Tunes for [Wednes]days: PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey is pure, unfiltered sex with a British twist. And no, this is not up for debate. It's best to accept it now and pledge your undying love to her and her wicked guitar.

***

I am convinced that PJ Harvey is the physical embodiment of rock 'n' roll. She is unapologetic in her attitude and she radiates this intense, hypnotic confidence that is addictive and delightful all at once. She's got this sly, little grin that let's you know she is in control and it's the best thing for you to sit back and drink in the submission.

And that voice -- she walks a fine line between a sexy snarl, a fierce shout, and an ethereal moan/wail that cuts right to the bone. Whether it's the blues-infused punk from her early years or the hushed, Victorian-inspired sound of her latest album, White Chalk (2007), the sass in her voice is the focal point of her tight compositions and her lust-worthy image.

Most fans out there will know Ms. Harvey for her first hit, "Sheela Na Gig" from the EP Dry (1992). I would argue she hit her stride with Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000), a multinational success that was written in Dorset, Paris, and New York. The flavour of her travels through the massive urban centres of France and the U.S. are palpable in these tracks. The album mixes a lush, melodic pop flavour with her trademark grit and guitar-driven punk energy from her earlier albums. After selling one million copies worldwide, PJ Harvey won the prestigious Mercury Music Award the following year for this stunning album.

And it's all uphill from there.

On this Tunes for "Tuesdays" (if you will permit me to travel back in time this evening), I would like to introduce you to "This is Love." It's simple, straight-forward, and sinister in its sex appeal. When I said PJ Harvey is pure sex, I actually meant she IS sex. If you're doubtful, just follow the link to discover the truth for yourself: PJ Harvey, "This Is Love."

"I can't believe life's so complex when I just want to sit here and watch you undress."

Oh, you are SO welcome, ladies.

... And, in my research this evening, I have stumbled upon EPIC NEWS -- PJ Harvey released another album this year with John Parish titled A Woman a Man Walked By. I hadn't heard news of it until this evening. Girl, the Fates must be VERY happy with me, tonight.

Now all that's left to do is succumb to the PJ Harvey-lust.

Give in to the grit.

Drunk 'N' Dandy

Ladies -- I am quite trashed at the moment. Went to the company Christmas party, drank a WHOLE LOT of red wine.... cannot form sentences....

Am talking to O'Neill at the moment. Like, right now -- we are talking queer issues and politics and plots for December. I am still so drunk. And I have to wake up for work tomorrow.

Life is good.

I am tired.

And I will update with numerous entries tomorrow evening, lovelies.

Exhaustion and Charles II

Ungh.... exhausted... again...

Why am I always exhausted on evenings where theatre is involved?

Since I can barely construct sentences at this point, I thought I would hand out a clever little Easter egg for all y'all. I wrote a joke script about a year ago that pondered what it would have been like if the Israelites had received Charles II of England as their first king.

It's a long story. (The joke and HOW it is a joke, that is.)

Anyhow, excerpt:

Talman: Did the old man die in his sleep or what? I thought he said he was taking a nap. Did he snuff himself out with a pillow when he rolled over? Did he swallow his tongue after it came loose from his snoring? Maybe he ruptured an ear drum and his brain filled up with blood and ear wax until he couldn't think straight and he drowned in his brain the way men drown in rivers and--

Axel: What is wrong with you? I mean... what do you honestly think about all day?

Talman: Dunno...... farming. And taxes.

***

And taxes. *Collapses*

The Fountain: Life and Love, Forever?

At last -- I can cross The Fountain off the list of Films I Need To See. Since its release in 2006, this film has stalked me.

And yes, I have a tendency to draw media stalkers.

Novels, blogs, albums, films -- I am not safe from media. I run into reviews for The Fountain even now in 2009. I went through a phase where the movie channel seemed to have this movie on round-the-clock, yet it was always half over by the time I found it. Friends have mentioned it on a regular basis and even family members have seen it multiple times.

Yet, I never could cross paths with it.

Now, the wait is over. The end credits have rolled and I may strike it off the list.

***

What if you could live forever? What if your love could not? Through space and through time, one man embarks on a one-thousand-year odyssey to defy death and to save the life of his one love.

In the past, a conquistador sets out to the ancient lands of the Mayans to find the Tree of Life and save the Queen of Spain from a tragic end at the hands of the Grand Inquisitor.

In the present, a scientist struggles to unlock the healing properties of a plant found in South America before his wife dies from a brian tumor that is slowly snuffing out her life.

In the future, a space traveler carries an aged tree through the universe toward a dying star wrapped in a nebula, all in an attempt to find eternity with the ghost of his lover.

The sacrifices are great and it is difficult to find the success through the sorrow. Can death be defeated? Can our bonds exist without the flesh? Or can we return to the ones that matter most?

***

I know -- it's not the lightest material imaginable. I admit now, I didn't quite grasp the futuristic scenes. It went so far over my head, I think the stars could feel it. And the past segments felt underdeveloped to me. I wasn't sure how the Tree of Life could save the Queen or save Spain for that matter.

But the moments from the present were outstanding. I was always torn about Rachel Weisz. I mean, I'm not blind -- I know she's an attractive woman. I know there are numerous folks out there who would be shocked to hear about the former complacency I felt toward her.

Ah, but the key word here is "former." I, like Hugh Jackman, have been converted.

She was stunning. I can think of no other word to describe her throughout this film. I understand why all three of Hugh Jackman's incarnations would extend themselves for her, why they would seek her throughout one thousand years of human history.

If I could find that one person, I wouldn't doubt I would spend the rest of my lives seeking her out and fighting for her.

The Fountain has tapped into the melodramatic Moffatt this evening it would appear. Perhaps that's exactly what I was looking for at this moment, especially considering I have just started reading Neil Gaiman's Sandman series.

I never questioned Jackman's dedication to her and I could sense the same heartbreak his characters felt when their efforts failed. I could also understand their hollow sense of triumph as their missions were renewed. But wow -- Rachel Weisz. She inspires people to pursue her through time. I mean, if that's not Harem material, I am not fit to judge anymore.

I would recommend giving this film a whirl, but I warn you now -- get ready to fall HARD for Ms. Weisz. I don't think there's a way to lift yourself after this kind of fall, let me tell you.

The Endless Sisters and the Sandman Series

As of this weekend, I have set out to conquer Neil Gaiman's epic Sandman series. Daunting? Never -- I live for this sort of creative mythology. And I like my abstract concepts anthropomorphized.

Quite.

Our local library managed to win some serious cool points after expanding their collection with the ENTIRE 75-issue run of Sandman (1989-1996). Yeah, I know. A suburban library system is investing in comics, graphic novels, and manga? Unheard of. Yet, I am thrilled by this development and I applaud them for their acceptance of illustrated literature.

I've just started in on the second collection, The Doll's House. There are eight more ahead of me and I look forward to uncovering Gaiman's startling, surreal universe of the Endless and beyond. First, we'll take a brief glimpse at the Endless sisters and, hopefully, I will bait a few of you to check out a volume or two of this breathtaking series:

Death

In the Sandman's realm, Death is both the end of life and the being that escorts the deceased to their new existence. Unlike other depictions of death, Gaiman's character also visits people at their birth, an encounter only she recalls. One of the most compelling traits around this incarnation of Death is her nurturing relationship with her younger brother, Dream. She is pleasant, strong, and treats the living with great respect. Despite the fact that mortals often fear the great unknown of dying, Death herself is one to celebrate in this universe. I would even argue she is someone most people would be grateful to meet at the end of their life.

Her vast popularity in the Sandman series led to the creation of two solo limited series by Gaiman titled Death: The High Cost of Living (1993) and Death: The Time of Your Life (1996) in addition to other later depictions produced by other writers. I can understand why Death ranks quite high on numerous lists for Sexiest Comic Book Character Ever. I would have to concur.

Delirium (formerly Delight)

Delirium is the youngest of the Endless siblings and her realm is one of chaos, defined by the constant shifting of colour, an ever-changing personal style, and a blinding mix of strange objects and shapes. Her first incarnation was Delight, though the reasons for her transformation are unknown even by the Endless. She is scattered, non-linear, and her mind tends to wander without limitation. To control her thoughts and attempt eloquence takes great effort on her part and is often a painful process. She is a beautiful mess and is the foundation of the most inventive sequences throughout the Sandman series.

Based on the descriptions I have uncovered for this character, it appears as though she is a complex one -- there are hints throughout the series that she might even know more than her brother, Destiny, at times and that her disorder and her perceived insanity is a result of the truth she understands.

Despair

Despair is the twin sister of Desire and she is often depicted as a silent sibling who resides in her own sense of personal squalor. She wears a hooked ring on her left hand which she uses to carve her flesh and to snare the living, dragging them into their own downward spirals. Her realm in defined as a negative space filled with white fog and mirrors, all of which are connected to the human world so she might look on those who are caught in their own despair. She sometimes acts with Desire when she/he challenges the elder Endless, but Despair is ultimately portrayed as one who feels a hidden sympathy for her brother, Dream. It is revealed that there were two Despairs, the first being covered in red tattoos and decidedly more talkative versus the second Despair. The second appears to be another individual who stands in for the first after the first's death.

Desire

Desire is a fickle character defined by its attractiveness and its compelling aura. Desire is a figure whose gender is mutable -- it can inhabit the world as a man, as a woman, or as both, depending on the situation. It is the twin of Despair and is often referred to as the "sister-brother" by the Endless siblings. I quite enjoy the fact that Desire resides in "the heart of a massive flesh-and-blood statue of itself." I mean, it would appear that Desire knows no modesty, and, I admit, I like the swagger to that sentiment. It is a cruel being and is obsessed with complicating the lives of its older siblings. As a result, Desire often finds itself estranged from the Endless clan. Desire is not bound by the consequences of its actions and often disregards the needs of its sisters and brothers. Desire and Dream have bad blood between each other, a point that is driven home on more than one occasion.

***

I'm impressed -- the act of writing these descriptions out has stoked my need to read this series at a faster pace. I've consciously limited myself, though. I vow to take two volumes out at a time so that I don't just speed through it all. We shall see if I can stick to it.

So yes, I would recommend the Sandman series to readers who want to wade through a dense, creative, compelling world inhabited by a lush collection of established and invented mythologies. I find this is the material I crave as the nights get longer and the winter evenings are just barely breathing through the windows...

Negotiating the Space Between Beyonce and Lady Gaga

I know -- I'm a little shocked I'm making this post, too.

Beyonce? Lady Gaga? A Duel of the Divas? What the heck are you on about, Miz Moffatt?!

Bear with me on this one. Last night, I saw the highly anticipated video for Beyonce's latest single, "Video Phone," from her album I Am... Sasha Fierce. I think I'm behind on the times, though, and I believe this video has been circulating the Internet for quite some time now. Still, it's taken me awhile to come around to it.

I have to be honest -- Beyonce and Lady Gaga are guilty pleasures of mine. On the one hand, you've got the powerhouse, bold-voiced, full-of-sass Diva. On the other, you've got the eccentric, edgy, "not-sure-if-you're-hot-or-disturbing" Diva. And now, they've decided to share screen time/radio waves with one another.

The end result:

I will be the first to admit that the concept of "Video Phone" is questionable. The alter-ego of an international superstar is advocating for amateur camera play. I mean... that's the gist of the song. All that aside, I do like the sound of the music. It's a little wide-eyed and other-worldly, maybe even a little bit stoned-sounding. Definitely catchy to this blogette right here, even if the content is sketchtastic.

Anyhow, a few observations:

• Intro: YES. This is what the video SHOULD have been like. I dig the assassin vibe and the whole Reservoir Dogs look of Ms. B's back-ups. Sounds like a showdown which appeals to me. And then....
• ... The man with the camera head appears. Oh no. And then the gents persist through the rest of the video. If I needed a better reason to be queer, that image alone provided one.
• Was it just me, or did you get dizzy watching those three Beyonces dancing while the two ghost Beyonces hovered and lip-synched in the background?
• Question: Why are there so many toy guns throughout the video? I think they must have cleaned out a Toys R' Us for the shoot.
• Right, I like the military swagger of Beyonce throughout the track. Again, not sure what meaning is held therein, but, well, it illustrates why I like a tough femme.
• Lady Gaga: She dominates the scene. I know she has a small part in the song/video, but her presence is so much larger than Beyonce's which I was surprised to see. I mean, Lady Gaga has the equivalent of a cameo in this production and she outshines the star. I am sensing even greater things from this woman in the near future, kids.
• Pin-up Beyonce: A+
• How awkward is that ending? Would you call that sound panting? A groaning of some kind? It goes on far too long. Actually, scratch that -- it should just not have happened. Ever.

So yes -- mixed reactions abound. And now I must go and nurse the shame I feel for admitting my secret music guilt to the Blogoverse at large. Forgive me. *Sobs*

Odds and Ends and Checkin' Ins

I thought I should check in with the ladies this evening. I mean, it's been quite a while since I sat down and took stock. We've got the impressive successes, the celebrations, the sudden illnesses, and a whole lot more in between.

It's best we start as soon as possi--

1. Erin Karpluk wins Best Actress Award at the 2009 Geminis: Yes, the absolute darling of the CBC (and one of the members of my Harem) was recognized for her charming and complex portrayal of Erica Strange on Being Erica. Congrats to Ms. Karpluk for the well-deserved recognition. You can catch her hit show on the CBC (Tuesdays, 9 PM), or check out older episodes over at the CBC's website.

2. Maggie Gyllenhaal celebrated yet another gorgeous birthday on Nov. 16: Well, Happy (Belated) Birthday, special lady. And, if that wasn't perfect enough, I found out Ms. Gyllenhaal is making an appearance on Sesame Street this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the classic children's show. See: Photo evidence above. Too adorable for words.

3. The Governor General's Award for Fiction (English): Alas -- Annabel Lyon did not win the award for her book, The Golden Mean. Well, she's still got two shots at winning some of Canada's illustrious literary prizes. Still, what an excellent honour that would have been for a first-time novelist. The award went to Kate Pullinger for The Mistress of Nothing. I suppose I ought to read this novel if it won out against Canada's newest Golden Girl of the Written Word.

4. The trailer for the upcoming film, Bitch Slap, magically appeared when I first opened the Internet this morning. Serious. I didn't set out looking for it. It came TO ME. And now, it comes to you, too.

Ah, trash films with gorgeous women -- my inner feminist cannot process it. Nor does she particularly want to. I get the impression this trailer sums up the film in its entirety. Still -- Zoe Bell is in it. I will watch it. (P.S. -- Don't you love that I followed a comment about Canadian literature with a trailer for a modern remake of a B-movie exploitation film? Yeah, I thought you'd be impressed.)

5. Had a dream about my work crush last night, the first one ever. Hey -- minds out of the gutter. It revolved around us on a date at a posh restaurant. Patrons could pay one price and get whichever five entrees/desserts they preferred. I remember pouring over the menu with her and sampling a large selection of delicious items. There was a dark chocolate lava cake with edible flowers all sprinkled across it. Very romantic, even if it was all fictional.

6. The Advocate and Ship Sharp are sick at the moment. It's confirmed -- the ladies have been H1N1'd. *Pout* I've sent them all my well wishes and have focused all my health particles into wavelengths in order to will them out of their illness. I hope it works, I miss them. *Pouts again*