a dash of 80s funk.

After Ms. Monae's set concluded, the audience expected our headliner to arrive. Instead, the lights went down and we heard a voice shouting, “My name is Doug E. Fresh and the party starts now!” The rapper played DJ & dance party host, spinning a generous helping of old school soul & rap classics, including Rappers Delight, September, The Humpty Dance, Brick House and more. Doug got the crowd dancing, cheering, laughing and singing along. Just when things were at a fever pitch, it was time for the main event: The Purple One himself.

Prince (on right) from the evening's 3rd & final encore

Prince took the stage, proclaiming, “My name is Prince. I am not a cheap date. I am high maintenance” and for the next two hours we were treated to a phenomenal show mixing old & new material. Songs performed included “Let’s Work, Nothing Compares 2 U, 1999" and a rocked out, Led Zeppelin infused version of “Let’s Go Crazy.” The combined raw power, drive and instrumental & vocal artistry of the backing bands 3^rd Eye Girl and New Power Generation was nothing short of amazing. In fact, every song was a musical highlight, as His Purple Majesty kept everyone enraptured with stunning readings of tunes such as a beautiful cover of The Soul Children’s “The Sweeter She Is” and a fantastic version of his own “U Got The Look.” He was in top form, and this show was a celebration of Prince's music & his power to thrill & entertain an audience. And by the way, the man can absolutely shred on guitar, as he proved on a spectacular version of "Something In The Water (Does Not Compute)."

You couldn’t help but dance, scream & shout all night long at this electric, supercharged concert. There were a total of 3 encores, including the classic “Purple Rain.” The final song of the night, “Plectrum Electrum,” was performed after the house lights had already come up & the audience was filing out of the venue! This sent many people rushing back inside to hear one more song from Prince. He's an iconic, multi-talented artist, and when he declared “This is MY house now,” no one at Mohegan Sun Arena disagreed. Here are links to performances from Janelle Monae with her cover of "I Want You Back," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJCRFKmUic4 and Prince doing the rock version of "Let's Go Crazy" at the 2013 Billboard Awards, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81WswKidRN4.

Set Lists:
Janelle Monae:

Givin' Em What They Love (cameo by Prince)

Sincerely, Jane

Q.U.E.E.N.

Electric Lady

I Want You Back

Cold War

Tightrope

Prime Time

Let’s Go Crazy
Come Alive (The War Of The Roses)

Doug E. Fresh:

DJ Set between acts, where he spun a batch of R&B, funk & rap classics, and got the crowd dancing, partying & singing along.

Prince:

Big City

Superconductor
1999
Mutiny
Nothing Compares To U
Musicology
Let’s Work
U Got The Look

The Sweeter She Is

Something In The Water (Does Not Compute)

Let’s Go Crazy

When Doves Cry

Nasty Girl

Sign O’ The Times

Forever In My Life

Pop Life

Housequake

Encore 1:

Purple Rain

Encore 2:
Take Me With U

Raspberry Beret

Cool (cover of The Time song, medley with Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough & other tunes)
  – with special guest Doug E. Fresh
Encore 3:

Plectrum Electrum (performed after the house lights went up)

Mitchum & Leigh Have A "Holiday Affair"

Robert Mitchum & Janet Leigh in Holiday Affair (1949)

When you think of holiday movie classics, several titles spring to mind: It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34^th Street, White Christmas and several others. But there’s a Christmas film that you probably haven’t seen, which is also worth your time. It’s 1949’s Holiday Affair, with Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh. What’s that, you say? Perennial tough guy Mitchum and Leigh, future star of Hitchcock’s Psycho, starring in a feel good holiday story? That’s right, folks. It’s a delightful movie that should be added to your holiday viewing list. Reportedly, RKO studio boss Howard Hughes made Mitchum star in the film to clean up his image after he was busted for marijuana possession.

 Leigh plays Connie, who buys an expensive train set at Crowley’s department store, where Steve (Mitchum) works. She returns it the next day, and he suspects she’s a comparison shopper for a rival store. Connie tells him she’s a widow who’s bringing up a child on her own. Instead of turning her in, he gives her a refund. Unbeknownst to her, Steve gets fired for this good deed. Later, he becomes close to Connie’s son Timmy, and vies with her boyfriend Carl for her affections. Will Connie end up with Carl, a steadfast lawyer, or Steve, who seems to better understand her and Timmy? The usual comic complications, misunderstandings and touching romantic comedy moments ensue in this funny, heartwarming film.

Mitchum proves he has a flair for light comedy; Leigh is charming as Connie. The supporting cast includes Gordon Gebert as Timmy, Wendell Corey as Carl and the one & only Harry Morgan as an understanding cop. Directed by Don Hartman, this is a charming story that holds up well on repeat viewings. Sadly, it’s out of print on DVD, but its shown regularly on Turner Classic Movies during the holiday season; in fact, it’s being aired on Christmas Eve at 4:15pm. A made for TV remake was produced in 1996, but stick with the original. If you’re looking for a sweet, enjoyable tale to watch during the Yuletide season, I recommend Holiday Affair. Here’s a link to the film’s trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDQWM8Hsx8.

Happy Holidays to all my readers & fans! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a fantastic New Year! Thanks for checking out Eclectic Avenue! Keep on visiting the blog in 2014!

Echoes of the Past "Beyond the Pines"

Derek Cianfrance’s 2010 film Blue Valentine was a powerful portrait of a relationship gone awry. It featured searing performances by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. Now Cianfrance & Gosling have teamed up again for the compelling 2013 crime drama, The Place Beyond The Pines. It begins as the story of motorcycle stunt rider Luke Glanton (played by Gosling) who is touring the country with a traveling carnival. When he runs into an old flame, he discovers he fathered a child with her. He decides to quit the carnival, and remain in town to provide for the boy. Luke ends up turning to robbing banks to get money for his son. He has a fateful encounter with a young cop named Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper) who will have to make some important & life-changing decisions of his own.

This generational crime saga ends up going in directions you don’t expect. It’s a story about fathers & sons and the choices they make. Luke & Avery are men whose decisions echo across the years, and affect the other people in their lives in ways they can’t comprehend. Are the results of these choices fated? Could things have gone differently if these men traveled a different road? Are the sins of the fathers revisited upon their sons? This is an effective, often darkly themed film that doesn’t offer any easy answers.

The cast is peppered with familiar faces, including Ray Liotta, Eva Mendes and veteran character actor Harris Yulin as Cross’ father. Gosling & Cooper are very good, and if you’re used to seeing Cooper in more comedic roles, he will surprise you here. The film has a good sense of atmosphere, and is well directed by Cianfrance. You can almost feel the pull of fate on these characters, and the bleak lives that drive them to make difficult & risky decisions. The movie reaches for an epic feel that sometimes isn’t there, and portions of the story could have used a deeper focus, but this is a challenging film that isn’t a cookie cutter thriller. It's well worth your time; Cianfrance is a talented filmmaker, and I look forward to his next project. The movie is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and online for various forms of digital viewing. If you’re seeking something a little out of the ordinary for movie night, I recommend checking out The Place Beyond The Pines. Here’s a link to the film’s trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz5jTy_lukk.

Covers Gallery, Volume VIII

Our eighth collection of noteworthy remakes, re-workings & re-dos…...

1. You Better Move On - The Rolling Stones’ version of this Arthur Alexander track is from 1965’s December’s Children (And Everybody’s). The Stones & The Beatles were fans of Alexander’s music, and both groups recorded covers of his songs on their early albums.

2. Can You Get To That? - Mavis Staples - The one & only Ms. Staples grooves on this remake of a Funkadelic tune, from her latest album, One True Vine (2013).

3.  For A Dancer- Katey Sagal – Beautiful take on the Jackson Browne classic by the star of TV’s Sons of Anarchy, who has recorded with the likes of Bob Dylan & Bette Midler. This version is on her latest release, 2013’s Covered.

4. Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker had a country hit with this cover of the The Old Crow Medicine Show song. It’s on the former Hootie & The Blowfish member’s 2013 solo disc, True Believers.

5. Long Time Gone –Billie Joe Armstrong (of Green Day) & Norah Jones teamed up this year to record their own edition of 1958’s Everly Brothers album, Songs Our Daddy Taught Us. This is one of the strongest selections on that 2013 collaboration, Foreverly.

6. Sleeping With the Television On – Power popper Kurt Baker rocks out on this remake of a track from Billy Joel’s Glass Houses. Baker’s version is on his 2012 EP Want You Around.

7. Jolene – The White Stripes – The alternative rockers cover Dolly Parton’s classic on their album Under Great White Northern Lights (2009).

8. Somebody’s Been Sleeping - Foghat - Originally recorded by 100 Proof Aged in Soul, a group created by Motown songwriters Holland-Dozier-Holland, British rockers Foghat recorded their take on the song for 1979’s Boogie Motel.

9. When I Write The Book – Andrea Re - The Nick Lowe/Rockpile hit is re-worked into a slow burning soul tune by Andrea Re. It’s from the 2001 tribute album Labour Of Love: The Music of Nick Lowe.

10. Stop Her On Sight (S.O.S.) - Marshall Crenshaw - Best known for his hit Someday, Someway, Crenshaw does a nice job with this live version of an Edwin Starr song. This is one of the bonus tracks on the reissue edition of his debut album, Marshall Crenshaw, originally released in 1982.

11. For What It’s Worth - Lou Rawls - 60s rock meets classic soul on Rawls’ cover of the Buffalo Springfield hit. It’s on the disc I Can't Make It Alone: The Axelrod Years.

12. Magnet & Steel – Popdudes faithfully re-do Walter Egan’s hit, from 2013’s Drink a Toast To Innocence: A Tribute To Lite Rock.

Bonus Track: Hush – Billy Joe Royal – A sort of reverse cover for our bonus song. Billy Joe Royal recorded this Joe South penned tune in 1967, before Deep Purple released the most well known version of the song in 1968. Royal’s original recording is on The Very Best of Billy Joe Royal: The Columbia Years 1965-1972.