@dailymaul OPERATION 02: maul + color

Keanu Reeves.

For much of my life, and probably his as well, his name has been a punch line for bad acting and proof that Hollywood was all luck.

One word, ‘WHOA!’ Is probably what he’s best known for… that and striking it rich and adding a 2nd act to his career by landing the lead in The Matrix Trilogy (which, thank god, Will Smith turned down). And I have to admit, for much of my life I subscribed to this line of thinking.

However, looking back recently, I have a new respect for Mr. Reeves. Obviously most people’s favorite actors are “good” actors; the ones who take on the tough roles and make ‘real’ movies, the 'DiCaprios', 'Hanks', and 'Day-Lewis’. And while I too value these actors, I’ve also realized that other actors play an important role as well. Because while the ‘real’ actors undoubtedly make great movies, many of these movies aren’t a joy to watch over and over again; for every Departed there’s 10 Revolutionary Roads. I mean There Will Be Blood is an incredible movie, but if it’s on, are you definitely gonna watch it? No, unless you’re a loser. If you have a killer hang over on Sunday, is that in your top 10 movies to watch? Your top 100? I’m guessing no.

This brings us back to those “other” actors. The guys that may not be the most intellectual or gifted actors, but the ones who do have a gift for making re-watchable movies that are incredibly enjoyable. Call them whatever you want; they play an important role that we all should be incredibly grateful for. We all need these movies… and for me, Keanu reins King in this realm. Obviously, there are other easier, more obvious picks (Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and Will Ferrell to name a few) however, while these men have a slew of RCs (Re-watchable Classics), I’m all for quality over quantity. And Keanu has his own Holy Trinity in this respect; the masterpieces known as Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Speed and of course, the Grand Daddy of them all, Point Break. Hell, in my book, all he needs is Point Break… the other 2 are just bonuses. Since this post is long enough already…

This week I’ll breakdown each of these classics and what makes them pure gold.

But before I go, I’ll leave you with a brief preview. As I understand one of the many great scenes from the greatest RC of all-time (Point Break, c’mon follow along) was referenced in this blog. And while my esteemed colleague had some great points about the scene (the forward lateral that everyone seems to be ok with and the ‘going under center’ in a beach game, which if you’re not sure how absurd that is, try it in your next flag game… you’ll either end up with a fist in your throat or a new boyfriend) I do believe he still sold the scene short. On top of those 2 classic parts, note the :35 second mark… I do believe we have the first successful play action pass in a beach game… and not only that but Bodhi, who my esteemed colleague, for some misguided reason thinks would actually be a better fantasy player than Johnny U, actually bites on the fake! Are you kidding me? Though it's mildly understandable given Utah’s play action technique (I think Peyton Manning was taking notes). Then the final play (the 1:13 mark) has the most epic-ness. First, notice when Bodhi catches the ball, Tyler (the surfer girl) back body drops someone. Then, as Bodhi runs like Forrest Gump, Keanu at about 150 lbs dripping wet runs thru 5… yes 5 different people without breaking stride (and you’d take Bodhi over him… srsly?). Finally, it’s all capped off by a solid open field tackle that would make B-Dawk proud. That’s how 2 men are supposed to play on the beach… not like this. 

He is the patron saint of sweet words That drip between his teeth Like blood, the honey trap sticky Under his jaw

His age sets on his shoulders, makes his knees ache. He dreams of younger days

(Truth or dare: You’re scared of what he is)

You cross yourself using his lips

Every acceptance burns like liquor straight from his mouth but your neck doesn’t bow it doesn’t break

(Your heart does)

If you drew “loyalty” on his chest, Would he follow? Your fingers shake A low tremble Hiding in your bones Seeking warmth from his skin

It would be easier if your heart Was tethered to his By some unseen thread that (Couldn’t) Wouldnt break with distance

But that gnawing edge of fear Is at your door In your skin and in your bones It won

Its over.

Love & loyalty are different beasts With different needs You want What you can have and more

His ribs sink in with every breath Wet lips, red and hungry A familiar sacrifice To ancient gods no one spoke to

(Glory in the morning Rapture in the night)

Your fingers dig to find That steady heart It sings a quiet song You know the words But refuse to sing along

Your own tells you to leave It bleeds with every thud.

You start with a step And end with miles.

Top Songs - Part 2

Top 5 time.. but first some more honorable mentions: 

'Bright Lights' - Gary Clark Jr. - Blues rock is always welcome in my book, and this is some damn good blues rock. Clark Jr. is getting some obvious comparisons to Hendrix (cuz he's black and plays the blues!), but he does some serious shredding that gives some credence to the claims.

'Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)' - Foster the People - Pumped up Kicks was the bigger hit... but was way over played and while 'Don't Stop' is featured in a car commercial, that shouldn't be held against it. Plus, its catchy as hell.

'Someone Like You' - Adele - Not even gonna link to it cuz you've probably heard it a thousand times, but that doesn't stop it from being an incredible song.

And without further ado, the Top 5:

5. 'Grown Ocean' - Fleet Foxes - Just a beautiful song to end an excellent album. I'll admit I'm a huge Foxes fan, but what's not to like... beautiful harmonies, amazing vocals and ethereal sounds. Awesome, just awesome. 

4. 'Hold On' - Alabama Shakes - I'm not even sure if this band has a record deal, but I heard this little diddly on XPN, Philly's awesome independent radio station, and it freaking rocks. It's carried by a sublime bass line and shaky (in a good way) vocals and sounds like something from a Southern rock band in the 70s. Plus, to me, top songs need to be songs you can listen to over and over again without the song losing its appeal and in the best cases actually becoming even better. This song certainly enters that realm.   

3. 'We Found Love' - Rihanna - This song just rocks. Rihanna is the current Queen of Pop and this is her crown jewel. It's a perfect pop song with a great beat, catchy refrain and amazing build up and breakdown. It just makes you wanna dance, which is what good pop music should do. Also, an added bonus, the video is pretty freakin' cool (and I generally leave music videos to pre-teens) with its Guy Ritchie-styling and allusions to her past with Chris Brown (if you're into that kinda stuff)... plus Rihanna is pretty damn hot. 

2. 'Holocene' - Bon Iver - Just an absolutely beautiful song. Sweeping, majestic vocals backed by elegant music. It has an almost haunting charisma to it. A song that you can listen to and just get lost in it. The song, and entire 2nd album, firmly establishes Justin Vernon as one of the preeminent modern songwriters. Also, indirectly proves that Kanye may be the musical genius he says he is, since he brought Vernon on to collaborate on a bunch of tracks on My Twisted Dark Fantasy. 

1. 'Midnight City' - M83 - As previously said, a great song needs to get better with every listen and not get old after multiple listens. 'Midnight City' passes this test better than any other song this year. You can listen to it over and over again without it losing its appeal. It can be a background song, but can also be, and is even better as a song that you just blare on your headphones and get lost in. Additionally, its hard not to move to the beat while you listen, whether dancing or just nodding along. It's simply an epic, engrossing song. 

Top Songs of 2011 - Part 1

Everyone's doing it and it's an easy post, so why not...

My completely awesome top 11 list of '11. But first 2 honorable mentions, and yes they could have just been #s 12 and 13 but that ruins the 11 of '11 gimmick so shut up...

'Can't Get Enough' by J. Cole  - I'm a sucker for cool references and creative wordplay and this one is a doozy with references to Wesley Snipes' tax evasion and Alex Ovechkin. Then throw in some lines like "I luv when you give me head but hate when you give me headaches" and "I beat the pussy up, that's the hook right thurr" over a slick beat and I'm sold.

'I Love my Label' by Wilco - Fun throw in cover song on Wilco's new album. Plus, I love 'O Yes' that opens the song. Excellent.  

Now for the official list. 

11. 'Ima Boss' - Meek Mill and Rick Ross

It's hard to beat an aggressive, hard-charging rap song. They're great for blasting on the highway or in the weight room. Meek Mill offers an awesome, in-your-face flow that meshes perfectly with the aggressive beat. Then throw in some Rick Ross and his 'boss' talk and you've got yourself a quality jam. Additionally, Meek gets bonus points in my book for being Philly born and bred.

10. 'Will Do' - TV on the Radio - Awesome groove with an eerie flow that evolves into a smooth indie song. Also, the breakdown in the 2nd half of the song is great, especially the part when they sing 'caldera' though I have no idea what it means, but that probably for the best.  

9. 'Look At Me Now' - Chris Brown with Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne - I think a recent message board post sums this song up best...

"a[n] overview [of] the song

Chris brown - my dick my dick my dick im done

busta rhymes - ncjkshdfvcadbcvabcvbahfdcbfcld

Lil Wayne - weed pussy red flag"

That being so it still is a damn good song with a sick beat and welcome back Busta... now stop doing songs with Justin Beiber.

8. 'I'm on One' - Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne - Yes, it's your standard rap superstar collab job; however, it's hard to do it better. Three of the best at their best... and no I'm not including DJ Khaled in the title cuz I hate when DJs yell their name during songs. Frankly it's annoying... act like you've been there before. Shut up and just make sick beats.

Also, I find it funny how uncool Drake looks, especially in a genre where look and swag are so vital. Yet, currently he's arguably the biggest name in hip hop. Does anyone else notice this? 

7. 'Little Talks' - Of Monsters and Men - Awesome indie-esque pop song. It has all the ingredients you need, fun beat, guy and girl vocals, harmonies and plenty of random instruments.   

6. 'Till the World Ends (Remix)' - Britney Spears feat. Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha - Just go with me on this one. Music is supposed to be fun and this song is definitely fun. Plus Nicki Minaj's verse is pretty fantastic. Finally, how can you not like a song that Rolling Stone dubbed "the Apocalypse Now of eurotrash". 'nuff said. 

Part Deux manana.