Sherlock Holmes, Homes.

Sherlock Holmes

I was never an avid reader of the Sherlock Holmes series, nor was I truly invested in the television series, but I can tell you after watching this historical character, portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr., wax on eloquently about disabling someone’s body I became enamored by his poetry and astounding charisma. His character is that of a tormented intellectual who rejects societal norms, favoring only his work and his companion, Watson. Their relationship is quite close, and reports have been that Guy Ritchie intended on putting a gay overtone in Holmes and Watson’s friendship.


To my surprise the dialogue for this movie was not only deliciously multi-syllabic, but it was also intellectually witty and quick. It happens too often language is simplified for the masses’ feeble comprehension. The dialogue in this movie was full of something I thought mainstream films were devoid of, substance. Even movies set in time periods where dialect was distinctively more wordy and long winded, scripts seem to dumb down the language to appeal to large amounts of moviegoers.
The opening scene was captivating. Sherlock Holmes stands in a dark room with a rather large adversary standing right outside. There’s a voice-over of Holmes explaining how he is going to disarm this man using very specific techniques while there is a slow motion shot of him using those techniques on the goon. It’s like a tutorial. Then we are back with Holmes in the moment and he executes his planned attack quickly and with precision. In those short minutes the audience can deduct this movie is going to be badass. Jude Law was an excellent Watson, because he worked so well with Robert Downey, Jr. They had such great chemistry. The only slight trouble I had with the movie was, surprisingly, Rachel McAdams’ character, Irene Adler. I was not emotionally invested in her character at all; it was quite the opposite. Every time she was on the screen I would plainly ask, “Why?” That is not to say she did not perform well, she is a fine actress, but her role in the plot I felt was uninspired. Also, Watson’s fiancee, Mary, played by Kelly Reilly was immaterial. She really could have been a faceless character. However, I am assuming their characters will be more developed in the next movie. Mark Strong played an alright villain, but the movie was all about Watson and Holmes’ methodical, resourceful ways in which they solved cases. It was really fun to watch!

However, there is something about the movie I read in a review that really upset me and left a bitter taste in my mouth.
The New York Post reports the director’s “plan to put a gay spin on the relationship of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in his new movie about the detective and his sidekick could backfire.” Though this may be true considering the stifled minds of America have been multiplying and propagating ignorance and intolerance, the next statement by Michael Medved is nauseating. He states, “There's not a seething, bubbling hunger to see straight stars impersonating homosexuals...I think they're just trying to generate controversy . . . They know that making Holmes and Watson homosexual will take away two-thirds of their box office. Who is going to want to see Downey Jr. and Law make out? I don't think it would be appealing to women. Straight men don't want to see it.” Who is this asshole?! He was a former critic for the post. Well thanks, Mike for putting your two cents in and making yourself look like a complete bigot. I found Sherlock and Watson’s relationship in the movie to be endearing and sweet. Of course, I know my hippie, be-who-you-are attitude is not by any means the predominant culture of America, but it can’t be that much of a minority! It is not okay for Medved to say what he said. It’s a deplorable testament of the growing, senseless idiocy poisoning America. The pomposity of his statement seethes with this shameless, unabashed imprudence that makes me want to projectile vomit. The New York Post was never a publication I admired or respected and it’s articles like this that cement my distaste for it.






I'm out.

Sweden is exporting more than Volvos and Saabs these days...

Za Haus of Sveden- Sofia Talvik
(The House of Sweden)

A few weeks ago I trekked down to icky Georgetown from the comfort of my friend's place near Adams Morgan to go see a woman perform I knew nothing about in the basement of a very snazzy building. I hopped on the bus, not really knowing what to expect. As I walked up to the building I remembered I had been outside of it before, sitting on a bench across from its grand entrance, getting distracted by the ostentatious architecture and wondering who the hell designed such an extravagant building. Thanks to Wikipedia now I know, Gert Wingårdh and Tomas Hansen. Awesome. I walked up to it and entered the lobby, a little intimidated by the large windows and high ceilings. The guard looked at me and smiled as I timidly asked where the concert was held. They directed me downstairs where I descended this beautifully crafted floating staircase down to a level where a miniature, very shallow indoor pond sat inconspicuously. I had to do a double take. I'm lucky I didn't fall in. EXAGGERATING. I think there was railing there haha, but you just don't expect to see something like that inside! Well, when you enter such a magical place anything goes I suppose.
Finally I made my way into the small room set up with tables where people sat leisurely drinking as they watched this woman perform. I came in late. What else is new. So I stood in the back, but had a very decent view because the room was so small. The first thing I thought when I saw her was, "Oh no. I almost forgot my aversion to female singers. I hope this doesn't suck." Sofia Talvik was phenomenal. Her voice was beautiful. It was only her and another guy with a guitar, but their sound was so strong. Not overpowering, but filled with emotion that swept over you like a serenely thoughtful wave, calming yet stirring. She uses repetition a lot and usually I feel like repetition's a cop out, but there are artists who have mastered the art and make it their own, Sofia is one of those artists. Her song Burning Fields which you can download for free at www.worldsound.com/free/sofia was actually one of my favorite songs. A bit depressing, but you know how I'm into that ish. I must say she does sound slightly better live, but I'm not disappointed by the sound at all. She was so endearing on stage, not an ounce of an ego, just so sweet. She kept encouraging pepole to stay and talk to her after her set. Her new album is called Jonestown, named after the horrible massacre. That song is also really beautiful in a painfully, heart wrenching way. You can hear that song on her website.
Everyone's always crying about getting new music, so check her out!

Sofia Talvik



I'm out.

Sonya Renee @ Busboys and Poets

Stepping into those back doors of busboys is like entering a new frontier. Reminiscent of speakeasies you see in movies, a room packed with people, a tiny stage with modest lighting. Nervous performers announced by a boisterous host as they saunter up to the stage, some questioning their decision to put their name on the performance list. Spoken Word/ Open Mic, people unfolding themselves onstage through various forms of verbal artistry. That night there was a strange vibe in the audience. I'm not sure if it was the gloomy weather earlier in the day or a severe lack of energy, but the audience just did not seem to be receptive. That is until Miz Sonya Renee got up to perform. She immediately started her set with a call and response. The audience instantly woke up, screaming loudly at her insistence. Her first poem she wrote years ago, she confessed, it hadn't been performed for anyone but us lucky people of B&P. It was my favorite one she performed that night. A poem steeped in the harsh reality of a growing problem in America, the mass depletion of self-esteem in women. She warned women against allowing themselves to settle for men who treated them unfairly, to have faith in themselves enough to not need a man. The way she wove the story, taking the audience on an emotional roller-coaster through her thoughts and opinions, halting at one idea, expanding, and continuing on until at the end your mind was spinning and your heart was pounding. Every poem she performed was like that. A beautiful, tumultuous landscape of self-awareness and self-evaluation, coupled with words that cradled you then dropped you abruptly, bringing you back to reality. Her words dripped with a sad knowing that pulled you into the moment, her moment. It was beautiful. If ever you get an opportunity to see her... GO! And come to busboys and poets Tuesday nights at 9:30 to catch the next Sonya Renee. There is some true talent in the DC area.

Jammin Your Java with As Tall As Lions

Since moving up here, I popped my Jammin Java cherry. It's a small venue in Vienna, perfect for that coffee-house like vibe some artist embody, and apparently for some crazy partying. I have yet to experience the latter, maybe tonight?

Anyway, on this particular night As Tall As Lions was headlining, a band steeped in heartfelt lyrical melodies, sweet subtle nuances, and surprising power. Their songs reverberate with you long after the record is off, something that is absent in a lot of bands right now. They took the stage after a band I can't remember the name of, immediately the audience began fidgeting, moving closer to the stage, buzzing with anticipation. Then they began playing. There were a few songs I was looking forward to hearing, but their entire turned out to be really good. Minus a few sound issues, the entire set was awesome. The second song they played, Ghost of York, was one of my favorites off of their self-titled album, and I was quickly partial to the live version. There was one song that entire night, though, that stuck with me the most- Stab City. The instrumental beginning of the song lulls you and Dan Nigo's voice meshes into the music, a fluid infusion of human expression and soft electronica. Then his voice breaks away from the fluidity creating this shock, a perturbation in the lullaby, making the song poignant and powerful. It was beautifully done. The energy of the entire band was contagious, especially the bassist, Julio Tavarez. He was really in every song, feeling the music. No silly persona, but someone who genuinely enjoyed the music he was playing. Their new live band addition Duncan Tootill on trumpet was also uninhibited, sweet notes echoing through brass. Robb Parr on the keys, head bobbing intuitively to the music. The drummer, Cliff Sarcona, was poised yet out of control, banging energetically in every song. The guitarist, Saen Fitzgerald stoically poised, subtly moving to the music. How people in the audience could contain their composure is an anomaly. These guys really know how to put on a show and play some killer music. It also doesn't hurt that they're just great people, living their dream. Two of the band members actually have a side project called Apres Vous, a novel concept- improvisational performance, sounds awesome.
As Tall As Lions is a band you should definitely check out. But don't take my word for it. Here's a taste.