; i © theotherpress ¢ Culture December 10, 2003 Check out these latest releases while they're still warm! Movie: Along Came Polly, Release date: January 16 Ben Stiller plays Reuben Feffer, whose anti-risk lifestyle is turned upside down when he is dumped on his honeymoon in favour of a muscle-bound scuba instructor. The distraught Feffer vows to play it even safer after this debacle but then along comes Polly, played by Jennifer Aniston, an adventurous child- hood friend who whisks him off his feet and into a whirlwind series of zany goings on. If that doesn’t do it for you perhaps this will—Philip Seymour Hoffman is in it. That boy always brings the goods. Book: Ring of Fire: A Tribute to Johnny Cash, by Brian Mansfield Release Date: January Let the year of Johnny begin. Two thou- sand and four will see the release of a motion picture about the man in black starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, and the books, compila- tions, and tribute albums are sure to keep on comin. Mansfield’s book is being billed as a collector’s piece and it features tributes to Cash from a variety of musicians and actors as well as amaz- ing photographs by Les Leverett, the official photographer of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years. Album: Hold on Love, Azure Ray Release Date: January 20 Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor are back with their third full-length album—an intimate, ethereal, and surprisingly upbeat record from these soulful Southern ladies. Longtime producer and collaborator Eric Bachmann’s (Archers of Loaf, Crooked Fingers) influence is evident and welcome, par- ticularly throughout the warm and smoldering string arrangements that permeate the record. Another pretty album from the good folks at Saddle Creek Records, it'll be sure to keep you warm on those cold January evenings. XY ff The Best of 2003 Amanda Aikman Culture Editor Oh 2003 I will surely miss you. After all, you're the one who gave me the Flaming Lips show at the Plaza of Nations and the one who brought My Morning Jacket to town practical- ly every other weekend. Okay, so you were also responsible for Shania Twain's recent presence in Vancouver and you somehow let Nickelback slip through security a few times— but hey, I don’t blame you, a year is a long time and you can't be expected to be on the ball 24/7. With so many fabulous and memorable concerts, albums, movies, and theatre performances throughout the year, it is difficult to narrow them down into mere top-five lists—but I will anyway, because that’s just how much I care about you. For your part, be sure and stay tuned to the Other Press throughout the month of January so as to reap the full ben- efit of my wisdom. This week we visit the exciting world of live music. Top Five Concerts: 5. My Morning Jacket at Richard’s on Richards/The Gossip at the Royal Tied for fifth place are the My Morning Jacket (newmu- sicwest) and The Gossip shows. The Gossip show was great for so many reasons—Frog Eyes opened up, the drinks were cheap, people danced and sang, and just generally got down, and The Gossip blew the roof off of the now defunct Royal venue. Good times. My Morning Jacket was the highlight of the newmu- sicwest festival last year, in all their barefoot, longhaired, rock-and-roll splendour these boys bedazzled a crowd of adoring Vancouverites. Luckily for us they returned the favour two more times before 2003 finally kicked the buck- et. 4, The Weakerthans at the Commodore Ballroom Isn't John K. Samson dreamy? Oh come on you know you Ree Page 10 e http://www.otherpress.ca want him. Who else sings songs from a house cat’s perspec- tive or pens pretty lyrics like “I am a faulty string of blue Christmas lights?” The pride of Manitoba (in spite of, or more likely because of, the fact that their song “One Great City!” features the line “I hate Winnipeg”) were charming, entertaining, and just plain swell when they played the Commodore this past September. 3. Bright Eyes with Arab Strap and David Bazan at the Commodore Ballroom Yeah I know this show paled in comparison to the previ- ous Bright Eyes show at Richard’s on Richards, but even a lesser performance from this band is still light years ahead of what you are likely to see from anyone else these days. Not to mention the fact that this show featured those Arab Strap fellas and a surprise solo performance from Pedro the Lion's David Bazan. ‘Talk about bang for your buck. 2. Martin Tielli at The Gumboot Cafe It’s no secret that I believe Martin Tielli is a genius, and if you had seen him play this show you would have no choice but to agree. Moses, Houdini, Frosty the Snowman—they aint got nothing on him. This man is the real article. Pure magic. 1, The Flaming Lips at Plaza of Nations Holy smokes, I found God at a rock show. Oh wait, that wasn't God—it was just some guy with a beard by the donut stand. Even so, this night was definitely of the unforgettable, life-affirming, bordering-on-religious-experience variety. Although it only lasted for a few minutes, when everyone sang along to “Yoshimi,” all was finally right with the world. Welcome to the Church of The Flaming Lips my friends, salvation never sounded so sweet. Next Week, Top Albums of 2003...