FILM OF THE MONTH (YEAR?)

 

I strongly encourage fans of the Boombox and film to stop updating your Facebook pages, and take 2 hours out of your busy life to let artistic & directing mastermind /visionary / personal hero Terry Gilliam blow your mind with his new film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.  Gilliam's past works include Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Time Bandits, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, and 12 Monkeys.  ALL classics, but Parnassus could quite possibly be Gilliam's masterpiece.  The filming of the movie took a blow when lead actor Heath Ledger passed away, but friends of Ledger and Gilliam in the acting community stepped in to finish the vision, offering a unique experience as Ledger's character was given new life by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell.  Following his spellbinding turn as The Joker, this performance cements the artistic tragedy of Ledger's untimely death.  Oh, did I mention that Tom Waits plays the Devil?

The film is released on DVD today, April 27th.  Enjoy the trailer below.

MGMT ADD NORTH AMERICAN DATES

MGMT have added several dates to their extensive North American tour, which officially kicks off at the end of May.  The Brooklyn daytrippers will also feature on the "Live on Letterman" concert series, broadcasting live from the Ed Sullivan Theater Tuesday, May 11, following the taping of the band's performance on the Late Show.  The show will be webcast started at 8 PM EST at http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/. Tickets are still available for most of the US dates.


MGMT Tour Dates after the jump.

NEW M.I.A VIDEO (NSFW)

Brace yourself for another WTF? moment, dear readers.  M.I.A has released a video/mini-movie for her new track "Born Free".  As if the song wasn't a strong enough statement of revolt and angst, now director Romain Gavras has unleashed his own horrific visual interpretation.  It starts out like a scene from a Micheal Mann thriller, then offers a glimpse of comedy, before raging into a slightly hard-to-watch genocide of sorts.  This is video is EXTREMELY GRAPHIC AND VIOLENT, and NOT SAFE FOR WORK.  You've been warned.  If you are a ginger like me, please go watch the baseball game.

FREE PHOENIX

On the heels of their Grammy win for Best Alternative Album, Boombox darlings Phoenix have decided to bestow some free music on the unworthy masses.  Live in Sydney features 8 Wolfgang tracks performed live on the band's recent tour.  Download the live album absolutely FREE here.

TOOL!!!! SORTA...

TOOL fans should check out his ridiculous "cover" of "Lateralus", performed by a Japanese composer/performer/group called Soemon.  The language barrier on the website causes the info to be a bit iffy, but the performance speaks for itself.  Sorry for the giant video, but it's worth it.  Mesmerizing stuff. Enjoy.
 Nice call, Brent...

NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL!!!

Over the years I've heard wonderful things about the Newport Folk Festival, and obviously I grew up listening to so many jazz greats perform at Newport Jazz, but this year I find myself a New England resident, so the excitement is finally localized.  2010's festival will take place the weekend of July 30-August 1, having moved to a 3-day format.  Friday night will feature Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers, Tim O'Brien, and Sarah Jarosz performing a more intimate show at the International Tennis Hall of Fame before the real festival kicks off Saturday at Fort Adams.  Saturday's line-up boasts performances by My Morning Jacket's Jim James, Calexico, Blitzen Trapper, Andrew Bird, personal favorite AA Bonday, as well as songwriting genius John Prine, and bluegrass royalty Doc Watson & David Holt, and Sam Bush, plus many more.  Sunday gets serious with Edward Sharp & the Magnetic Zeros, The Avett Brothers, The Felice Brothers, Richie Havens, The Swell Season, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Justin Townes Earl, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, and the Punch Brothers with Chris Thile.  The festival will close with a special performance by Levon Helm that they are calling Levon Helm Band's Ramble on the Road featuring Special Guests.  That alone is enough to make me pee in my pants a little.  For more artists and ticket info visit the Newport Folk Fest site.  Should be an amazing weekend, and a classy step away from the chaotic summer festival circuit.  Hope to see you Sunday...