I place the blame for this squarely on Archerr. He told me to.

Anybody that knows me (or even halfway knows me) learns quickly that my favorite movie is “Short Cuts.” Released in 1993 (after the success “The Player”), this movie is Robert Altman’s masterpiece. Altman and a cast of extraordinary actors wind their way through nine tales loosely adapted from the writings of Raymond Carver. Critics often say that the movie is a jazz variation of Carver’s writings. The movie contains a downbeat jazz soundtrack propelled by Annie Ross (who plays Tess Trainer, the regular singer at The Low Note jazz club). The songs that are sung by Ross in the movie are notable because they aren’t your typical standards. Songs for the movie where written by such folks as Doc Pompus and Dr. John, Edge and Bono, Gavin Friday and Pop. My favorite contribution to the movie comes from Elvis Costello and Cait O’Riordan. Enjoy.
Annie Ross and the Low Note Quintet – Punishing Kiss [3 MB]~

I really think that I need to buy myself an iPod for Christmas.

There is also a “remastered” and “expanded” edition out of Nine Inch Nails “The Downward Spiral.” A great album of mid-90’s isolation and hatred. A lot of folks think of this as Reznor’s masterpiece, but I prefer “The Fragile” which is a little more balanced and not quite so intense. Check out the link which takes you to a mini-site with album info, downloads and song samples. The wallpapers are particularly sweet.~

If you are a fan of The Cure, the newly released “remastered” and “expanded” edition of their first album “Three Imaginary Boys” is a must purchase. The main album itself sounds better than it ever has. But, the main attraction is the second disc of rare album tracks and demos. The enclosed 16-page booklet is a major disappointment though. It offers no new insights on the bands formative years. If anything, Robert Smith comes off as a total ass talking about Lol Turhurst’s “inept” drumming and bad mouthing tracks co-written with Tolhurst. So, you all had a fight? Get over it and don’t dismiss his contribution to the band’s early days. Smith even takes a shot or two at producer Chris Parry. Grrrr. So … Go. Buy. Now. And take a trip back to the formative years of 80’s gloom and doom music (and just ignore that pesky front man’s current comments). Whoo!

I went in the local music store on Wednesday with every intention of buying the new U2 album … but I walked out with the Nirvana “With the Lights” Box Set instead. God. What a sap I am for cool packing (and raucous music).