Archive: February, 2011

ADVENTURES OF AN OPEN-MIKER: Tritone

POSTED: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass | Music | Adventures of an Open-Miker Local Support

Make no mistake: Tritone is a rock bar. The venue at 15th and South had Zeppelin blasting on the jukebox when I entered. The walls are red, the bathroom was covered with graffiti and black-and-white bumper stickers for angry unknown bands, and the stage was littered with guitar amps as a man assembled a drum kit. This might sound like criticism, but it's not: it's just to point out that this is a venue quite different from those I've covered up to now. This one caters mainly to full bands, not singer-songwriters. That said, performances varied widely, from keyboards to harps to horns. The night was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., but open-mikers be warned: it didn't get going until about 9:30. Still, the bands on stage Tuesday put on a rollicking good show I haven't seen so many extended guitar solos in quite a while, and it reminded me of why jam bands are so much fun. The band that hosted the night, called the PBR Band ( it stands for Philadelphia Brothers Reunion, not the beer), sounded like a cross between the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers two bands they later covered. The guitarist played deft, modal solos reminiscent of Jerry Garcia's, but the overall sound was more stripped-down and punchy than either band. The keyboardist easily transitioned to bass as the night went on. These guys were technically proficient, and had plenty of energy worth dropping by on a Tuesday night to see. As for the other performers: we each got 15-minute, 3-song slots. I was impressed by David Bowden, a solo Irish harpist who confidently took the stage wedged between louder acts. His Celtic tunes were followed by Gray Fox, another standout act and not just because their drummer busted the bass drum head. They were a two-piece band, just guitar and drums, but there was no need for a bass: the guitarist filled the room with his metal-inflected blues riffs even while we waited for the drum kit to be repaired. The electric guitar, with its thin sound, has never struck me as a good solo instrument; you rarely see singer-songwriters come onstage with one. But Gray Fox pulled it off: it was Delta blues on speed. While we listened, we ate fried pickles and drank what's been called the "citywide special": PBR and a shot of whiskey for three bucks. No beers on tap, but a good selection of bottles and cans. Tritone is an upbeat, rocker's nightbands should check this one out, while singer-songwriters might prefer just to listen. The nitty-gritty for performers: Tuesdays, Tritone, 1508 South St. Scheduled for 8, but don't show up until 9. Three songs apiece, but it's flexible. For a comprehensive list of other open-mic nights in the city, check our event listings database.

Posted by Matt Cantor @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ICE CUBES: Butch, Ryat, Idol and multiple Thom McCarthys

POSTED: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 5:00 PM

Filed Under: Ice Cubes | Icepack Illustrated

His documentary film is called Straight and Butch. It is based on the exploits of shooting a calendar where a gay Philly talk show host met up with a bunch of so-called heteros. And "I got a fucking distributor!!! They're called Breaking Glass Pictures, it has an April 26 street date." That's Butch Cordoba of "In Bed With Butch" fame. His flick just got picked up by Rich Wolf's distributing company for DVD release. Congrats. The roof top deck at The Corner nee Apothecary in the Gayborhood opens its roof deck this weekend. It'll be nearly 70 degrees. They are serving free nibbles. Is this the true and definitive meaning of the perfect storm? You know, not that long ago I wrote about how SouthWest Philadelphia was changing its stripes and was opening the world's so-called largest refrigerator with its Regional Produce Warehouse. Well, now there's the Center for Culinary Enterprises (CCE) which is looking to transform a vacant supermarket building at 310 S. 48th into a 13,000 square-foot green-building food biz incubator. That's better than the proposed new prison at the old M.A.B. Paints factory any day. The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation is one of the sponsors of the Ultimate Chef culinary battle that will take over WHYY's Dorrance H. Hamilton Public Media Commons on May 11 with a five-course tasting menu and participants including Jennifer Carroll (10 Arts), Emilio Mignucci (DiBruno Bros), Chip Roman (that new Mica space) and more. While you can nab a ticket to the soiree at philafood.org/ultimatechef., you should also hit philafood.net as the Development Corporation itself (TEC-CDC) is seeking bids for the construction of the Center as well as looking at opportunities for bourgeoning home-based food business in need of development.

Shannon D. Niland

L-R Owners of The Legendary Dobbs: Heshey Schlachetramn, Justin Wolk and Robert Damerjian; Carol Riddick (The Recording Academy's Senior Project Manager and Interim Executive Producer), Rodney Whittenberg (The Recording Academy Board Member and Chief Educational Director), Shannon Niland (Miss Niland Presents) and Matt Cappy (Vice President of The Recording Academy and Grammy Winner).

After being a live punk club, a beer bong, (almost) an izakaya and a southern fried something-or-other, is the Khyber in Old City looking to put a stage in again on its second floor? Ever since their once-a-month Swellco shows have become a bloodbath of sex and success (next one Feb 18) rumor has it ret to go like in the next minute or two. Next week, there's an awful lot of Thom McCarthy around. Fox Searchlight's WIN WIN is having a screening of director McCarthy's Sundance-fave film on Feb 18 at Ritz East with a meet-and-greet the following week (Feb. 25) with McCarthy. Philly's boss best songwriter Thom McCarthy is bringing his post-Valentine's night of romantic songs and ever-loving fellow crooners such as Joshua Park to National Mechanics Feb 21. What the hell is that Tom McCarthy guy from The Philly Fan up to next week? Somebody book this.

A.D. Amorosi

Wilma's managing director James Haskins and the big lady Blanka Ziska at the Wilma's Theater Lover Fete.

Word of the Society Hill Hotel's closing ripped through the drinking and jazzing community like wildfire. But most peeps are saying it was around for a decade. Wasn't it the SHH when Ted Gerike there from like 1980 until the 2000s? 2002. I swear I remember the "Ted Heads" at the hotel. I'll feature more about her in the upcoming music issue, but, anyone who has a head for music and a heart for soul knows Philly's Christina Ryat, who under the name "Ryat" has been a one-lady band of powerful vocals, pedals and self-played instruments. Now, a two-piece with her bud Tim Conley, Ryat drops its debut Avant Gold on her Obvious Bandits imprint and kicks off her tour at The OX Sat Feb 19. Do that. WHOWHATWHERE: I believe Ed Rendell was still walking his dog when I had to leave The Wilma's annual fundraising party/Theater Lovers Fête where the Honorable Ed was getting the Wilma Star Award. Why? For having helped get the Wilma on the-then starting Avenue of the Arts fifteen years ago. Thanks for that Ed. Had to go but I got very martooni-ed up, bought raffle tix and loved-loved-loved The Bearded Ladies, the whole Moulin Rouge vibe and, even thought I saw NBC-TV 10's Justin Pizzi with either a neck brace or an Eiffel Tower around his collar in tribute the whole Parisian thing. Viva la France! You know that The Roots, along with John Legend and Ian Cross, were just a few of the Philly-based Grammy awardees this week What you might not know is that Illadel All Stars, who had scads of production and writing credits on the The Roots' How I Got Over ( nominated for Best Rap Album which lost to Eminem) held court big time at The Recording Academy s bash at The Legendary Dobbs where owner Heshey Schlachterman and PR mistress Shannon Niland acted as hosts with the most. OK, we're not allowed to say too much about this (and neither is she) but one of Icepack's personal faves, former wedding planner turned real estate agent Erika Schiff made it to American Idol's Hollywood week. Then into the top 100 on Wednesday's program. Will she get into the top 40 and the scrutiny of a judging America. Stay tuned.

kev

Posted 2011-02-21 08:29:38

The Khyber put in a stage two months ago you knob.

Posted by A.D. Amorosi @ 5:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

DJ NIGHTS BLOGGED: Tropicalismo @ Walnut Room Redux TONIGHT!

POSTED: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 4:00 PM

Filed Under: Music | DJ Nights Blogged DJs

Can't get enough of the boogie woogie? Check our DJ Nights listings database for more DJ shows.

Posted by Gair Marking @ 4:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

TO-DO LIST: Classes & Workshops, Feb. 16-23

POSTED: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 3:00 PM

Filed Under: Just Do It | To-Do List

Each day we dig into a different category of our listings database to compile a to-do list of our favorite entries. Today: Get schooled with a week's worth of classes & workshops.

Sing it, sister!

HAT DECORATING: CROWNING GLORY WORKSHOP Create a hat Aretha could rock at this workshop taught by artist Edward Maeder. Materials are included with workshop price, but feel free to bring your own pipe cleaners, buttons or whatever else you can think of. Sat., Feb. 19, 9 a.m., $48, Green on Greene Building, 6819 Greene St., 215-842-1040.

COMPOSTING FOR FUN, NOT PROFIT This workshop teaches the delightful essentials and benefits of composting. Every Thu., 6-7 p.m., FREE, Greensgrow Farm, 2501 E. Cumberland St., 215-427-2702.

CONTEMPORARY ISRAEL CINEMA FILM CLASS Are you an Israeli film buff? Join instructor Gary Kramer every Wednesday (except March 16) for DVD screenings and discussions on how class, gender, religion, and other contemporary issues are illustrated in recent Israeli films. Every Wed., 6:30-9:30 p.m., $125, Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., 215-545-4400.

INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTROOM Learn how to clean up your digital photos with Adobe Lightroom. You'll finally be able to retouch your snaps before posting them on Facebook. Every Thu., 7-10 p.m., $300, Project Basho, 1305 Germantown Ave., 215-238-0928.

MEDIA THEATRE'S ACTING & VOICE CLASSES These classes, developed around the Meisner Technique, are ideal for actors and regular folk, alike. Call or check the website for details about their voice lessons and eight-week acting classes for children, teens and adults. Every Sun., $350, Media Theatre, 104 E. State St., Media, 610-891-0100.

Augusto Boal

RAINBOW OF DESIRE: THEATER AND THERAPY Brazilian director Augusto Boal developed a theory on how to help people handle life's oppressive daily torments. He believes that by helping people act situations out on stage they will become more comfortable handling realistic situations, and more accepting of their reactions. Every Mon., 7:30-9 p.m., $40, Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Ave., 215-730-0982.

STRIPTEASE AEROBICS Tone up while you learn new ways to drive your partner wild in the bedroom at this aerobics session that teaches the art of stripping. Every Fri., 5:30-6:15 p.m., $10, Fitness Works Philadelphia, 714 Reed St., 215-334-8190.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE FLEISCHER BROTHERS CARTOON STUDIO Are you old enough to recall Betty Boop, Koko the Clown, or Popeye? Relive your youth and get a glimpse into the Fleischer Brothers' Cartoon Studio. Every Thu., 6:30-8:30 p.m., $59, Mt. Airy Learning Tree, 6601 Greene St., 215-843-6333.

THE WORD STUDIO WRITING WORKSHOP Aspiring writers can take advantage of this workshop, which offers structure, feedback, guidance, and the practice of meeting deadlines. Every Tue., 7-9:15 p.m., $450, The Word Studio, 26 E. Mt. Airy Ave., 215-242-1432.

URBAN ORGANIC GARDENING WORKSHOP There's more you can do for your plants to make them grow besides singing off-key. This workshop will cover garden beds, seeds, healthy soil, and more to aid your vegetable garden. Sun., Feb. 20, 2-3:30 p.m., $10, Mishkan Shalom, 4101 Freeland Ave., nimphilly.org/sustainingcreation.

For more Classes/Workshops listings, or to add some of your own, click HERE.

Posted by Diana Palmieri @ 3:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

MOVIE REVIEW: The Romantic

POSTED: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 9:00 PM

Filed Under: Arts | Critical Mass | Movies | Video | Philly Artists Movie Review

TheRomanticMovie.com

A still from The Romantic.

"If this is a story, who's writing it?" asks the hero of The Romantic, an animated feature film released online this week. The answer: Philadelphia's Michael P. Heneghan, who made the movie without a budget over three years. The Romantic calls itself "a mythological horror about monsters & magic." It's an apt description. The beautifully-rendered film plays with themes from Greek and other mythology: gods as fallible as humans face dramas above while humans try to make sense of the world below. And when the two worlds collide, things become unpleasant for everyone.

Heneghan

Humans meddling in godly affairs, and gods meddling in humans' lives, provide much of The Romantic's twisty-turny plot. The film begins with Romance himself, a young man in search of lost love. But it's not the standard "she left me, I want her back" quest: Romance's concern is that he has stopped loving his girlfriend, and he wants to reignite his passion. Aided by a mysterious little man called Patience, who provides most of the film's humor, Romance visits a goddess. She can fix his plightbut to do so "ain't natural," she warns. Of course, being a tragic mythological hero, he goes ahead with the plan, to disastrous results which drive the bulk of the dark story. Don't expect a traditional Hollywood story arc: the plot here is more episodic and can at times be difficult to follow. Our hero's many encounters are unified, however, by his unending struggle to understand the cruel worldand whether we're better off writing our own life stories, or having them dictated by forces beyond our control. Heneghan and co.'s ultra-smooth animation is gorgeous and originalthough be prepared for some unflinching bloodshed. While there are echoes of Tim Burton, the creepy character design is unique in its sad eyes, giant hands, and skinny legs. The backgrounds, too, are notably unusual: trees, for example, are sometimes left as simply penciled-in sketches, adding a certain humanity to the scenes. Romance is voiced passionately and convincingly by Jason Salerno in a cast of able performers. One actor, Nathan Terry, also wrote the film's original score, whose sweet, atmospheric tunes offer a contrast to often-harrowing events onscreen without distracting from them. The result is an eerie, haunting film that's part myth, part fairy tale, and part fable. The Romantic was unveiled, appropriately, on Valentine's Day; it can be viewed for free here.

BRAIN

Posted 2011-02-17 13:19:43

I LAUGHED. I CRIED. I LAUGHED AGAIN. THEN I CRIED SOME MORE. THEN LAUGHED ONE LAST TIME. THEN SMILED.

Posted by Matt Cantor @ 9:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

10 Track Mind: A glass of warm milk and a line of blow

POSTED: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 8:00 PM

Filed Under: Music 10 Track Mind

I set my iPod on shuffle. Here's where it led me ...

1. The Beatles, "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) The song that helped usher in the Psychedelic Era in the '60s, "Norwegian Wood" is John Lennon's personal account of his own extra-marital affairs and is the first Fab Four recording to feature George Harrison playing a sitar. The Eastern drone of George's plucking always strikes a chord with me. 2. Neutral Milk Hotel, "In an Aeroplane Over the Sea" A song that always reminds me of Bob Dylan, this late '90s indie anthem is Neutral Milk Hotel's masterpiece. Jeff Magnum's poetic and captivating lyrics combined with its eerie instrumental ambiance and folky sound make this spine-tingling track as haunting as "Anna's Ghost." The album is based on the life of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who, during World War II, was captured and died in a Nazi concentration camp. Really deep stuff, I know.

3. Grizzly Bear, "Southern Point" Brooklyn pysch-folk band Grizzly Bear's "Southern Point," with its jumpy acoustic verses and space filling tribal chorus, is so easy to get lost in with a nice set of headphones. With a tripped out breakdown and frantic bridge, the song defines eclectic. 4. The Shins, "Kissing the Lipless" Off the Shins second album, Chutes to Narrow, this is one of my favorite songs to roll down the windows and jam out to while I am driving back home to Jersey. Blasting James Mercer's shrill vocals and fuzzy guitar solos are the best way to get from place to place and wake up all the suburban neighborhoods I pass along the way.

5. Portugal. The Man, "People Say" Ah, this is one of my favorite songs of all time and the soundtrack to my summer last year. A total jam tune off the phenomenal Satanic Satanist record, "People Say" has one of the catchiest chorus' of all time and a toe-tapping rhythm that is infectious. I dare you to not hum the melody after listening to it. 6. Girls, "Morning Light" The first few feedback polluted seconds of the song suddenly rip into a fast paced psych-punk rock hybrid. Singer (and former cult member) Christopher Owens' calm vocals provide a stark contrast to the chaotic instrumentation. Check this band out, especially their latest EP "Broken Dreams Club," really phenomenal stuff.

7. Of Montreal, "Panda Bear" Before all the theatrics, electronic samples, and drag (in singer and guitarist Kevin Barnes' case), of Montreal was more Beatle-y than anything. "Panda Bear," of the 1998 album The Bedside Drama: A Petite Tragedy, is a soothing little lullaby that, unlike newer Of Montreal recordings, is better accompanied by a glass of warm milk rather than a line of blow, with its soft verses, thin guitar sound, and gently played piano. 8.Arcade Fire, "Modern Man" Arcade Fire's latest album, The Suburbs, pulled off an improbable victory at the Grammy's this past weekend, snatching up the coveted Best Album award, giving hope to indie rockers everywhere. This track off the acclaimed record is a smooth and subdued song when compared to their more epic and theatrical songs like "Ready to Start" or "Sprawl II". The soft, muted guitar and Win Butler's hopeless lyrics make this one of the more memorable and underrated tracks off the album.

9. Crystal Castles, "Vanished" Another group hailing from The Great White North, "Vanished" is a dark but jumpy raver's delight. The fuzzy, dirty synth lines and lo-fi sound bites that hum in and out of frequency possess you to move. Check these guys out when they come TLA on Mar.5. 10. Sleigh Bells, "Rill Rill" When it comes to Hipster crunk music, I always think Sleigh Bells. But the noisiness and chaos that is emblematic of the band's sound takes a back seat in this chill track with nonsensical lyrics (we form a tarot pack/and I'm aware of that/but we could fist fight drunk like the parent trap), a great acoustic guitar sound, and a calm melody and beat. A great track to sit down under a sunny day and people-watch to. If you would like to contribute to 10 Track Mind, e-mail criticalmass [at] citypaper [dot] net.

Posted by Massimo Pulcini @ 8:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

GO SEE IT: Michael McGonigle lectures on Native Americans in film

POSTED: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 7:00 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass Books

When asked to give a lecture on the portrayal of Native Americans in American film, PMA Film Lecturer Michael McGonigle protested, "I wouldn't know where to start. All I know about Native Americans I learned from Hollywood." "It was sad to realize that as someone who studies film, I had only been exposed to the Hollywood stereotypes," said McGonigle. As part of the One Book, One Philadelphia celebration of Sherman Alexie's War Dances, McGonigle will give a lecture inspired by that initial observation. And the deeper McGonigle went into Hollywood's ample history of Native American inaccuracies, the more he caught on to certain trends. "In many of the older films, like John Wayne's, the Native Americans are shown as completely stoic. It's ridiculousIn a DVD commentary, Sherman Alexie basically said that those images were hilarious," said McGonigle. Granted, we don't see the noble savage stock character all that much in contemporary film. But, on the flip side, McGonigle points out that there's an influx of over-the-top, spiritual, land-loving indigenous people in film. "It's like we've gone radically in the other direction, instead of trying to actually create some more honest, well-developed characters." Tonight, 7 P.M. at the Philadelphia Free Library, McGonigle will bring a critical lens to classics like "Dances With Wolves," perhaps dig out some of those culturally entrenched images and finally explore some of the rarer, nuanced depictions.

Posted by Will Stone @ 7:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

BOOKISH: Poetry, crossword murder mysteries and Mrs. Dalloway all day

POSTED: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass Books

Each Wednesday, Will Stone puts together a rundown of book-centric events that'll keep you "lit" all week long.

Wednesday: For crossword enthusiasts, the only thing better than a mind-numbing crossword is a mystery about a mind-numbing crossword. And the nom de plume of the husband and wife team that spawned the Crossword Puzzle Mystery series is the first puzzler: they're called Nero Blanc who's Nero and who's Blanc? Also, why is one word French and the other Italian? You can hear Steve Zettler and Cordelia Frances Biddle explain it all at the Wissahickon Valley Public Library. Feb. 16, 7 p.m., free, Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell.

Thursday: Recently a recipient of the National Books Award's poetry prize, Terrance Hayes, a South Carolina-born poet, slides between old rhymes and newly imagined "puzzelike lines," as described by the NY Times. As part of the Villanova literary festival, Hayes will read from his fourth book, Lighthead, which weaves together stories of growing up black in the rural South and musical verses, pulling from Marvin Gaye and Louis Armstrong and contemporary hip hop alike. Feb. 17, 7 p.m., free, Villanova University Main Campus, 800 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova. Friday: Stroll through the post World War I streets of London and fret about flowers and arrangement for an evening with English dignitaries. In other words, take a trip into Virginia Woolf's classic, Mrs. Dalloway. And considering it's difficult to recreate that experience living in Philly these days, you're best off going to the Marathon Reading at the Kelly Writer's House. All are welcome, and bowlers are particularily encouraged for the daylong reading event. Feb. 18, 12 p.m., free, University of Pennsylvania: Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, (215) 573-9748. Saturday: Take part in a book discussion of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian in order to prepare for Sherman Alexie's big visit in mid-March. The book has been primetime on Philly's art and culture circuit for months now, so you've got no excuse not to read it I saw a dude reading the book at a bar on Saturday night. You can check out CP's interview with Alexie here. Feb. 19, 2 p.m, Free Library Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322. Sunday Head over to Big Blue Marble Books and hear authors Minter Krotzer and Rebecca Foust read from the literary journal, Many Mountains Moving. Foust hails from a small town in the Allegheny Mountains and has authored the book of poems, All That Gorgeous, Pitiless Song (Many Mountains Moving Book Award, 2010). Minter Krotzer's writing pulls from her experiences growing up near the Mississippi delta. She has recently published Hint Fiction An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer (WW Norton 2010). Feb. 20, 5 p.m., free, Big Blue Marble Books, 551 Carpenter Lane. For more readings and book signings this week, check our event listings sdatabase.

Posted by Will Stone @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

BOOK REVIEW: Zombie, Spaceship, Wasteland by Patton Oswalt

POSTED: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 5:00 PM

Filed Under: Comedy | Critical Mass | Books Stand-up

I'd like to thank comedian, actor, author and lead Ratatouille voice Patton Oswalt for disproving an axiom. Somewhere along the way, art snobs decided that self-indulgence is a bad thing. I suppose this can be occasionally true, if you happen to disagree with the auto-gratuitous auteur's worldview but even then, at the very least it's interesting ... and education is never a heavy burden to carry. In Zombie, Spaceship, Wasteland, Oswalt indulges his every whimsy, his every stopped-at-a-red-light daydream, his every doodle scribbled on the back of a Chinese take-out menu. And the result is superb. Despite being a thoroughly self-indulgent book (or, perhaps, because of that), Zombie, Spaceship, Wasteland did what all great art should do: it provided me a causeway to a deeper vantage point of my inner self. A full dose of Patton's psychology shortens the psychic chord between me and all things. It also happens to be as entertaining as a Harvard campus mullet flash mob (read: very). The book is broken up into different segments of memoir, punctuated by (generally shorter) pieces of pure comedy. He takes us into his adolescence as a ticket-ripper at the local movie-plex, introducing us to his weird characters in up-close, present-tense narrative. He explains the role that dungeons and dragons played in his pre-pubescent development. He takes us up to the Vancouver suburbs to relive his very first headlining comedy gig, which *spoiler* was a nightmare. He explores the frayed synapses of his uncle with schizophrenia, and how that madness taught him about his own relationship with the world. He dazzles us with absurd restaurant wine-lists and a hilarious comic strip about the mellow-dramatic nature of vampires. All interesting, poignant, funny and brutally honest.

comedians.jokes.com

Most importantly, he develops a thesis. He posits that every creative person subconsciously injects their worldview into one of the following thematic aesthetics: zombies, spaceships, or wastelands. Me personally? I've found that my enthusiasm for abstraction and flair for futurism renders me a pretty obvious spaceship dweller. Patton's idiom? Well, fans of his comedy can just recall his liquor-ad lady coiting with the entire softball team in the abandoned hospital to get a general idea of his take on the American landscape. But Patton's manifesto is every bit as generous to the modern American experience as it is biting. His concepts are well-developed, his imagery is vivid, and his turn of the phrase manages to remain maybe his greatest strength. Check him out in a few pretty insightful interviews with him on : The Bill Simmons Report (1/19/11), and WTF w/ Marc Maron.

Posted by Ryan Carey @ 5:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

CURATOR: Remember, virginity is a state of mind

POSTED: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 4:00 PM

High School, a documentary created in 1968 about an average day in the life of a Northeast High School student has surfaced in a small way on Philebrity. Normally, this wouldn't be such a big deal as there's not much you can't find on Youtube, but High School has been banned from being screened in Philly for years. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Philebrity posted a clip from the cinéma vérité, giving us all some much needed advice on love and relationships. Remember Philly, virginity is a state of mind.

The Art in the Age blog is always keeping me up on news about the plight of sailors, the usefulness of wooly hats and historical landmarks. Well, mark a victory in the historical landmarks section, because Virginia just threw down. Eyesore extraordinaire Wal-Mart Stores Inc. were approved two years ago by Orange County, Va. to build yet another store next to the historic Civil War battlefield where Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant met in battle for the first time. Luckily, the Friends of the Wilderness Battlefield stood up to the Big Brother of retail and fought for their town's history. Better yet, a coalition of 200 historians joined in, petitioning to leave the hallowed ground as is. In the end, Wal-Mart skipped town, bowing to the plight of the awesome team of pissed off Virginians and historians. I'd like to think Wal-Mart was last seen leaving the town twirling its moustache menacingly while getting in the Monopoly guy's jalopy.

Posted by Sean Kearney @ 4:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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What we're trying to do this weekend
CONCERT REVIEW: The Postal Service @ The Mann 6/17
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Sunny, Tony and the return of Do No Harm
CONCERT REVIEW: The Rolling Stones @ Wells Fargo Center 6/18 || Ian McLagan @ Tin Angel 6/17
Behind the scenes of local film A Man Full of Trouble
NOW SEE THIS: Salinger film trailer
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Indian fare rules, Dunder Mifflin lives on, Tom Jones is a god
REVIEW: Archer Live! @ the TLA 1/11
CITY PAPER WRITING CONTEST 2013: Send stories! Send poetry!
CONCERT PHOTOS: The National/Dirty Projectors @ The Mann Center 6/7

About this blog

Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

Follow Critical Mass editors Patrick Rapa and Emily Guendelsberger on Twitter:

@mission2denmark | @emilygee

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