Raves (May 2008)

Congratulations! I've decided to make another raves column. Stop pretending like you weren't dying to know what's making my life worth living these days, and set your pupils to read.

Wolfe Parade – At Mount Zoomer: Due to a gracious donation from a friend who gets albums early through her job, I’m able to fulfill one of my lifelong dreams of helping to create “buzz.” The new Wolfe Parade album At Mount Zoomer doesn’t officially hit stores until next month, but I’m here to tell you that despite only having 9 songs, the sophomore album from everyone’s third favorite Canadian indie rock band* is a fitting follow up to their stunning debut. Brighter and poppier than its predecessor, At Mount Zoomer expands the band’s sound without alienating fans. You should buy it. You know, when it’s available to the unwashed masses. Suckers.

Season Three of 30 Rock: This show just keeps getting funnier and funnier. (And my woman crush on Tina Fey keeps getting more and more uncomfortable). The most recent season has had the tempo jacked up to eleven, with jokes flying at you so fast you barely have time to finish one laugh before you’re starting another. I know its sacrilege, but I’d go so far as to say it’s been funnier than The Office this year. Hit me with your best shot Dwight Shrute, Kenneth the Page will protect me.

HDTV: My gentleman sidekick (I don’t really like the world “boyfriend.” I’m trying to think of new terms. It’s a work in progress) recently bought a giant flat screen TV that for reasons varied and dull is being kept at my apartment. So I got an HD cable box and the results are, in a word, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. I’m always a little late to the electronics party so most of you probably already own - or have at least basked in the resplendent glory of - a big, flat screen, HD TV, but if you haven’t, do it. IMMEDIATELY!

Cillian Murphy: Those eyes! Those cheekbones! That accent! Swoon. I saw two Murphy movies in the last two weeks: The Wind that Shakes the Barley and Sunshine (both are good, though The Wind was a little predictable, and probably only makes sense if you know something about Irish history (which I do, because I'm a dork)) so he’s fresh in my mind. Though I’ve really been a fan since I saw him in the awesome Irish movie Disco Pigs in 2002. He’s growing into a phenomenally versatile actor who can play the villain in a summer blockbuster and a transvestite in an art house indie and be completely believable in both. According to his IMDB he’s got a bunch more films coming out. Looks like I’ll have to get to a theatre more than once every three months.

The Most Interesting Man in the World: Yes, I’m talking about the Dos Equis (XX) beer commercial guy. I’m admittedly very easily amused, but these things make me laugh so hard. Have you guys seen these ads? Most of you watch a lot of TV so I’m sure you have. “His organ donation card also lists his beard.” “He’s a lover, not a fighter. But he’s also a fighter so don’t get any ideas.” Priceless.

"Stay thirsty my friends."

* The first two being Arcade Fire and the New Pornographers, natch.