The 11th Hour

It was cool to be nihilistic and destructive as an angry teenage punk-industrial kid. That snotty abrasiveness and urge to 'smash it up' has it's place, I suppose, as a release valve of sorts. But later in life, a little experience and knowledge almost always makes that adolescent angst seem rather directionless and, well, stupid. Punk rock was always about breaking the rules, breaking with the accepted way of things, and dispensing with consumer culture. So why follow and consume blindly? So what does that have to do with this review?

Well, for starters, what could be more 'against the grain' than casting away the corporate monoliths who decimate rainforests and exploit valuable natural resources in the pursuit of dividends and profit margins? It's a death culture, and if this sounds all too 'hippie' and 'tree-hugger', well, so be it. I'd rather lie in the grass and actually hug a tree than embrace a smokestack billowing out toxic smoke. It'd be safe to assume, so would you, too.

Personal soapbox aside, 'The 11th Hour' is a 'green' documentary. Presented (and hosted) by noted conservationist Leonardo DiCaprio, this feature-length film documents and illustrates the condition of our fragile world, and ultimately, what can be done to halt the effects of pollution and environmental catastrophe (aka global warming). It's not likely to affect those who see global warming as a 'great lie' and a 'media hoax'. No, those people are probably unreachable. However, if you are like me, and genuinely concerned that we are pissing in our own water supply (and we literally ARE, and even worse...), then you will appreciate, and maybe even embrace the scholarly and beautiful ideas set forth here.

Discussions with a varied and international cross-section of concerned scientists, scholars, thinkers, and theologians , including Stephen Hawking, Mikhail Gorbachev, Chief Oren Lyons, Nobel peace prize winner Wangari Maathai of Kenya, Rabbi Michael Lerner (and many more) provide a cross-denominational perspective on the poisoning and toxification of our universally-shared Earth. It's a compelling and hopeful call to arms, and a highly worthwhile film to anyone who has an ounce of love for our planet and a flicker of hope for our children's children, who could inherit a burnt-out cinder of wasteland, or a lush, green, and colorful world packed with life and bio-diversity. Featuring some very impressive camerawork, and some amazing natural photography, 'The 11th Hour' could even be seen as a cross between the godlike 'Planet Earth' series, and Al Gore's informative and compelling 'An Inconvenient Truth' film.

The music soundtrack for 'The 11th Hour' is just as impressive, featuring grand sounds from Sigur Ros, Mogwai, The Dirty Three, Cocteau Twins, and more. If that doesn't make this one a 'must-see', I don't know what else you need. Kudos to Leo for putting his energy and influence to work for a greater good.

website + trailer

Solution Unknown - "Aggressive Fish/Karen" LP

Those of you familiar with American indie rock are already more than familiar with the legendary Slint - the little Louisville band that captured the hearts of people all over the world with little more than their 1991 LP, 'Spiderland'. Seriously, this timeless piece of vinyl (or aluminum, if you're so inclined) will move you as much now as it did then. Anyhow, the seeds of Slint were sown in the punk rock scene of the 80's, and a large part of Slint's history lies in a long-forgotten punk band called Solution Unknown. Featuring future indie stars David Pajo (Slint, Tortoise, Papa M, etc. etc., now of Dead Child) and Todd Brashear (Slint, Palace Brothers, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy), as well as vocalist Eric Schmidt, bassist Kent Chappelle, and guitarist Mike Bucayu, Solution Unknown released one (highly limited) vinyl LP, titled 'Aggressive Fish/Karen' (though my copy makes no such proclamation).

The group existed from about 1986 to 1988 (with their final show opening for the mighty Chicago aggro-punk act Naked Raygun), and aside from a 7" single (and a comp appearance), this LP was the sole recorded output of Solution Unknown, and although a thorough compilation CD was released in 1996, it's impossible to find, as well. So without further fluff, here's the LP, as transferred from my original vinyl LP.

Solution Unknown LP download

Deeper bio

Pajo's new band, Dead Child, can be seen gigging around L-ville and beyond on occasion. I'll be catching them live one of these days, so expect a report at some point!

The Boxhead Ensemble - "Dutch Harbor - Where The Sea Breaks" soundtrack CD

Comprised of members of various Chicago-area indie acts, this loose ensemble was formed by Michael Krassner in 1996 to record this soundtrack, but the revolving group has gone on to release several recordings since. This 1997 album (recently reissued) is a low-key set of musical vignettes that offer a moody and textural slice of atmosphere, mostly with a sort of gloomy or sad, introspective direction. I haven't seen the film, but apparently, it's not a romantic comedy! Anyhow, the group here includes contributions from notables like David Grubbs (Gastr del Sol), Doug McCombs (Eleventh Dream Day, Tortoise), Jim O'Rourke (Sonic Youth, Illusion Of Safety), David Pavkovic (Tortoise), jazzist Ken Vandermark, and even the mighty Will Oldham (on the album's only vocal take, the stark 'Ebb's Folly'). Really, this is a fairly ambient take on rock overall, with secluded piano melodies and generally inobtrusive tracks that wax and wane. It's not especially memorable, but certainly not a bad mix of improv, indie rock, and perhaps some experimental flourishes here and there. Me likes, but I don't see it getting a lot of replay around Goatsend HQ. (Atavistic)

c. reider - "Long Defeat Variations"

A few years ago, veteran sound sculptor and Vuzh label-master c. reider recorded a set of improvised ambient sounds in an old abandoned factory, and released this online to a fair amount of acclaim. That recording forms the basis for this remix project, and it succeeds handily where most traditional remixes don't. These 4 extended pieces all run at over 14 minutes apiece, and none feature any semblance of rhythm or easily-discernable structures. 'Long Defeat Variation one by Mystified' is a tense, metallic drone work that summons the dark and arcane vibes of prime Organum or Nurse With Wound's majestic 'Soliloquy For Lilith'. Beautiful and mystical, somehow. Reider's own mix is more dirgey, dank (that's a compliment), and nearly industrial (in the classic sense), suitable for use in a horror flick, perhaps. Reider's drones and deep reverberations summon visions of ghostly apparitions and eerie landscapes. Well-done. The third mix, by another Godsend/Goatsend favorite, Kirchenkampf, brings in percussive elements (what sounds like chains and metal being dropped/dragged/smashed) and smooths it out with reverb, creating an interesting mesh of ambience and unease. The final mix, by Gurdonark, is a more subtle and ambient variation, with light, swirly tones and shards of drone - more in a minimalist spirit. Overall, 'Long Defeat Variations' is a superlative release of contemplative and meditative ambience, with a dark streak that's undeniable and an ominous foreboding that's somehow inviting. (Vuzh Music)

This wonderful release (and others) can be downloaded free (and legally) from the artist here

Buckethead - "From The Coop" CD

Long before his wicked guitar-maniac solo releases and his work in groups like Praxis and Cobra Strike, and before his publicized alliance (and exodus) from Guns 'N Roses, Brian Carroll (aka Buck) produced this demotape way back in 1988. It's admittedly pretty rough stuff - mastered from a lo-fi cassette, and with musical backing from only a primitive drum machine. But even from this old demo, the warped mind (and persona) of Buckethead was already well-developed, and these songs range from bluesy ('Hog Bitch Stomp') to wild stadium-style solos and wicked sci-fi interludes. Buckethead is perhaps the foremost guitar-shredder of his time, and though this lo-fi collection is probably best kept to the hardcore fans, it's certainly nothing to sneeze at, either. Pretty impressive stuff, but if you're unfamiliar with the man(?) they call Buckethead, investigate his recent work before diving into this one. (Avabella Productions)

Ashes Divide - "Keep Telling Myself It's Alright" CD

I really liked A Perfect Circle. But it seems that they are, for all intents and purposes, dead. But one thing that must be remembered is that it was really Billy Howerdel's band. Sure, Maynard lent his pipes to the songs, and his presence surely garnered them a lot of attention, but the music itself was chiefly composed by veteran rock behind-the-scenes-man Howerdel. Ashes Divide is his new solo work-slash-band, and here he's accompanied by former NIN guitarist and keyboardist Danny Lohner, former APC bassist Paz Lenchantin, APC/every other band's drummer Josh Freese, and others. Suffice to say, if you liked APC, you will most likely appreciate these moody, atmospheric, and dark electronic-tinged sounds. Sure, it's really quite slick, melodic, and mainstream (read: clean) - along the same lines as stuff like 30 Seconds To Mars in spots (like 'Enemies', which isn't one of the album's standouts), so beware of that, but really, that's my only complaint. Otherwise, it's a quite pleasant if unchallenging modern rock album. There are thunderous drums, nice keyboard textures, Cure-like rainy-day guitars, and Howerdel's perfectly agreeable vocals. Pretty good, really. My favorite cuts include the sad and piano-laden 'Ritual', and the anthemic 'The Pray', with it's uptempo electronic drums and fuzz bass sounds. 'Forever Can Be' could be mistaken for a lost APC outtake, almost. So you already know whether you'll like this one or not. (Island)
website

Scarlett Johansson - "Anywhere I Lay My Head" CD

It's acknowledged by anyone with an ounce of sentience that Tom Waits is a goddamned genius. One of the greatest songwriters this side of Dylan himself, some would say (like me). And anyone who thinks Waits' distinctively, umm, 'unmusical' delivery mars his songs, well, you, kind sir, are unequivocally wrong. Hottie-of-the-week actress Scarlett Johansson seems to think she can re-invigorate and clean up Waits' tunes and present them to a new audience. This, her debut, contains 10 (count 'em) TEN covers of the masters' tunes (and one lowly original). It's all wrapped up in fine production from TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek, and boasts a couple of guest apps from David Bowie himself. Esteemed company, yes. But how's it sound? Well, it's nicely gauzy and shoegazey. Kind of floaty and narcotic. I won't talk about what everyone else says, about Johansson's lack of range. Bloody 'ell, Waits' own vocals aren't Mr. Tuneful, either. The question here is, does she add anything to these songs? I say no. Her re-interpretations are basically pretty window dressing. The wonderfully gritty, everyman delivery of Waits is here tossed into a fuzzy, slo-mo dreamscape. It's not terrible (except for the plain-awful synthpop version of 'I Don't Wanna Grow Up'), but it's not necessary, either. You're better investing in a superb Waits collection of originals like 'Beautiful Maladies' or the stupendous 'Orphans'. You'll be happier in the long run. You'll just have to trust me on this one. (Atco)
Not a Scarlett Johansson site
Another not a Scarlett Johansson site