The Magic Numbers are a four-piece band based in the UK, comprised of two pairs of siblings. They make the best guitar pop I've heard in a long time, cranking out infectious harmonies like nobody's business. It's also kind of cool because they're pretty much the anti-skinny indie rocker types, since every member is either fat, hairy, or both. "Love Me Like You" is my favorite.

The Magic Numbers / "Forever Lost"
The Magic Numbers / Love Me Like You (video)

*******

Just saw Broken Flowers and enjoyed it a great deal. I had never seen a Jim Jarmusch film before, but even with my high expectations (I always hear people blathering about him), the direction and overall feel were highlights of the film. Bill Murray once again plays Bill Murray rather perfectly. He's basically honed the art of playing the broken, tired middle-aged man to a science.



But what makes this film so enjoyable is how much it keeps you thinking. The plot certainly does to some extent--it follows Murray as he tracks down four ex-lovers, one of whom has apparently sent him an anonymous note revealing that he has a son who is looking for him. But the brilliance is how Murray's Don Johnston never really lets you inside his head. Jeffrey Wright has a great turn as his crime novel-obsessed immigrant neighbor Winston, goading him on at every turn to keep searching. And through Winston and the women Johnston once dated you slowly can piece together not only where he's been, but where he might be at that moment in his life.

******

You just know that Japanese businessmen are happy to see this.

******

Trailers Trailer Trailers!

Lord of War - Nic Cage plays a gun-runner. And I think that pretty much covers it.

Thumbsucker - I'll give this movie a chance just because I sucked my thumb forever.

V for Vendetta - Natalie Portman and Clive Owen (correction: Hello, Cleveland! Ombudsman Kevnev points out it's actually Hugo Weaving) star in this near-future flick about the repressive government and the token freedom fighter. So having two attractive stars, the Wachowskis decided to shave Natalie's head and make Clive (er, Hugo, who's not that attractive) wear a funny-looking mask most of the movie. Way to leverage your strengths.

Grizzly Man - Documentary about a bear expert who went a little overboard, and got a little killed.

******

Sons and Daughters are a nice Scottish band who I enjoyed seeing open for Franz last year. I haven't been overwhelmed by anything I've heard from them since, but this is decent:

Sons and Daughters / "Dance Me In"



******

Lots of live mp3s courtesy of Mr. Red Penguin from the Oxegen Festival. My fave is an interesting "acoustic" version of Kasabian's "Processed Beats."

******

Interesting story about frequent State-collaborator Craig Wedren.

"Theme from The State"
"Theme from Reno 911"