The Movie Trail for Jan. 26

By Mark Niegelsky | January 26, 2010

Not a whole lot on the movie trailer front this week, but you can’t win ‘em all I suppose. About the best thing out is the family dramedy “City Island,” which looks like a rehash of dysfunctional family clichés. Haha! The husband and wife aren’t honest with each other! The daughter is a stripper at night!Andy Garcia’s accent is dubious! Comedy masterpiece, I’m sure. At least Alan Arkin is in it, and he’s good in about everything. Click above for more trailers.

Music News Monday: January 18-23

By Elizabeth Byrum | January 25, 2010

Courtesy of Pitchfork1. According to an MTV report, Prince recorded a fight song for the Minnesota Vikings, who played the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game on Sunday. According to Prince, who named the song “Purple and Gold,” he “saw the future” following the Vikings victory against the Dallas Cowboys. With lyrics including “the roar of the chariots touchdown” and “as we approach the thrown we won’t bow down,” this fight song is certainly only something Prince would conjure up.(via Pitchfork) 2. Vampire Weekend’s Contra is the highest selling album in the country, having sold 124.000 copies in the first week, according to Billboard. Since 1991, Contra is only the 12th independently distributed album to reach number one on the charts. (via Pitchfork) 3. Aerosmith’s front man Steven Tyler has landed himself in rehab again, and the band is holding auditions to find their new singer. Although Tyler plans to still work with the band, guitarist Joe Perry and the other members are looking for a new frontman soon. Tyler will still have a place in the band whenever he is ready to return; in the meantime the other members are just ready to start playing music again. (via NME) 4. How accurate is Google Streetview? According to NME, Flaming Lips singer, Wayne Coyne has been spotted on the streetview, taking a bath outside his Oklahoma City home. The bathtub was apparently set up by Coyne and his wife for a 2007 Halloween party. (via NME) 5. 2010 marks the return of Lilith Fair Tour, the late 1990s festival of all-women artists created by Sarah McLachlan, with a lineup that includes country legend Loretta Lynn and rock duo Heart. With over 30 planned tour dates, the festival also includes new additions Cat Power, La Roux, and Erykah Badu. (via Spin)

Dive TV

By Anna Norris | January 24, 2010

After charting in numerous best of lists for 2009 (including your very own Diversions list), the XX have a new video out for "VCR" from their debut album xx. Much like the music itself, this clip is simple, slightly spooky, and gorgeous. Watch a serious young couple destroy and light a room on fire below: Click above for more videos.

Reel Deal: Spider-Man Reboot

By Rocco Giamatteo | January 22, 2010

With the exception of his darker days of long hair and unexplained swing-dance capabilities, Peter Parker has always been conceived with such great dimension by Sam Raimi. Though the third film was plagued by the pitfalls of its unresolved, emotionally vague script, Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy has presented a fresh approach to the web-slinging superhero… and now it’s all over. In a heated debate between Raimi and Sony Pictures last week over “Spider-Man 4,” Raimi stated that he could not create his envisioned fourth installment by the targeted release date, which was set to be in May 2011. He officially left the project on January 11th. It should then come as no surprise (but rather as profound disappointment) that Tobey Maguire has walked off the project as well. The actor has frequently made clear that the mutual undestanding he shares with Raimi is an industry rarity. The Peter Parker they created hinged on this chemistry. But what’s next for the franchise? Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios have both announced that Marc Webb, director of this year’s sleeper hit “(500) Days of Summer,” will helm a reboot of the Spider-Man series, featuring Parker in his high school years.Click below to read more.

Mixtape Round-Up: January 15-21

By Benn Wineka | January 21, 2010

It's hard to not enjoy some Ludacris. The man is entertaining, has a good flow and now has his own liquor drank. To promote said liquor, Luda has released Conjure: A Hustler's Spirit (get it, spirit, like liquor). You aren't going to get any major exclusives on here, mostly some freestyles over other radio hits from the south and some re-released leaks from the past couple months, but like I said, it's Luda. The guy makes every song he's on sound better. He could literally read me Shel Silverstein and I'd be happy. Come to think of, that's the best idea I've ever had. Enough of my great ideas, download this, at least for his bodying of "All the Way Turnt Up." Where's the "I Wanna Rock" [Remix] we heard the other day though?What's Good?: "All The Way Turnt Up," "Everybody Wit Me"Tracklist and Download link for Conjure: A Huster's SpiritKIDA is an artist I never knew too much about until he started dropping a song a day in the lead up to this tape. Even then it took me a couple songs to listen, it was only then because 9th Wonder had a track. The guy has skills though and a lot of help on the latest effort. Focus joins 9th, DJ Khalil and more to bring the heat to back KIDA's west coast vibe. Did I mention he's got Busta Rhymes, Little Brother, Talib Kweli, Kurupt, Crooked I and Jay Rock on one track? I should have. Shoot, wasted chance.What's Good?: "HOLLA!" [Remix], "Fight this Feeling"Tracklist and Download link for The Endemic MixtapeSMKA brings you the second volume of their 808 Experiment for our last tape of the week. If I had to sum up the sound of the tape I'd lean toward what the title suggests. This is one of the most polished tapes production-wise I've listened to in a minute. People like SMKA that stick to what they do best, producing, and don't try to step from behind the boards like so many others have and failed make me happy. That of course leaves 21 tracks that need emcees, and almost every song features more than one artist which I also very much enjoy. Go to their website to check all the rappers. You can also stream there.What's Good?: "Right Away" Feat. Outasight, Kyle Lucas and Jay West, "Back in my Younger Days" Feat. Shawn Chrystopher, Mums FP and Joe ScuddaTracklist and Download link for The 808 Experiment: Volume 2

The Big Quiz Answered

By Diversions Staff | January 21, 2010

Looking to find out how you did on Dive's Big Quiz? Well, look no further. Click above to see the answers to the print section. Or if you haven't picked up a copy of the seciton yet, you can take the quiz online here.

Interesting CD Releases for Jan. 19

By Jordan Lawrence | January 19, 2010

The big release for this week is Spoon's Transference. Returning after the biggest hit of its storied career, 2007's Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, the classically minded Austin rock outfit returns with a more subdued collection of laid-back jams. From the few listens I've given it so far, I can tell you it's filled with the kind of fuzzed-out, retro-tinged introspection that's perfectly accompanied by an arm chair, a late night and a glass of fine bourbon. It also finds Spoon flexing their muscles, expanding their sonic pallet and letting loose another incredibly nuanced rock salvo. Looks like Spoon may well extend their rock 'n' roll dominance to another decade. Check out a full review of Transference in Thursday's edition of Dive.Actor/singer Charlotte Gainsborough's Beck-produced-and-written LP IRM promises to be an interesting little musical excursion. From the two tracks I've heard, the title track and "Heaven Can Wait," a duet with Beck, the release seems to be trying to expand upon the experimental macabre style that Beck put to the fore with help from Danger Mouse on 2007's Modern Guilt. On these two tracks, Gainsborough's piercing croon seems more than up to the style, melding with Beck's rhythmic dirges with a soft insecurity that draws real emotion from the music's kitschy-cool terror.Norway's Lindstrom is one of the best electronic musicians in the world, and this time around he's going the more accessible rout, adding the sensual heat of singer Christabelle to his irresistible grooves. The resulting Real Life Is No Cool, as evidenced by singles "Lovesick" and "Baby Can't Stop," look to be amazing. "Lovesick" is a creeping bit of back-alley sexuality that rides a piercing whisper and a luscious groove to pop transcendence. "Baby Can't Stop" draws Quincy-Jones-style grooves into the electronic realm, producing an insanely hot gem that's one of the best modern updates on Thriller I've heard in a while. Get excited, this one should be pretty great.

The Movie Trail for Jan. 19

By Mark Niegelsky | January 19, 2010

Fans of thrilling triplane action should be excited about the release of “The Red Baron” trailer, a historical action film based on the exploits of the famed Manfred von Richthofen. Released a few years ago in Europe, a slightly pared-down version is slated for US release this year. While the trailer isn’t perfect, it’s somewhat original, as the ever-crowded war film genre doesn’t suffer from a glut of WWI aerial combat movies. Boasting Joseph Fiennes and the guy who played Hugo Stiglitz in “Inglourious Basterds,” “The Red Baron” could turn out to be a decent war flick.Click above for more trailers.

Black snake moan

By Chessa Rich | January 18, 2010

The Moaners - The Pinhook, Durham - Jan. 15 Chapel Hill garage-rock duo The Moaners hit Durham's Pinhook on Friday with Lonnie Walker and Liza Kate. Dive was on hand to snap a few pics.

Music News Monday: January 11-16

By Elizabeth Byrum | January 18, 2010

A weekly roundup of the local and national buzzJay Reatard Courtesy of Andy Eisberg1. Memphis garage rocker Jay Reatard was found dead in his home early in the morning on Wednesday Jan. 13. Although the cause of death has yet to be determined, there was report of an ongoing homicide investigation. Fellow musicians including Beck, Ted Leo and Pixies have expressed their condolences for this sudden tragedy. Reatard was 29. (via Pitchfork) 2. For 2010, plans are under way to give the Triangle its own music festival. The Independent Weekly is working on Hopscotch, a 3-day event to be held in downtown Raleigh next September. Although an official announcement has yet to be released, the event is anticipated to have around 100 bands over 10 venues.(via Independent Weekly)Click above to read more.

Mixtape Round-Up: Christmas Break Edition

By Benn Wineka | January 15, 2010

The break was long but there was no lack of good, free music out there to be had. Here’s a rundown of all the goodies I collected over the break and have been giving a listen to.

Screen Time for Jan. 15

By Jonathan Pattishall | January 15, 2010

"Broken Embraces" (The Chelsea)Though "The Book of Eli," opening today in multiplexes near you, looks like an interesting take on the currently worn out genre of post-apocalyptic tales, my movie recommendation for the week is "Broken Embraces," Pedro Almodovar's latest collaboration with Penelope Cruz. Almodovar is one of the most important living directors in the world, the cinematic author of masterpieces such as "Talk to Her" (2002) and "Live Flesh" (1997), and I have been anxiously awaiting the opening of this limited release film in Chapel Hill. He is widely considered to be a "woman's director" because his films' most intimate struggles typically center on his female protagonists and victims. He also uses bright, feminine color palates that compliment his female leads. "Broken Embraces" promises to be both in this vein and totally outside of it, a neo-noir love-thriller (yet with colorful flair) about dangerous romance. It's brief and enigmatic trailer has a mysterious quality reminiscent of the confusions of identity and murder in 2004's "Bad Education," albeit heterosexual this time. It is even said to border on hard-boiled detective styles, which will be an interesting masculine change that no Almodovar fan should miss. Look for good performances from usual Almodovar collaborators Cruz and Lola Duenas.

Reel Deal: 10 Sequels to Expect in 2010

By Rocco Giamatteo | January 15, 2010

Having original movie ideas was so 2009. The very lucrative tradition of extending stories into multiple films (James Bond has 22 different adventures with six different actors) will define the cinema of the new year. Here’s a preview of the sequels to be released: 1. “Iron Man 2” Release Date: May 7 This is going to be more than just a superhero flick. With Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark and Mickey Rourke cast as his nemesis Whiplash, the movie will be another one of Hollywood’s affirmations that the two actors’ careers have officially returned. Yeah, so Don Cheadle is replacing Terrence Howard as Lt. Colonel Rhodes... If director Jon Favreau’s original approach to the first Iron Man evinces itself in this film, I promise that you won’t even notice. 2. “Shrek Forever After” Release Date: May 21 If you’re a human being on this planet, then you’ve probably seen Avatar. In doing so, maybe you caught the trailer for the fourth installment of the Shrek series. The new movie will revolve around the wrongdoings of Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn), as Shrek also tries to handle life with his ogre family.Click above to read more.

Brew Ha-Ha: Drinking Cheap

January 14, 2010

It being the beginning of the semester and all, and right after the long vacation, most of us out there are probably strapped for cash. Listen to Brew Ha Ha however and you won’t have to sacrifice good drinking in favor of more economical choices.Kirkland Brand Beer: For those who love cheap beer, but don't like to sacrifice taste, Costco has a product for you. Through their house brand, Kirkland, Costco has begun selling cases of craft brewed beer. They come with four individual six packs each, in four different styles of beer (German lager, hefeweizen, pale ale, amber ale), and all for under twenty bucks. That's real beer (not slightly alcoholic piss water), for roughly Budweiser prices. This is not to say that Kirkland beer is of an award-winning quality, but it's the best bang for the beer buck that I've so far discovered. Of the four particular styles, the best are the German lager and pale ale. Both are aromatic and mildly hoppy, with economical flavors that don't overwhelm but are clearly present. The hefeweizen and amber ale are both decent, if somewhat bland by craft brew standards. But all in all, it's hard to complain about anything at that price.Click above to read more.

How Dive came up with its 2009 top ten

By Dive Staff | January 14, 2010

Dive's year end lists on music, N.C. music and movies were tabulated by taking a staff vote. Music writers and movie writers each voted in the lists in their area. Staffers each turned in ballots of ten items arranged from a top choice that received 10 points and a bottom choice that received one. Dive's two editors were able to turn in lists of 15 in all three lists with the top choice receiving 15 points and the bottom one receiving one. Assistant Editor Linnie Greene chose to only turn in a ballot of ten for movies. The ten albums and movies in each category with the most points made our top ten lists.Click above to see the staff's individual lists.

Local Song of the Week: "The Process"

By Jordan Lawrence | January 13, 2010

Durham's Megafaun had one hell of a 2009. Releasing a great album in Gather, Form and Fly, garnering praise from respected media outlets such as Pitchfork.com and touring with acts such as Bon Iver, the experimental folkies made a splash in the minds of people outside the Tar Heel state. It makes good sense that the band would figure prominently in Dive's top ten lists for 2009, which you can all check out tomorrow in Dive's first issue of the new year. A great example of Megafaun's prowess is "The Process," a cut of of Gather. Rattling along on trash-can alley percussion, banjo and guitar, it combines the smooth side of country with the more aggressive edge of experimental folk with incredible dexterity. So, sit back, relax and enjoy a gem from one of North Carolina's rising stars.Download "The Process" here.

Interesting CD Releases for Jan. 12

By Jordan Lawrence | January 12, 2010

Welcome back to Interesting CD Releases. I've got a big one for you this first week of the semester.Faced with a clear choice between expanding their sonic pallet and being labeled as a "one-trick pony," New York's Vampire Weekend add more elements to the mix on sophomore effort Contra. Admittedly a lot of these tricks are borrowed from their indie pop peers, but Contra is still fun if not revelatory and packed with a bevy of incestuously catchy hooks that should allow Vampire Weekend to maintain their quickly gained popularity. Their afro beat influence still sounds fresh in such a pristine pop venue, and that's enough reason to at least give this one a listen. Plus all your hipster friends will probably laugh at you if you don't.And unless you're interested in following the trajectory of falling stars such as Ringo Starr, I really don't see anything all that interesting left in this week's releases. But one release as anticipated as Contra is pretty good for this time of year, so I wouldn't complain too much.

Misheard It Here: "Can't Stop"

By Elizabeth Byrum | January 11, 2010

After a near-month long break, I’ve returned with another ode to a favorite band. Although they may be back in business (or at least contemplating some studio time), the Red Hot Chili Peppers are doing so minus one. Even with guitarist extraordinaire John Frusciante leaving to work on his solo stuff, the band is still gearing up to write some more tunes. But the confirmation of John Frusciante’s departure has left a great big hole in this long time Chili Pepper’s fan, thus a discussion of song that contains a smorgasbord of random rhymes and phrases. Click above to read more.

Dive TV for Jan. 11

By Anna Norris | January 10, 2010

Animal Collective has a pretty good grip on the "trippy, original, sometimes incomprehensible yet totally cool" type of music video. And they don't disappoint with their newest video for "Brothersport" from Merriweather Post Pavilion. It looks like a mashup of Where The Wild Things Are, what cartoons might look like if you drop acid and a very good reason not to leave children alone with paint. Click above for more videos

Mike Posner sits down with Dive

By Benn Wineka | December 14, 2009

Duke senior and rising pop star Mike Posner took some time before his sold-out show at Cat's Cradle December 3 to talk with Dive's Benn Wineka. Over the sounds of Chiddy Bang's sound check, Posner talks about his upcoming shows, album, possible collaborations, admiration of Chiddy Bang, Duke basketball and connecting people across the country with his music.

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