The Root of All Evil
Memorial Day weekend came and went in what seemed like record time for the annual three-day break. The extended holiday was ultimately rather low-key, marred by stubborn clouds that eventually gave way to blue skies on Sunday afternoon, though it did provide periodic highlights. The proceedings began with a screening of There Will Be Blood , a pointed showcase for Daniel Day-Lewis’ proficient talent as an actor but also a deft character study on a most heinous man. Writer/Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s depiction of turn-of-the-century California and the avaricious oil barons vying for potentially lucrative lands ended up a disheartening tale that I couldn’t pull myself from. Even the extended duration of nearly three hours, which had initially put me off from watching altogether, left me wanting more as I hastily added the Bonus Materials DVD with deleted scenes to our Netflix queue once the credits began to roll. If Day-Lewis’ Oscar win for Best Actor wasn’t enough encouragement to see There Will Be Blood, let me just put in recommendations on behalf of the gorgeous cinematography of Robert Elswit and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood’s original music that enriches the film through unconventional means; simply put, it’s a must-see.
The Roots at UCLA’s Jazz Reggae Festival 5.26.08
On Sunday, I opted to stick with my original plan and attend the Jazz Reggae Festival’s “Jam Day” at UCLA to see The Roots and John Densmore’s Tribaljazz. Arriving at 4 pm, we were greeted by the politically-minded lyrics and beats of Immortal Technique followed by the second stage-headlining, all-instrumental Brett Canter Trio. When female vocalist Goapele began her set, my suspicions that I had already missed John Densmore’s Tribaljazz were confirmed as his time slot was scheduled for earlier in the afternoon. It was nothing to worry about because my main focus was on The Roots, who delivered a hits-filled set that kept the lively crowd moving until the 7 pm cut-off. It was a thrilling conclusion to the idyllic afternoon, one that reinforced my sentiment that The Roots are first and foremost a live band whose infectious energy carries over remarkably well to their studio recordings.
Memorial Day proper was nothing out of the ordinary, save for the Eastern Conference Finals basketball game between the Celtics and Pistons that Detroit won 94-75 to tie their series at two, but this week is best described as stacked. I couldn’t watch game 4 of the Lakers and Spurs last night (Purple and Gold won!) because we went to see The Police and Elvis Costello and the Imposters at Hollywood Bowl, a throwback of sorts to the 1980s, but also a quality evening of live music in its own right. Tonight is round 2 of Elvis and The Police at the same venue and my feeling is that it will be even better than Tuesday. Be sure to visit My Wear & Tear later this week for a review of tomorrow’s Lakers’ game 5 at Staples Center, as I will be there to root them on in hopes of a Finals appearance for the first time since 2004.
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