Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings Are Back With "Give The People What They Want"

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings have been making fantastic records since 2002’s Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. Their live shows are energetic soul revivals, fusing the classic sounds of 60s & 70s R&B with a modern sensibility. Lead singer Jones, whose style is influenced by the likes of Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin & Betty Wright, has an amazing voice that can thrill, chill & amaze you. The group has grown in popularity & stature in recent years, releasing several more well-received albums, and doing a series of can't miss performances as both an opening act & a headliner. But in 2013, just after completing the album Give The People What They Want, Jones was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. The album’s release and subsequent tour dates were postponed while she underwent surgery & chemotherapy.

 

The singer is now healthy & ready to get back on the road, and a tour kicked off earlier this month at The Beacon in New York. The album was released in January, and like the group’s previous discs, it’s a fantastic collection of songs, kicking off with “Retreat,” a funk-ified challenge to an unfaithful lover. Throughout the disc’s ten tracks, Jones & her band shout, jump, rattle & groove together, as their driving, percussive backing provides a perfect match for her excellent vocals. Songs like the wonderful “Making Up & Breaking Up” sound like they could have been recorded at Stax in the 60s or 70s. Then there’s “Get Up & Get Out,” which drops a little touch of Motown into the mix.

Although the disc runs a scant 34 minutes you’ll be spinning it over & over again to hear the tasty grooves on tracks like “Long Time, Wrong Time” & “You’ll Be Lonely.” And you won’t dispute Ms. Jones is a queen of soul in her own right after listening to powerful ballads like “Slow Down, Love.” If you’re a fan of Stax, Motown or the Philly soul sounds of the 60s & 70s, this album is for you. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings take the classic sounds of yesterday & fuse them with their own style, to create real music that stands out amid much of today’s manufactured pop and R&B. Give The People What They Want is now available in stores & at online retailers such as the iTunes store. The iTunes version boasts a couple of bonus tracks & a music video on the Deluxe Version of the album. Here’s a link to the video for “Retreat!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrOYkHjdpdM&feature=kp.

 

Mud: A Tale About Losing Your Illusions

Matthew McConaughey has had something of a renaissance in the last few years. After a strong start to his career, he became the go-to guy for lightweight romantic comedies and low-grade action thrillers. But with recent films like Dallas Buyers Club, The Wolf of Wall Street and Killer Joe, he’s back at the top of his game. He gives an excellent performance in Dan Nichols’ Mud (2012), a coming of age tale set in Arkansas. Two boys, Ellis & Neckbone, learn of a boat stuck in a tree on a small island on the Mississippi River. They head there to find the craft, and find a man named Mud living in it. He says he’s there because he’s going on to meet the woman he loves. Mud promises them they can have the boat when he’s done with it. The boys just need to help him repair it, and bring him food & supplies while he’s on the island. Mud fascinates them with tales of loves lost, murder & dangerous men, and explains why he seems to be on the run.

As the story progresses, we learn nothing is quite as it seems. Mud has secrets he’s not telling the boys. His girlfriend, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon), isn’t quite what she appears, and the true story of Mud & Juniper’s relationship has yet to be told. One of the boys, Ellis (masterfully played by Tye Sheridan) comes to idolize Mud, and believes the grandiose stories of romantic love Mud tells them. But Mud’s real story is far more complicated. Meanwhile, Ellis’ parents are having their own issues, and he will learn some hard truths about life. The problems of the grown ups in Ellis' life are about to come crashing down on him. This is a powerful story about losing your childhood views regarding the world, and seeing it with adult eyes for the first time. Sometimes, becoming an adult means putting away some of the illusions you have about the way the world works. It’s not an easy thing to do, but it’s part of life. Everyone in the story will face some harsh truths about the world before it's over, even Mud.

The cast is excellent across the board, with Sheridan, McConaughey and Witherspoon leading a solid core of character actors in supporting roles, including Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story), Ray McKinnon (Sons of Anarchy), Sam Shepard (The Right Stuff) and Michael Shannon, who was so good as Zod in  2013's Man of Steel. Writer-director Nichols has a real feeling for this part of the country, and there’s a tremendous sense of place & atmosphere that pervades the film. Location becomes a character in this compelling tale. This is a movie with a deep emotional core, and a moving story that will touch your heart. It never becomes fake, predictable or sappy. This is one of those "under the radar" independent films that is well worth seeing. Highly recommended. Mud is available on DVD, Blu-ray and for digital download. Here’s a link to the film’s trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m9IFlz2iYo. 

A Return to the World of "The Shining"

For fans of Stephen King, The Shining is one of his best loved & well-remembered novels. The story of Jack Torrance, his wife Wendy & their son Danny, who struggle with dark forces at The Overlook Hotel in Colorado, (where Jack is the caretaker) has become a modern classic of horror fiction. Danny has a power called “the shining” that the dark forces at the hotel seek to possess. Of course, the book was also adapted into the well regarded (though not by King himself) 1980 film by Stanley Kubrick, It was later turned into a 1997 TV miniseries with a teleplay by the author, which he felt was closer in spirit to the book. Now, King has returned with a sequel to The Shining called Doctor Sleep (2013).

A grown up Dan Torrance is still haunted by his experiences at The Overlook, which ultimately took the life of his father. He’s gone through some dark times, including alcoholism, a series of low-end jobs, and bad relationships. His demons, like his father’s, threaten to consume him. But Dan makes a real effort to start over, and gets a job at a hospice in New Hampshire. He uses his power to help patients cross over to the other side in peace. Dan finds some new friends in town, and finds some meaning & contentment in his life. Things start to look up for him, and Dan hopes he's found his place in the world after all.

Meanwhile, a young girl named Abra Stone displays amazing powers & abilities, and also has ‘the shining,” though she appears to be even more powerful than Dan. She forms a link with him, though he is unaware of her identity at first. Abra also draws the attention of the True Knot, a group of people who feed off the magically talented; in a way they are “psychic vampires.” They want to drain Abra’s power, which they call “steam.” They've been alive for centuries, and have killed many other children over the years, in order to survive. Jack & Abra are about to cross paths, and will battle the evil of the True Knot together. Will Dan be strong enough to help save her…and truly redeem himself in the process?

King is a master of creating people we care about in his fiction, and writing dialogue that sounds very real. Billed as the author’s return to “balls out horror,” it’s the most old school of his recent work. Though not as strong as his 2011 success 11/22/63, or the Bradbury-esque coming of age tale Joyland (2013), it is nevertheless a powerful, compelling book. It’s great to see Dan Torrance and some of the supporting cast from The Shining again, and Abra Stone is a strong, fully realized character. There are some truly creepy scenes and “Rose the Hat,” the leader of the True Knot, is a formidable villain.

As always, there are references to other stories by King. and even a reference to a work by his son Joe Hill, peppered throughout the book. The conclusion is a bit rushed, especially after the strong buildup, and there are a couple of too convenient coincidences regarding certain characters & situations. But if you’re a fan of The Shining and King’s other works, you’ll find reading Doctor Sleep a rewarding experience. The book is now available in hardcover, and for computers, e-readers & mobile devices. Here’s a link to a trailer prepared by the book’s publisher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mixvxfLT_ug.

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)