Happy Birthday Tom Hardy!

The lovely and talented Tom Hardy turns 34 today!  Happy Birthday you beautiful man!  I look forward to seeing you in "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" when it comes out in the states this December. 

(from http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOX1Eew81B0/TnG0OvQfu6I/AAAAAAAAAB0/7LRUo8jLaC8/s1600/tumblr_lqj8k57ddp1qiegwlo1_500.jpg)

Cheers, 

OonaA

Biffy Clyro - a Scottish hidden treasure

Now for some music. 

Biffy Clyro (from http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l45r47Cj8t1qc0ujz.jpg)

Ever heard of Biffy Clyro? 

If you obtained the iTunes deluxe edition  of the "Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon" soundtrack then you would have heard Biffy's latest hit "Many of Horror" from their 2009 album Only Revolutions.  Maybe you heard X Factor winner Matt Cardle sing a cover of the song.  Or maybe, like me, you came across Biffy completely by chance and have not been able to stop listening to them ever since. 

Their sound is...different.  When you pick up a Biffy album, you don't really know what to expect.  But you know you'll get something different and interesting every single time.  Sometimes it sounds highly experimental (a la Muse b-sides) and it could take a while for some to appreciate; other songs are more standard in that they are clearly and distinguishably rock and roll in sound; then there are the surprisingly tender songs whether it's a beautiful acoustic track or a power ballad like "Many of Horror".  Regardless of the song, Biffy promises to be interesting.  If you like Muse, Blur, or Radiohead I think you might like Biffy Clyro.  [Biffy even opened for Muse at Wembley Stadium! - they recently released a DVD set of this performance].  

The Biffy Clyro discography is quite eclectic sound-wise.  My recommendation is to try giving it all a listen but here are some standouts from each album in case you don't want to spend too much time:

- Blackened Sky (2002)

----"57", "JustBoy", "Convex Concave" [classic & original Biffy]

- The Vertigo of Bliss (2003)

----"Bodies in Flight", "Questions and Answers", "Toys, Toys, Toys, Choke, Toys, Toys, Toys" [more experimental but largely classic Biffy]

-Infinity Land (2004)

----"Glitter & Trauma", "There's No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake", "Some Kind Of Wizard" [experimental Biffy, but possibly my favorite Biffy album - it's basically awesome surprise after surprise around every corner]

Only Revolutions album cover

-Puzzle (2007)

----"Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies", "Folding Stars", "Machines" [Biffy getting mainstream; their breakthrough album and possibly their most cynical seeing as it was produced at a hard time in songwriter Simon Neil's life]

-Only Revolutions (2009)

----"Many of Horror", "Bubbles", "Shock Shock" [Biffy continues to head in the mainstream direction but maintain their experimental and rock 'n' roll integrity with pounding pulses and occasional shrieks - a good album for a green Biffy fan to start with]

And they are more than just interesting & experimental textures.  It's amazing what only 3 guys can do - the complexity of the rhythm and riffs is often mind-blowing and it's clear that these musicians have a close understanding of themselves and each other as musicians.  Simon Neil is the guitarist/vocalist with twins Ben and James Johnston on drums and bass (and vocals) respectively.  Ben has a pleasantly surprising good voice which he has proven he can maintain in energetic live performances while drumming furiously through classic Biffy tracks like "57" and "JustBoy" where he belts out the chorus.  And you can tell this band is incredibly dedicated to their art after forming their band at 15 years old.  Now in their early 30s, they are still going strong (no Oasis-type family rifts) and it seems that their years of hard work are finally paying off. 

(from http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/tinthepark/2010/img/home/biffy_clyro.jpg)

But the best way to get the full Biffy Clyro experience is to see them live.  It's an incredible thing and they are absolutely fantastic in a live performance. I was lucky enough to catch them in a small gig at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles on a Tuesday night when I had 3 classes the following morning back at UCSD.  They're hairy and tattooed but don't let that put you off (if those sorts of little things put you off).  They put on a great show with good performances all around with an energy that really gets your blood pumping - you really can just rock out to good music for a couple hours.  And believe me, they are VERY good live.  I didn't know what to expect since I've seen a few shows where the live performance has been...underwhelming.  But Biffy does not disappoint.  They can really sing, they can really play their instruments, and they're every bit as amazing (and more) as their albums make them sound.  

If only more people would bother to stop and give them a listen instead of feeding exorbitant amounts of money to the likes of Lady Gaga or Lil' Wayne when there are clearly OTHER artists in OTHER genres who also have something to say in the world of music.  There are only so many "remix-able" party songs - does nobody get tired of listening to the same mundane beats and lyrics over and over and OVER again?  Why do we continue to support people we love to hate when there are plenty of brilliant and lovely people who we don't hate who just seem to go under the radar without getting the appreciation and attention they deserve? 

l-r: Simon, Ben, James (from http://static.tumblr.com/ouzs7fr/g6Elpklrq/biffy_clyro_2800623879_5e56ea84c9_o.jpg)

Mind you, Biffy Clyro is quickly becoming part of the mainstream music world but until 2007 with the release of their album Puzzle, they were virtually unknown outside of their native Scotland.  They have a small and dedicated cult following between the United States and the United Kingdom but they have yet to get the full recognition they deserve.  Check them out!  You won't be disappointed!

Mon the Biffy!

P.S. Here's "Living Is A Problem" from Biffy Clyro's official youtube channel. Enjoy!

Bronson - for the love of Hardy

"Bronson" starring Tom Hardy
http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/bronson_m.jpg

Let's start with "Bronson" seeing as it's the most-recent film I've watched (13 September 2011) around 10pm.

After an evening out watching "Crazy. Stupid. Love" (I hate watching chick-flicks but I have to admit I enjoyed this one - plus it was $5 Tuesday) I came back home and decided I needed a dose of 'Tom Hardy'.

After watching "Warrior" (starring Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy) this past Friday, I couldn't stop thinking about the brilliant Mr. Hardy after such an incredible emotional AND physical performance.  Both Edgerton and Hardy made the film more than just another "sports movie" but for me, Hardy made the more-lasting impression and I was left wanting more. 

"RocknRolla" scene
http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/10800000/
RocknRolla-tom-hardy-10815368-535-586.jpg

I have "Rocknrolla" on DVD which has Hardy playing a lovable homosexual  small-time crook but it's such a small role.  [For any fellow Tom Hardy fans (in case you haven't noticed, I adore Mr. hardy), my favorite scene in Rocknrolla is from approx. 1:11:15 to 1:12:00 ] I watched "Rocknrolla" but I knew it wouldn't be enough.  I wanted a film that would truly showcase Tom Hardy's gift as an actor because so far it seems that his talent is rather under-appreciated (at least in the U.S.).  Where could I find absolute proof to show everybody else (or at least the people I know) what they've been missing out on?  So I looked for a film that would have more Hardy - this is how I came across "Bronson". 

It's not a typical crime film.  Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (he directs the upcoming film "Drive" starring Ryan Gosling), there is a fantastical/theatrical element that allows Hardy to stretch some acting muscles that he otherwise would not get to.  There's blood and sex, but there's also a graceful beauty that makes the movie more than just some crime film.  Hardy shines as this demented and charismatic criminal and appears to have committed to the character with enthusiasm and flair.  Though Charles Bronson a.k.a. Michael Peterson is a scary dude with an extreme proclivity for violence, you can't help but chuckle throughout Hardy's narration as Bronson and through all the various 'shenanigans' (well, more like repeated violent altercations) in which he is always involved.  There is an undeniable comedic element that lessens the blow of all the horrors that are actually being depicted.  Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable film with an interesting story, brilliant acting by Mr. Hardy, and a greater focus on aesthetic elements of the film than most other films of this genre. 

Edward Thomas Hardy
http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/10800000/
RocknRolla-tom-hardy-10815368-535-586.jpg

People may have begun to really notice the handsome Brit with those soft features and lush lips in the immense hit "Inception"; but what they don't realize is that he gave a stellar STARRING performance 2 years previous in "Bronson".  He doesn't look as clean-cut and suave in "Bronson" as the eponymous antihero compared to his role as Eames in "Inception".  In fact he sports a fantastic mustache (ref. to the blog background image for an idea of what to expect) and a bulkier physique (closer to his "Warrior" body) compared to his previous work.  But if you are a Tom Hardy fan and/or want to see a brilliant performance in a very unique film "Bronson" is a good choice. 

P.S. Probably not so good for a date night or family film but other than that a great film for a laugh/cringe/laugh/cringe.  Happy watching!

The Guinea Pig a.k.a. 1st Blog Attempt

This is just a test.  I'll get to movies/music/dogs in the following posts, don't worry (to anyone who actually happens to cross this feeble attempt at blogging...). 

Here's a brief introduction.  
My name is pronounced "oona".  Most people think it's "yoona" but it's not.  I always correct people but after awhile, if they keep fucking up such a simple name, I see no point.  If they don't bother to pay attention the first 5 times I correct them, who's to say they pay attention when I talk about anything else?  In my opinion a name is an important part about a person.  If you can't bother to learn it correctly when I KEEP TELLING YOU IT'S "OONA" not "YOONA" then either you don't really give a flying shit about anything I say and I should just forget it, you're not worth the trouble, or you're extremely deaf.  

Mind you, I probably shouldn't be complaining.  My brother's name actually IS hard to pronounce and nobody gets it right. Fortunately my parents seem to have thought of this particular language barrier seeing as they're Korean immigrants to America (my brother and I were born in America).  That's why we have English middle names.  But frankly, they're not much better than our Korean names so we just stick to our given first names, no matter how complicated (and annoying) it can be to try to teach someone how to just repeat 1 sound over and over again.  


Sorry.  I'll try not to rant too much.  This is supposed to be a happy blog(...ish) celebrating the arts and my favorite animal - the dog.  

Anyways, how long is a blog supposed to be? 

My contacts are sticking to my eyeballs more than they should.  I guess I'll call it a night.  

TATA [box] for now.  YES a Biology joke.  How's THAT for a slice of fried gold?  YES a quote from 'Shaun of the Dead'.  Transition from "Me" mode to "actually blog topic" mode.  To be continued...soon?