Alright, well, it’s kind of odd being the only one that’s posted. Actually, I’m just hoping I did right at this point. Anyway, on with what I was going to say.

These aren’t new releases or anything, but I figured that there might be a few audiophiles out there on the prowl for new music (let’s be honest, us audiophiles always are, right?)

Anyway, on the alternative side of things, if you haven’t listened to The Stills, it’s safe to say that you need to. Start with Logic Will Break Your Heart (it’s the first album) it’s one of those its-amazing-all-the-way-through CDs. If you dig it, move onto Without Feathers because, though its not quite the masterpiece Logic is, it does have a few hidden gems.

Also, if you haven’t heard all of the internet buzz surrounding Yael Naim, consider yourself officially informed. Undoubtedly, you’ve seen the MacBook Air Commercials. And, you’ve probably wondered what the song in the background is. Enter Israeli singer/songwriter Yael. If you’re into the occasional upbeat, feel-good tune, make your way to iTunes and grab ‘New Soul’.

Finally, (and I’m going to put them together as most people already know about them) Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles. Yeah, Sara Bareilles is the mastermind behind ‘Love Song’ which is on the charts at the moment. Anyway, they’re not completely similar, as Sara Bareilles has a much more ‘finished’ sound surrounding her lyrics, whereas Ingrid’s all about the acoustic guitar blanketing her honest and witty verses. They’re both great, though.
Okay, I lied. One more: Anberlin. Really, though, chances are you’ve heard of them. If you haven’t and you like OneRepublic’s sound (Apologize and Stop and Stare are on the radio a lot) give Anberlin a shot.

That’s my blurb for now. If you feel like it, check them out and let me know what you think, or tell me what you’re listening to.

Happy Thursday!

-Megan

Great post Megan.

Juno is getting plenty of raves, and has been nominated for a best picture Oscar.

For anyone who enjoys movies, you can enter our Pick the Oscars contest, or read Bruce Miller’s blog, where he writes about entertainment, film and pop culture.

Anyone else seen a good film lately? Share your thoughts here.

Great post Megan.

Juno is getting plenty of raves, and has been nominated for a best picture Oscar.

For anyone who enjoys movies, you can enter our Pick the Oscars contest, or read Bruce Miller’s blog, where he writes about entertainment, film and pop culture.

Anyone else seen a good film lately? Share your thoughts here.

Hey there, readers in the blogosphere (I think that’s what you’d call it). This is my first post on the Journal’s blog, so I figured I’d start out talking about something that I’m pretty into as of late:

Juno, as the title suggests.

I’d like to start off by saying that I’d been anticipating this movie after reading a few articles on Diablo Cody’s somewhat unconventional introduction to the movie industry.

Anyway, what i expected was a comedy-driven flick with a touch of drama (the pregnant 16-year-old being the touch of drama). I got way more than I expected.

From the very beginning, the film is timed perfectly. Beats fall at the right times, and it seems like whatever it is Juno has to say, she’s saying right to you, and it’s exactly what you need to hear, somehow. The girl with the huge bottle of SunnyD captures your interest right from momento numero uno.

From there, the dialogue flows easily as the tone of the movie is established. Several funny characters make their appearance in the convenience store in which Juno seems to become to resigned to her fate over the next 9 or so months. I do have to say that one of my favorite parts of the movie is still (I’ve seen it 4 times now) Juno’s Super Rope licorice noose. It conveys what Juno must be feeling without saying a word: humor bordering tragedy.

Several other elements throughout the movie are utterly brilliant, such as Juno’s encounter with a classmate outside of the Women Now clinic, which was so unexpectedly brilliant, with its witty banter and 3-dimensional emotions.
In many ways, Juno is, without a doubt, one of the best heroines in dramedy history. She’s got this sarcastic attitude that makes you want to know her, simply because in many ways she seems like she may be the smartest person you know. However, this this side of Juno that’s revealed in the movie that I honestly did not expect to see. At a few points in the film, Juno is completely and utterly vulnerable. Several times, she sheds her sarcastic exterior and is purely Juno in a surprisingly heartbreaking way.

While I’m on the topic of Juno’s multi-layered personality, I’d like to commend Ellen Page’s phenomenal acting job. She was Juno right down to the core. Every expression was so honest that you feel like you’re right inside Juno’s head, experiencing everything with her. She definitely takes the character to the next level, making her so real, you wouldn’t be surprised if you turned around and bumped into a very pregnant, short, sarcastic girl in a vintage Slinky shirt. Everything about Ellen Page’s portrayal makes Juno come alive in so many ways. She’s the confident, funny girl who has it all figured out, but she’s also the confused 16-year-old who’s been handed the short straw by the world lately.
Overall, I think the movie was great in so many different ways, and every person I’ve talked to seems to feel the same way. In short, if you haven’t seen it yet, get in your car and drive to the nearest movie theater. It’s worth way more than the price of the ticket. (So get the popcorn, too, right?) Let me know what you think once you’ve seen it
Over ‘n Out,

Megan