What is the DEFINITIVE Infinite Nick and Norah?

I went to see NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST this evening.  

First of all let me say that I love this guy...

Michael Cera is a comedic genius.  He was one of my favorite actors in the extremely talented cast of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT.  He had a wonderful year in 2007 with SUPERBAD and JUNO... and has a wonderful web series with friend Clark Duke (see link at the bottom of this post.) 

Second of all, I read the book earlier this year and LOVED it and immediately wanted to read everything I could by the authors.  (More on that in an upcoming post... because I could go on and on!!)

Third-ly... the soundtrack features music by Vampire Weekend, and the movie had cameos by Andy Samberg, Seth Meyers, and it features Spring Awakening actor Jonathan B Wright.

So walking into the theater I was trying to lower my expectations so I would not be disappointed by the film...

...unfortunately I was!

The film had some nice moments and Michael Cera was funny in his adorable/awkward way of his, but I felt the film did not at all live up to the book.  

NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST (the novel) is co-written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.  The chapters alternate in point of view between the two potential love interests with Rachel writing Norah's chapters and David writing Nick's.  This is a large part of the charm.  You can experience as a reader that these two are trying to get over unhealthy ex's and that both have a fear of falling in love with the other.  

The plot is basically a one night courtship through their love of music.  Think "Before Sunset meets High Fidelity."  This is what I LOVE about the book.  The two bond over their passion for music.  

I felt the movie lost this aspect.  Instead it played like a "Big Budget Studio tries to create hip JUNO-esque teen indie film."  This saddened me because it really is such a tender story.  I thought they threw in "schtick for schtick sake."  (Try saying THAT 3 times really fast!!)

I read some reviews online tonight and a lot of critics disagree with me.  But personally I would read the charming "amazing" book and see an "o.k." film adaptation later.

Sorry...  NICK AND NORAH (the movie) did not Score-ah with me.  

Instead I highly recommend the book and Cera's online series CLARK AND MICHAEL! (The soundtrack is great too.)

Simon Says

Viva la Paul Simon...

In 2006 Time Magazine called Paul Simon one of the 100 "People who shape the world." Either as one half of a successful duo in the 60's or as a solo artist beginning in the 70's, Mr. Simon has definitely had a huge impact on other musicians. Here are 2 recent releases that owe a lot to his musicality.

The first is by Canadian-rocker Jeremy Fisher. In 2007 he released his second album "Goodbye Blue Monday."

He made his own video for his first single "Cigarette." This was viewed over 2 million times on YouTube. (Better make that over 2 million and 1!)

Here is my favorite song from the album... (as you can tell, he is a big fan of stop-motion animation)

The other Paul Simonesque release is from my favorite new band this year... VAMPIRE WEEKEND!

They are comprised of 4 guys who met at Colombia University. Two of the guys were in a previous rap group called "L'Homme Run." Their music has both a Western Classical influence and a African Popular Music feel..... (The Afro Pop part of their sound is very reminiscent of Paul Simon's "Graceland.") Self recorded and self produced, Vampire Weekend's self-titled cd came out at the beginning of the year.

Check these guys out.... this is a perfect album for the summer... LOVE THEM!!!

Here are some great videos and performances....

"A-Punk"

"Mansarf Roof"

"Oxford Comma"



Here's the audio from my favorite song.... "M79"



On a final Paul Simon note, one of my favorite Vocal Jazz groups "NEW YORK VOICES" released an album of all Paul Simon covers.

Sadly, the album is currently out of print! (You may be able to find used copies in stores or on amazon.com)

I really love this album and want you to hear it, so.... here is a link to download it from yours truly!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/d60htl


They do a wonderful reworking of "Cecilia." The whole album is WONDERFUL! I've actually seen them in concert twice and met them too. They are the nicest people. Check out their album "Sing! Sing! Sing!" as well.