Arrested Development: Pass the Timosil

I’ve just finished watching the first season DVDs of Fox’s Arrested Development a second time. Man, what an awesome show. I don’t think I’ve seen anything on broadcast television quite like it. It’s a wonder it hasn’t been cancelled already!

The writing is top-notch, for one. It has this weird blend of really subtle and completely over-the-top moments to it. I mean, there are just as many dry, sarcastic lines as there are prat falls or fart jokes. This dynamic is at least partially character-driven, though the same could be said for the show itself. Michael (Jason Bateman), for example, is like the straight man in the middle being driven crazy and is very dry and acerbic, while Buster (Tony Hale) is at times a complete imbecile—hilariously childish and goofy.

Which brings me to the other cool thing about the show: the amazing ensemble cast, including one of my favorite comedians, David Cross (Mr. Show, Shut Up You Fucking Baby) as Tobias Funke. He’s really good, of course, though I can’t say he’s my favorite character. Gob, played by Will Arnett (Amy Poehler’s husband) and George Michael (Michael Cera) are probably my two favs, but all of them are funny (that’s the ensemble part). There are also some cool cameos, including plenty of Mr. Show cast members and various other “out-of-the-mainstream” comedians (e.g. Poehler and her fellow Upright Citizens).

What else can I say? This is a really good show. It’s got clever writing, a great cast with funny people…oh, and fart jokes, a couple of fart jokes here and there. Let’s just hope it’s not too good, if you know what I mean.

January 16, 2005 | Filed Under TV, Video | Leave a Comment 

Potluck

I had a good time last night. Tim, Jonathan, and I went out to our friend Andy’s newly relocated monthly DJ nite, Potluck, at Wonderland in Columbia Heights (DC). I’d never been there before, so I didn’t really know what to expect.

We arrived shortly before 10 to find a bustling crowd hanging out downstairs, near the main bar, with hip hop playing on the jukebox. Upstairs, Andy and friends were DJing to a smaller group lounging at tables and on a couple of low-slung couches. The space was nice and clean, but pretty laid-back. [Just like me!] Low-key lighting, hardwood floors, brick red walls with various LP jackets hanging on them, and lots of windows overlooking 11th St made for a more than decent atmosphere. At one end of the long room was a small, full-service bar with about six beers on tap and a cute bartender. At the other was the DJ/stage area. Although no one was making any use of it last night (it’s DC, remember), there was also plenty of room for dancing in between the DJ and the sitting area.

The music was great. Andy played a good mix (hence the name “Potluck”) of upbeat rock: Velvet Underground, the Fall, and the Feelies, to name a few. My personal fav was Love’s “Can’t Explain” followed by “Throw Aggi Off the Bridge” by Black Tambourine (who covered the previous song)—smart!

It was good to just hang out, have a couple beers, and listen to some cool tunes, without being cramped and having to scream over the music like I would at my usual DJ night.

A regular date has not yet been announced, but Andy says look for the next Potluck one Thursday in February.

January 14, 2005 | Filed Under Personal | Leave a Comment 

iPod

I’ve recently been considering getting an iPod. I’m not really too big on MP3s (I’ll certainly never stop buying real records), but in light of the possibility of traveling a lot this year and considering my daily commute to and from work, it doesn’t seem entirely impractical.

I was reading reviews last night of the fourth generation 20GB model, as well as its competitors. What? The iPod has competition? Yes, it does. The iRiver H320, for example, has a bunch more features (including photo support with a full color display, support for Ogg Vorbis, longer battery life, built-in FM tuner, and audio line-in for live recording) at about the same cost of the latest 20GB iPod.

Still, the iPod has yet to be matched, let alone outdone, in terms of its design. The minimal looks, the clickwheel navigation, the intangible “cool” factor, and its seamless integration with iTunes, all make for a pretty package.

I do have several preemptive gripes, though. For one, iPods (and especially 4th generation 20GB models) seem to lack some pretty essential accessories. No cradle/docking station? No remote? No case? These are things which, if you’re shelling out $300, should be included in the standard package. The skins (protective silicon coverings) sell for about $30. The dock sells for about $40, as does the remote/earphones package. And thanks to Apple’s fascist pricing policies, deals are rare or nonexistent. As you can see, it starts to add up:

iPod 4G 20GB: $300
Dock: $40
Remote: $40
Skin: $30
—————
Total: $410

Another, less important problem: they do not offer a choice of colors for the full-size iPods. White only? I don’t buy anything white if I can help it. White gets dirty. White is boring. Where’s the black, the silver, or the periwinkle iPod? U2 Edition? Fuck that. Now, if they made a Negativland iPod, that would be cool.

I’ll probably buy one, though, like a good consumer. I’ll also have to buy a skin and replace those white earbuds with something less conspicuous (and more comfortable). I do hope that you current iPod owners realize that the earbuds sold with iPods are the equivalent of having a “please rob me” sign taped to your back. Luckily, I have good pair of portable headphones already.

January 13, 2005 | Filed Under Technology | Leave a Comment 

Rare, OOP Blog

Netflix has implemented a Friend’s Page feature where you and your friends can share ratings and recommendations on the movies you’re renting. I’d really like to get in on this. I often have a hard time trying to pick out movies for my queue. If you have an account and would like to share the wealth of your movie-watching knowledge, let me know.

[via Slashdot] Google Groups lists its 20 Year Archive of Usenet Timeline featuring some interesting first-posts dating back to 1981. My favorites include First mention of MTV (’82), First mention of a compact disc (’82), First “Me too” post (’83), and First discussion about “New Coke” (’85).

largehearted boy had a link a few days ago to this band, Tungsten74, who have posted the theme music to the Nintendo classic Metroid. Looks like they’re planning to cover it. Anyway, it reminded me of this remix electronic/IDM artist Lexaunculpt did a few years ago, which may or may not be the track “Samus” on the Children of Mu compilation. I dunno—I haven’t heard that one.

+ One of my favorite records of 2004 was The Concretes’ self-titled debut album, so I decided to pick up their first full-length, Boyoubetterunow, a CD released on UP records which compiles two of their EPs. I somehow got it in my head that this record was out of print, an idea reaffirmed by this auction I found. Before considering a bid, I decided to do a little more research. I soon discovered that this “VERY RARE OOP CD” is available from Sub Pop for $10. The auction, starting at $29.99 and ending with a winning bid of $55.55, was a complete sham. This guy (let’s call him Hugh…Hugh Jashol) completely lied (whether he intentionally lied or not is beside the point). Scams on eBay??! Shocking, I know. I’m just saying this as a reminder: be careful and always research that shit. For my five minutes of extra Googling, I got a reasonably-priced copy in a timely manner and without the hassle of waiting for some goon to get off his ass and go to the post office.

January 10, 2005 | Filed Under Film, Music | Leave a Comment 

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