Summertime Blues

So, the summer is coming to a much needed end. There were high points of course, but this isn't summer for the record books. But like every summer, I did compile a short (but sweet) list of songs that not only made the summer, but presented itself as a crucial life lesson for each aspect of the summer. Some good, some bad, but most importantly, life-enticing.

"Sins of My Youth" - Neon Trees {Lost Innocence}
We're all guilty of it. Some of us aren't innocent as we seem. This summer amplified this aspect of "innocence lost". Sure, this summer wasn't exactly "party-filled" but definitely an eye opening one in a sense of being a smoking gun. Though I didn't necessarily travel anywhere, I did have fun just sitting around having a good time. What's wrong with that? Not a damn thing.

"Ours" - The Bravery {Fear of the Future}
Have you ever just wanted to be frozen in a moment you don't want to escape? How one night can be so unbelievably awesome that you want to stop the clocks from turning? The time from summer to fall is an emotional time. Whether you're sad to see friends go or happy that you're actually doing something with your life. There were nights I didn't want to end - just to be in that moment forever. But, we can't stop time and must come to accept that things move on with every breath we take. However, the memory remains fresh in my mind - this time is ours.

"I Was a Teenage Anarchist" - Against Me! {Being Young}
Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire? I had the privilege of becoming friends with a group of people who preserved my youthful persona. While being a few years younger than me, that wasn't an issue at all. I'm getting older and it's getting harder to play with that little kid still buried inside - but having friends that rightfully so held that youthfulness inside, made it easier to breathe.

"Teenage Dream" - Katy Perry {Summer Romance}
I, myself, wasn't involved in a summer romance this year but had a chance to witness a few blossom over the summer months. Having that one person give you butterflies just by thinking of them is an exhilarating feeling and having someone there is a relief. Sadly, that disappears over time. Summer, on the surface, seems like the perfect time to start a relationship, and while some flourish passed August, most of the time, the butterfly wings dissipate. I picture it this way - summer romances are a, ahem, *teenage dream*...however, we must awake from that dream and come to face reality.

"Dog Days Are Over" - Florence + the Machine {Autumn Approaches}
As August winds down and school begins to start, we must come to conclusion that summer is over. A happy feeling? Yes. A sad feeling? Of course. No one really wants summer to end...deep inside. As for me, I'm relatively optimistic and want to see what Autumn has in store. This summer may have been lackluster, sure, but it definitely taught me a few things - that its okay to just have fun, that you can stay preserved in a memory long after it happened, that remaining young at heart isn't a bad thing, that summer romances are great for in the moment and not so great once September rolls around, and that with each new season, we're always prepared.

What's Your Favorite Scary Movie?

I was eight years old when I watched my first slasher movie. This was a time where the slasher genre was dead and nearly buried. But take a smart screenwriter and a legendary horror director, add some comedy, and a fresh cast and you have Scream. I remember it was almost night time when my mom, my sister, and I popped this good old tape into the VCR (ah, nostalgia) and was uncertain about what kind of movie we would be watching. Keep in mind I was eight and my sister was FIVE. I don't know what my mom was thinking but it may have been the smartest thing she's done - with us, anyway ;). As we all know, the opening sequence with Drew Barrymore is classic and hasn't been touched as far as slasher movies go. I was left on the edge of my seat - not particularly scared, but enthralled. This movie rocked my world and was ready to see what other horror movies were out there. I recently watched this movie, now being able to recite the dialog, and it still has the same effect on me.

About a year or so later, USA was broadcasting Halloween. And I was lucky enough to watch that around Halloween time - come to think of it, it may have been trick or treating night - making it more appropriate. However, unlike Scream, Halloween scared the beejeezus out of me. The presence of Michael Myers made me uneasy and felt he was lurking in the shadows outside of my own house. What a great feeling! Halloween has been a staple in my top favorite movies of all time and I don't see it falling out of that list - it's not just a movie, it's an institution. For me, anyway. Many sequels have followed but none have captured the essence of the first film. But I am a huge nerd when it comes to the franchise, knowing even the tiniest of details and family lineage of the Myers' family. What can I say? We all have our little obsessions, don't we?

The 90's faded away giving us slasher films like Scream 2, Halloween: H20, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Urban Legend. All movies I adore in different ways. Scream 2 and IKWYDLS remind me of my obsession with Sarah Michelle Gellar (also, IKWYDLS captures the summertime as a kid), Urban Legend came around the time when slasher movies were being made just because Scream made it popular again as well as H20. These films have a special place in my heart and horror movies today just don't capture that feeling. I guess that's why they call it nostalgia.

As far as horror films go today, I'm somewhat disappointed. They're either torture porn or remakes. I applaud the original Saw for reinventing horror films but come on, they're planning a seventh Saw? I guess it has to do with audiences today. If they're not exciting for one second, the movies don't sell. And as far as these remakes go nowadays - is no original horror film sacred? They're something to see however to see what they do with them. The only remakes I thoroughly enjoyed was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Ring.

Anyways, this blog was just a trip back to a time where the VCR was sacred in my room and when slasher movies were fun popcorn flicks you could watch with friends. Friday nights were epic when I was around twelve years old watching either a new release or a movie that needed dusted off in the video store. Boy, those were the days.

The House of the Devil

Some horror movies play by the rules. Some horror movies don't. And some horror movies do both. An obedient deviant. The House of the Devil is that kind of movie. This movie taps into our psyche, taking itself seriously, but then throwing that idea right out the door.

Samantha (a stellar Jocelin Donahue) is a broke college student who just got her first apartment. She finds a Babysitter Wanted ad on her school bulletin board and has high hopes for some quick cash. The voice on the other end of the phone is chilling, but nonthreatening. She accepts the job and thusly has her friend Megan (PJ Soles-esque Greta Gerwig) drive her out to the house in the middle of nowhere. Sounds rather cliche, and it is, but what happens in the next hour is complete unease. Elements of a slasher movie are present as are religious horror and the old Hammer movies of the 70's. Movies based on things that go bump in the night don't necessarily sell out audiences anymore. This movie may be the exception and may reinvent the genre.

When I first watched this, I was shocked this was made two years ago. The movie is set during the early 80's and the director does an amazing job at capturing that era. This film seems like a lost 80's classic that fell behind the shelf at the video store for years and later rediscovered. The production design is that good. I'm a sucker for atmosphere, suspense, and appropriate music so this film was like a 90 minute orgasm for me.

I call this film the "Anti-Saw" because this movie has little to no in-your-face horror relying solely on suspense and atmosphere. My kind of movie :) I was raised on movies like Halloween which had little blood and excess suspense. However, this movie isn't for everyone. The ADD audience of today will definitely grow bored and will not appreciate the early 80's throwbacks. I guess that's why they call this film a new cult classic which is greatly deserves.

Also, it was a breath of fresh air to not see the characters in peril rely on technology. No cell phones. No internet. No Facebook. Nothing except a rotary telephone with a fifty foot cord. *Sigh* Back in the day if you were shit out of luck, you really WERE shit out of luck. Kind of nice isn't it? :) One of the best horror movies in recent years and needs more appreciation than it already gets.

5 stars out of 5

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

It’s rare for me to go into a theater with exceptionally high expectations and come out exhilarated. The last movie to do that for me was The Dark Knight. Eclipse did exactly the same thing. This film is not only a vast improvement over the previous installment, it gives me a ray of hope that this series can be respected, not only by the fans, but everyone else. I may be dreaming big here because a lot of people think this series is a joke, but you have to take it as it is – an angsty teen sexual fantasy. Laughable? Yes. An abomination? Definitely not.

I am clearly speaking from a fan’s point of view; I very much enjoyed this movie and this has officially become my favorite of the series…so far. Unlike New Moon, if you are not a fan of the series, I think non-fans will enjoy this. It is much darker and while the pace may be slow at times, it satisfies. Much like what human blood would be for the Cullen family.

This film finds Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) graduating from high school and thinking about the future. Bella wants “the change” to happen, but Edward is, well, pessimistic about that. Jacob (Taylor Lautner) soon finds out that Bella wants to become like Edward, throws a quick tantrum and spends the rest of the movie cracking jokes and being shirtless. Meanwhile, Victoria (a surprisingly good Bryce Dallas Howard) is concocting a plan to eliminate the Cullens by forming an army of new, bloodthirsty vampires.

While the first installments had somewhat ham-fisted acting, the actors dive deeper into the characters making the performances truer, but never become show-boaty. Kristen Stewart gets better with each movie, as does Robert Pattinson. Billy Burke, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, and Anna Kendrick are standouts – while having little to work with. The rest of the supporting cast is equally good in their roles – feeling more comfortable than the first two installments. The weakest link is Taylor Lautner. He is just not a good actor and his performance is stale, much like it was in New Moon.

The feel of the film was the definite high-point. I love horror movies and this felt like a suspenseful vampire film. Sure, they still sparkle, but you remain uneasy when they are on screen, lurking in the shadows. Taking over direction is David Slade, who also directed 30 Days of Night, a more brutal vampire adaptation. His direction differs from Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight), who gave the first one a gritty, indie-type feel, and Chris Weitz (New Moon), who has an eye for detail and made New Moon an epic endeavor.

I was very satisfied with this installment, having aspects of horror, humor, romance, and drama – mixing well together. The soundtrack fit well, the acting felt more real, and the plot kept you in the film. Even if you are not a fan, I would give the film a chance. You might be surprised.

4.5 stars out of 5

Eclipse Soundtrack

Ah, yes -- the first good thing about my summer so far. With the chaos that our lives entail, it's good to soak in some fresh air. And here in lies the Eclipse soundtrack, which is breathtaking. I have a spot saved in my heart for the Twilight and New Moon soundtracks, but this one, just wow. Every single song is amazing. Even if you are no way a fan of the Twilight series, rest assure, I guarantee you will love this soundtrack. Even if you do not love it at first, give it another chance.

1. Eclipse (All Yours) by Metric - A bouncy, carefree tune by Canadian rockers Metric. Great opener for this album, though this is just the beginning. 4/5

2. Netron Star Collision (Love is Forever) by Muse - The Twilight series' band that has appeared on every soundtrack so far, yet this one is the soundtrack's headlining song much like "Decode" by Paramore was for the Twilight soundtrack. This overly-theatric, Queen-inspired, and heavy song with a dash of disco-esque beats (yes, I said disco) is beyond awesome and screams out of the speakers. 5/5

3. Ours by The Bravery - My favorite song on the album, quite possibly my favorite song of the moment. Everything about this song is incredible. On the surface it just seems as an indie rock tune, but it's so much more than that. I am a fan of The Bravery and this song shot them up on even further on my list of favorite bands. In somewhat of serendipity, alot of my favorite bands appear on the Twilight soundtracks. Paramore being on the Twilight soundrack and the Killers being on the New Moon soundtrack. Now, The Bravery appearing on this one. I think it's in the stars, don't you think? ;) 5/5

4. Heavy in Your Arms by Florence + the Machine - Wow, just wow. The pipes this girl has is amazing. Definitely a song to blast on your stereo if you're feeling depressed or just down - will definitely change that mood once the song ends. Speechless. 4.5/5

5. My Love by Sia - This song is getting alot of praise from critics who have reviewed the album and this song deserves the praise it receives and then some. This haunting piano ballad channels Lykee Li's "Possibility" though not as depressing. 4.5/5

6. Atlas by Fanfarlo - Believe it or not this song seems out of place on the soundtrack. But once I gave it a second listen, I was completely wrong. This song is very folky, but for all the right reasons. Definitely one of the songs you will be playing at a barbecues during the summer - it's almost country-esque, but never sounding like a typical country tune, thank goodness. 4/5

7. Chop and Change by The Black Keys - Definitely Twilight-esque, deserves it's spot on the soundtrack, though it would have been better if Muse would have performed the song. Great tune nonetheless. 4/5

8. Rolling in on a Burning Tire by The Dead Weather - Very bizarre song, but I love it. Can't say too much about this song because it's unlike anything I've heard in a while, if ever. 4.5/5

9. Let's Get Lost by Beck & Bat for Lashes - I love Beck, always have. He's somewhat of a guilty pleasure and I adore Bat for Lashes, though she has been a secret I've kept from people - until now. Very atmospheric and very romantic. Can't get enough. 5/5

10. Jonathan Low by Vampire Weekend - What can I say about this song? It's very well put together and I F-ING LOVE Vampire Weekend. This is definitely a soft listen and quite magical. A great song to drive around and think to. 5/5

11. With You in My Head by UNKLE - Psychedelic pop seems somewhat dated but UNKLE brings it to a whole 'nother level in all the right directions. Great tune, amazing lyrics, and awesome beat. 4/5

12. A Million Miles an Hour by Eastern Conference Champions - Deathcab-inspired tune that flows smoothly through the headphones. One very haunting piece and would like to see more from this band. 4/5

13. Life on Earth by Band of Horses - A very brave song, if you will. I am going to give this song a few more listens because this one feels lost. An awesome song, don't get me wrong, but I'm not totally feeling this one...just yet. 3.5/5

14. What Part of Forever by Cee Lo Green - "What the hell is the guy from Gnarls Barkely doing on this album?" is what I asked when I first read the lineup for the soundtrack. Boy was I surprised when I first heard this soung. Very catchy and since when did Cee Lo sound like The Smiths? I'm very fond of this track and can't wait to listen to it as I type this. 5/5

15. Jacob's Theme by Howard Shore - Haunting, profound, and stellar. I can't wait to see what the rest of the score sounds like and by an amazing composer. 4/5

So, there you have it. If you haven't bought or downloaded this album, I encourage you to do so...right now! It may not change your life, but will definitely give you a better sense of the day.

Neutron Star Collision

Picture this situation with an open mind and attitude: the person you love and pine for suddenly becomes repulsive in your mind and cannot stand the sight of them. Pretty cliche scenario, I know, but how do you answer that question? Some say, if the two people are in a relationship, is to get OUT of the relationship. Why stay in a relationship if it is one-sided, or worse, there are no sides? I'm merely stating a hypothetical here. I, myself, am in no relationship, nor do I have repulsive feelings for someone I love whether it be a family member or friend. Listening to Kate Nash's "Foundations" brought this idea to mind. And I feel I should explore it.

The song is, on the outside, a break-up song. But after delving deep into the lyrics and watching the music video, my mind was overflowed with scenarios and ideas on how things like this come into play. Simply put, feelings change over the course of time. It happens, folks. Sad, but true. In any kind of relationship, whether it be a long-term committed one, an open one, or, hell, just a friendship, things tend to get repetitive, boring, and stale. It's our job to keep things fresh and on the move or else this will help , if not, the relationship is ultimately doomed. Thoughts of being annoying, distant, evasive, come into play. (I am also sounding like an anti-depressant commercial). But nevertheless, everyone has felt those feelings. In the end, we are all human. We make mistakes. We learn from them. And eventually, move the fuck on.

Which brings me back to the original question. What happens? It's hard to imagine someone you love not loving you back. Love is a brutal thing. In the beginning, love is supposed to give you butterflies, enjoyment, and inevitably happiness. But once love gets complicated, messy, and depressing, things are in need for a change. I'm not going to preach to you about relationships, because 1) I have no room to talk and 2) I don't know a damn thing about them. What I do know is that, we all get into arguments with our significant others, friends, family, co-workers, strangers on the street -- it's the human condition.

It's a scary thought to wake up one day and realize - wow, I don't really love this person. Why are they in my life? And worse, how to I get rid of them? Ugh, that hurt just typing that last part. "Getting rid of someone" is never an easy task, nor do you want to take part in it, but sadly, things like this happen. Things fall out of orbit, things that were placed apart collide into one another unexpectedly. And to think, maybe things that were placed apart SHOULD be put together. Maybe that will make the relationship work? In my opinion, in a working relationship, in order to keep things balanced, things are meant to be apart, not put together. Might be a dumb analogy, I know, but that's my personal opinion on the subject. Because sometimes, when things collide, they cause an explosion, and I'm not talking about the "feel-good-sparks-ignite-explosion", I'm talking about the kind of explosion that end in pain and confusion. And while they may be cool to look at from a distance, they sure do suck if you're involved. That's all I'm going to say.

Dancing Alone

A speck of light is overshadowed by darkness. Things like this happen too often. A precious moment captured in my mind fades away. I'd like to think that things get better, and every so often, they do. But what about the moment where you are stuck in the in-between? The fear of rejection, loneliness, isolation, and uncertainty seem to cloud over every, single thought. This may last briefly or for days or weeks on end. For the most part, I am a pretty optimistic guy. I try to remain on the bright side of things -- not everything is bad, right? But what happens when you almost lose someone? Your mind is put on pause. You can't think of anything else other than that one problem. This is what I call "dwelling".

People are faced with obstacles everyday. A homework assignment is late, my significant other hasn't got a hold of me all day, work seems to be consuming my life, a best friend becomes a stranger. And these are just a spot on the map of problems people go through each day. Even if the problem is somewhat juvenile, it's still an obstacle, right? The solution is to conquer it, and move on. Not to dwell. Sometimes the problem goes unsolved, which is an easy out clause, but lingers in your mind until it resolved.

I lost something close to me this year. That something being a pet. And before you all go "Jesus, Clay it's just a rabbit!", think about that for a second. For those who have lost a pet know how hard it is and must deal with the idea of "death". Ethel was, in a sense, like a friend of mine. If I needed to talk something out if I was angry, frustrated, or just needed to let something out, rather than talking to a wall, I sat and talked to Ethel. Sounds corny, I know, but dammit, it actually helped. Now, when I get home late, my room is empty. Eerily silent. Before, when I would get home from a late night escapade, Ethel was there. Probably waiting for food because she ate like no other, but nevertheless, it was nice. I didn't feel so...alone, in a sense.

I also lost my job this year. By my own wrongdoing. It has been, to date, one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made, and hopefully will ever make. The job, itself, wasn't necessarily spectacular, but I really enjoyed the job. The hardest part is thinking I let who I worked with down. I miss the people I used to work with so much. And it hurts to know that I, myself, fucked up something that could have ultimately been something great. It still renders.

What brings me to my point -- shit happens. You could win the lottery one day and lose a close friend the next. Life is a funny, but tricky thing. It's just a matter of knowing how to deal. What I do know is that I have amazing friends and a supportive family. Sure, there are times where we don't exactly get along, but if anything would ever happen, they would be there. Over time, the people who are true friends stick out while everyone else disappears. If a true friend isn't having a great day, as long as you know that they know you'll be there, even if they don't ask for help, then you're good to go. I'd like to think that my life is like music -- a rhythm that never stops, a beat that transcends into your soul, and lyrics that are your thoughts. There will be days that not everyone wants to get up and dance, but if you can put yourself out there and dance alone to your own music, then everything will be okay.