Media Junkie

Movie Review: Terminator Salvation

Terminator Salvation
Warner Bros. Pictures
PG-13
115 Minutes
2009

Please note: The following review contains MASSIVE SPOILERS.  If you do not wish to know major plot details of Terminator Salvation, do not click the link below.

I'll just get this out of the way right now: Terminator Salvation is not a good movie.  It's an even worse Terminator film, but it's just not a good movie all around.  From the wooden performances, gaping plotholes, and flat out awful story decisions, there is hardly anything redeeming about it.  Ironic, isn't it?

The film will undoubtedly be remembered more for Christian Bale's now infamous on-set, profanity-laced tirade than for being a memorable or worthwhile entry into a classic sci-fi/action franchise.  It may not be the worst of the Terminator series, a dubious honor that still belongs to its dreadful third incarnation, Rise of the Machines, but Salvation feels more like a generic action movie with a Terminator facade that a true attempt to revive the ailing franchise.

Flying high with Doves - Live in Detroit, MI, 30 May 2009 at the Majestic Theater

I will admit that I am completely new to England's indie rock trio (or quartet, for the purposes of touring), Doves.  They were one of those bands that had always received heaps of critical praise and I always meant to check out, but just never really got around to until the release of their newest record, Kingdom of Rust.

Rust is easily one of 2009's best records thus far, so when the opportunity to see them live in Detroit came up, I knew I couldn't miss it.  In addition to the accolades they've received for their studio releases, I had heard Doves were a can't-miss live band.

Boy, they weren't kidding.

The Silent Years Detail EP Release Show

It seems like forever since I've been able to attend a live show from The Silent Years.  They've been busy touring the United States to promote their new EP, Let Go, along with Jukebox the Ghost and friend Craig Owens' band Chiodos. 

But all that is going to change on June 5th when The Silent Years will host an EP release show at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac, Mich. that will include fellow Detroiters Deastro, Manna & Quail, Bars of Gold, and The Summer Pledge.  Even better, tickets are only $5! 

To make sure this show is going to be one to remember, The Silent Years have decided to make it a special theme show.  As lead singer Josh Epstein has said in the past, he wants the band's shows to be an experience, and that's why they're encouraging everyone to come dressed up in their finest prom attire.  Yes, relive all those awkward high school memories, or pretend you had them if you skipped your prom like I did.  A King and Queen will even be selected by random ballot. 

You can check out the complete event details right here at the Crofoot's website.

Really, what have you got to lose?  Haven't I jammed The Silent Years down your throat enough?  Just go and see them already!  It's only $5 for an evening of entertainment!  It's cheaper than a movie, lasts longer, you don't have to be quiet, there's free cookies and $2 spiked punch, and if it really is like prom night, you may even get lucky after the show!  How much more convincing do you need? 

Oh, did I mention it's a Friday night?  You're gonna be out anyway, right?

I know I'll be there, and I hope any Metro Detroiters reading this find their way to the Crofoot on June 5th as well. 

(Oh, and any friends who may be interested, I just might be willing to cover your entry fee so you really have no excuse.)

CD Review: The Crystal Method - Divided By Night

The Crystal Method
Divided By Night
2009
Tiny e Records

Buy This Album

There is a common misconception that electronic music is inherently European.  No doubt many innovative dance and electronic bands have come from across the pond, but many of the genre's roots are firmly planted in American soil.  Techno originated in my hometown of Detroit, and Chicago gave birth to house music.  Many prominent nu-skool breaks artists hail from the United States, including Uberzone, and it could be argued that no artists had a bigger hand in the big beat movement than Nevada natives (now relocated to Los Angeles) Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, better known as The Crystal Method.

After scoring it big with their debut album Vegas, TCM helped pave the way for the subset of electronica for bands like The Prodigy.  The Crystal Method are easily one of the most well known names in electronic music today, even to those who are relatively unfamiliar with the genre. 

With the release of their fourth full length studio LP, Divided By Night, The Crystal Method attempt some new things - for better or worse.  Longtime fans may be puzzled by some of these new directions, but there's still plenty to love here.  This isn't a complete reimagining and that familiar crunchy, speaker-blowing sound is still intact, but the band has definitely branched out further on this record than any of their three previous, with a lot of help from some friends.

The Envy Corps ready new EP

One of the biggest highlights of 2008 was attending a concert at The Magic Stick on October 18th.  This show was significant for several reasons, not the least of which was that it was the first of many Silent Years concerts I would attend, but also because it introduced me to another great band known as The Envy Corps.

The Envy Corps' last full-length LP, Dwell, made #5 on my Top 10 Albums of 2008, and in retrospect it probably should have been higher.  In recent months, Dwell has been a constant fixture in my music rotation.  Hardly a day has gone by where I haven't listened to either a handful of songs, or the album in its entirety.  I obviously held the album in high regard when I wrote the original review, and my opinion of it has only improved since then.

As a result, I recently retroactively added Dwell the Media Junkie's Essential Albums - records I feel every true music fan should check out, as well as being personal favorites of mine.

The Envy Corps will release their new EP, entitled Kid Gloves, on June 9th on Tempo Club Records, the band's own newly formed label.  In addition, fans in Iowa have a chance to attend the band's EP release show on June 4th at Vaudemille Mews.  Tickets are on sale now via Iowatix for $10 a piece, but you can also net yourself a copy of the new EP by spending $14.

Featuring five brand new songs, Kid Gloves is a forerunner to their new full-length, which is to be called Palawan Scops/I Hate My Host Family.  The tracklisting is as follows:

1. "Briar-Rose"
2. "Screen Test"
3. "The Cursing Choir"
4. "Kid Gloves"
5. "The Dissenter"

You can pre-order the EP now at Smash Clothing, as well as purchase three fancy Envy Corps shirts (all of which I have just ordered myself).

Look for a review of Kid Gloves here, just as soon as I can get my greedy little hands on it!  And for God's sake, guys, please come to Detroit on your next tour!