Something to Hear - East Hundred, "Passenger"

Well, where do I begin this post? First a thanks to XPN for spotlighting the band on their station. I never would have gotten hooked on them would it not be for you. I heard one song and I made sure to remember the name when I got home.

This is me doing my part for a Philly-based band, and one that deserves it. This post is a wee bit late as they actually released their official debut in January of this year. And before my friends and those who know my musical tastes (yes, a female lead singer and I will inevitably be hooked without hope, put it with good-great lyrics and interesting production values, well then, I'm a full-blown addict) speak up about my leanings, just know this - the album is damn fine. :)

The band and the album are essentially about a relationship gone wrong. One of the two founding brothers of the band and his then-girlfriend are the core, but the songs, while they may meander a familiar path, are nothing to be scoffed at. We've all been there, at the tail end of a relationship, scouring the ashes, wondering where and how it went wrong, and trying to see where that leaves us.

Well, if Passenger is any sign, it leaves you a bit bruised, weary, but still hopeful in the end that things will be ok.

I won't go into much more, except to say that lead singer Beril Guceri brings to mind Nina Persson of the Cardigans in many a song, and the music is at times, vibrant, cathartic, heart-wrending and as I said, ultimately, hopeful.

Standouts (to this guy anyway) are: "Slow Burning Crimes," "Plus Minus," "Deadpan," "Dear Blue," "Sigh & Wave" and most importantly, "Afterlove." (which, by the by, has been on repeat for me for days....seriously).

90210/Melrose Place

So, yes, 90210 and Melrose Place returned tonight. I'll deal with this in two parts.

90210. Way to move on...and get better. Silver looks fantastic. Annie was always annoying and she's saddled with the "I think I killed someone" storyline. But everyone else, fantastic and it was just fun.

Melrose Place. I had heard that Sydney was getting killed in the first five minutes, but seeing it, upset. Seriously, Laura Leighton, tell me what you do to still look so darn hot, just glad that I heard a lot of the season will be flashbacks seeing you in all your fantastic glory.

Both cheesy fun, and seriously, in these times, don't we need that? Life is hard, breezy, well-done shows with good music, some soapy drama...I see nothing wrong.

xoxo
Ryan

ps - yes, that was a Gossip Girl reference...that's the show I'm wanting back...and NOW!

The Final Destination

OK, truth be told, was rather disappointed with this movie. I know, I know these movies and I still liked the third, but this last one was super disappointing. I mean, 83/84 minutes for the movie, really? With 12 or so survivors?

The third gave short shrift to the people who survived before they were killed. But this one was ridiculous. I feel super sorry for Krista Allen. They seemed like they were giving her a character. She got a scene where she thanks the main guy for saving her, her husband and two kids. It was genuine and you could feel her trying to imbue it with everything she had, but in the end, wow, really awful.

Not her acting, but the scripting. They got the anticipation right, but they killed her character in front of her two kids, and you see it quickly, but then, you hear them screaming, "MOM!" Heartbreaking, and they didn't kill the kids, but they killed their mom in front of them...bad form.

The movie didn't make you involved with anyone. I mean...go to IMDB, you get the characters' names...beyond the main 4 or 5...it's "Racist," "Racist's Girlfriend," "MILF/Samantha (sorry, Krista - that just sucks)", etc.

The reason the first two rank up there is that you care...even in the second, when the tweaker, asked one of the other survivors to clear his apartment up of porn so that his mom/family didn't think he was abhorrent if he died...that was something real, even if small.

Don't get me wrong, the 3D was cool. The set pieces impressive...but still. And I will say, that I loved the beginning and ending credits with the X-ray view of some of the best "hits" of the films, but still....

Will say that the main guy's girlfriend (Shantel, you made the most of your part and I thought you were likable) did the best she could, but most of the other characters, ridiculous and not in a good way.

Seeing the numbers for the film though, hoping, they'll end it right...do another, get the characters right...we don't need a whole back story, but give people names for god's sake.

OK, done venting.

Imogen Heap - Ellipse

Hey,
So for those who know me, they know that I am a fan of Imogen Heap, and this Tuesday, her new album, Ellipse, will be released.

I've included a player so that you may sample the songs. I gave a quick listen to the songs, but will be reserving judgment until I've had more time to ponder.

Until later...cheers.

My Latest Desire - OMG, The Final Destination

Hello, Final Destination,
I've seen the past three films in the theatre, and now, you're in 3D. So, yes, I will see you again in the movies.

And your commercials... "I've got my eye on you!" (then chick gets a stone thrown from a lawn mower into her eye), "Deja vu is God's way of..." (man run over by a bus), "AHHHHHHHH" (girl screaming her way out of a car that is being flooded by a car wash).

I can't wait the few weeks 'til you come out. And though my sis (hey, Coll) and cousins (Shaboo, Weeboo) love horror movies, I will see you without them if I have to. I am seeing you in the first or second day, and in 3D only.

Death is frightening, serious, and scary, but seriously, as horror movies go, I'm a sucker for you, FD.

And if nothing else, the FD movies have always had a sick, twisted sense of humor. It's like Saw, except not depraved, torturous to sit through or just plain awful/boring.

Ok, so nothing like that movie. :)

Julie & Julia - A Love Letter

OK,
So yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure, and I do mean, pleasure to view the movie, Julie & Julia.

I'm still trying to contain myself regarding this movie. It was in a word - lovely. Sweet, romantic, funny, touching, and a foodie's dream.

The food in the movie alone would be worthy of an Oscar. But it was the story of Julia Child that brings you into the movie because of, the woman is amazing...Meryl Streep. Amy Adams, while lovely, is still saddled with the less likable character, who does realize her shortcomings, but still...

Just please see it. Nora Ephron nailed the screenplay, and the food, and with Meryl & Amy, in the sort of story that played out. Meg Ryan couldn't play that. Tom Hanks, sorry, no. Stanley Tucci, yes. Chris Messina, yes. And Mary Lynn R., heck to the yes.

It was so well done. And it showed NYC (do miss you, but not being broke or starving), and Paris (god, I wish I will see it some day).

This is a movie too, that men (yes, even the straight kind) could hold onto and care for. But for foodies, women, gay men, it's a must not miss. To see those women and their stories and the food on the screen. Don't miss.

xo
Ryan

OPEN LETTER - Food Network

Dear Food Network,
You suck...and hard...and not in the good way.

I can barely contain myself. You eliminated your one chance at finally hitting all the stops (i.e. - The Korean, and your one chance at full inclusion). Your choice, the white guy and the white lady (who by the way was fantastic, I don't disapprove of her) unexpected because of their, well, white-ness. This is coming from a white, Irish guy, and I'm pissed.

Debbie Lee was the final brick in the Food Network being all inclusive (save for the gays, but you keep choosing people like Michael as your options, or the Hardy Boys - Really...because gay people are just cliches).

Ok, so kind of annoyed with Food Network for two reasons, but Debbie Lee, she deserves her own show, and Mr. Big Forehead needs to go. He's boring, keeps repeating his stories and it feels like you setting up Happy Homemaker to get her own show.

I'm done with The Next Food Network Star...

Unless you honor real talent, get that gays aren't just cliches or that white guys are never the answer (and just to remind you that I'm not being racist, I'm white...you dropped the ball majorly, and the housewife, while lovely, will fold).

xo
Ryan Kelly

One, Two...Freddy's Coming for You...

So, I had to post this pic. My favorite horror icon will be back in theaters next April. His name, Mr. Freddy Krueger.

The first dark, but disturbing image is above.

Dream Warriors unite. He's baaaaaaack.

:)

Bravo - An Open Post

OK Bravo,
So you and I have had a pretty good relationship these many years. However, lately, you're just getting sloppy, inattentive and you've been just shoving things down my throat I don't like.

Case in point, NYC Prep. There's a reason that Gossip Girl is popular. It's NOT REAL. It's a fictional drama, starring incredibly beautiful 30 year old teens who do incredibly hurtful things to one another. This, what you're hawking, is just plain wrong. One, you couldn't find one attractive wealthy teen in Manhattan? Two, you couldn't find one with a redeeming quality? Aspiring pop star? Not good enough. Pseudo-albino brunette....also, not good enough. And don't get me started on the douche whose initials signify Political Correctness, but whose behavior signifies an angry, gay, but in denial teen.


Second strike, also in the category of "Holy, Unlikable Reality Show Participants" is Miami Social. I saw two of these people before. One being Hardy from Big Brother. The other is that chick from The Apprentice. Everyone else, from the one guy with the horrible eye-blinking twitch to the sweaty gay to the totally gay former model, now total bitch to people are awful...NOT WATCHABLE.

Tips for Redemption:

1) Kelly Rowland, as much as I like her, ban from the second season of The Fashion Show, which I not-so-secretly hope is never made. Isaac, the fat lady (aka your reflection) is calling - take a bow.

2) Kim's weave must be finally ripped from her head in the second season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

3) Expose The Real Housewives of New Jersey for the mafiosas that they truly are. C'mon, really. Paying over $100,000 in cash for furniture shopping, that happens? As in "...watch what happens?" I think not, unless you sucked Don Corleone off many a time.

4) Get Project Runway back from Lifetime. I love Lifetime, but it's not meant for reality shows...what will Valerie Bertinelli, Tori Spelling, Susan Lucci, Tracey Gold and Shannen Doherty do?

5) Bring back Work Out, at least those unlikeable bastards and bitches had nice bodies to ogle unlike another show I'm thinking of (see: Miami Social). And actually, I take it back. I liked some of them...and hi, had a relationship with them from a few years with them.

6) Find a way to keep Kathy Griffin's mom from leaving this earth. She is GOLD, and she is loved. Kathy is liked, but that woman, loved. OK, I love Kathy, but her mom with a glass of white wine from a box...love a little more.


OK, I'm done venting now, but Bravo TV, get it together. Also, I get that Mr. Cohen is a higher up, but he is not a celebrity, he can host the reunion shows, but get over yourself, you're the brains behind the operation, not the talent.

Sincerely,
Ryan Kelly

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

So, I know it's been out for a while, but if you don't know or haven't heard of Grizzly Bear. Take your head out of the sand and pay attention.

This is a band that I came to a few years back thanks to my friend Dave T. I did get to see them open for Feist at McCarren Pool about a couple years back, and they were quite good live, but I had no touch point for them. You know how it is sometimes, you see a band, don't know their music, and they could be the most astounding band, but if you don't know the songs and the words (ok, maybe it's just me), but it can leave you cold.

Their new album, Veckatimest, I have few words for. It's that good. I know, I've been all superlative-y on this blog thus far (and yes, superlative-y - it's a word, why? Because I said so).

First song that I loved, lurved, what have you..."Two Weeks" and then I saw the video...and had nightmares for weeks, and yet couldn't stop watching it.

I've included it here..so that my nightmares are shared and not solo.

"Two Weeks," "Cheerleader," "Ready/Able" and "About Face" I recommend to all Grizzly Bear virgins. Can't describe the melange of music, but it's if the Beach Boys married Broken Social Scene and after that, don't know what...vocal harmonizing is key, and beautiful.

Seek it out. You won't be disappointed.

Drop Dead Diva (thank you, Lifetime)

So yes,
We all know the routine. Lifetime (new home to Project Runway - YAY!) has a new show, and they're trying their usual shtick to get people to tune in. Yes, it's got Margaret Cho (she's sassy and the gays LURVE her - myself included), add a woman with body issues who really is a reincarnated former model and you cover all the possible bases. The shock, and I mean, SHOCK...is that, wow, this show is damn good and affecting, and not in the usual Lifetime gut-punch sort of way.

If I could re-dub the show, and it should be, the title is not, not, NOT good. But if I could, I'd say "Fat Like Me" though that was already one of Lifetime's movies with Kaley Cuoco. I say Fat Like Me because it is super reminiscent of a beloved show of mine, many years past...Dead Like Me.

The show is funny, sweet, actually challenges and addresses societal ills and yet makes you feel happy in the end. Will there be tears? Probably. Laughter? Most definitely. Also, Brooke Elliott as Jane, who is really the vapid, former pseudo-model Deb reincarnated is FAN-FRICKIN-TASTIC. Emmy, next year, you have your date and her name is Brooke Elliott.

The commercials have not done this show justice, and if this post at least makes one person watch the show who wouldn't...well, then, I've done my job.

I just finished watching the second episode and I'm officially now hooked. So, Lifetime, thanks for once for not totally pandering and actually giving a show that men, women, gay men, and gay women can watch. It's just that good.

Hope someone out there gives it a try.

Welcome to My New Blog

Hello there,
So since I've recently been availed with extra free time on my hands, I thought it was a good opportunity to brush up on my writing skills, as well as share a little of my life and my loves (namely, pop culture and cooking)...hence the title "Pop 'N Fresh Dough."

My aim is to share some new pop gems I may stumble upon, be it book, movie, band, song or whatever else comes down the pike, as well as some of my culinary adventures of my own creation or those found out and about in Philly.

So please join me along the way, and hopefully, I can expose you to something fun in pop culture or even in the kitchen.

Ryan