Scarjo Lays Her Head Down: Gets An Album Cover

Fake? Real? Is this really the cover of Scarlett Johansson's Tom Waits covers album, Anywhere I Lay My Head? It looks pretty meh, but who knows.

Wonder what David Bowie thinks? This thing leaked yet or what? Pass us along some music.

For those that care, we've been out sick which means we've been working too much. We will try and resume to a regularly scheduled program next week. Hopefully they'll be scattered blogging from here til then.

Update: It's legit. We really thought you could do better, Scarjo.

Scorsese’s ‘Shine A Light’ Not Bad For An Overly Long Live Doc With Many Old People Close-Ups

While watching Martin Scorsese’s "Shine A Light" documentary/glorified live concert we realized the entire problem with the Boomer generation is one of viable sexuality. The thing that makes the Rolling Stones still touring so much more abhorrent than, say, The Who or Paul McCartney, is that a large portion of their greatest hits are about fucking.

Most of us have no desire to hear "Let’s Spend the Night Together" from a shirtless 65 year old man, even if he is in amazing shape. It’s gross. This entire film is a documentary of old geezers sexing it up with hipster haircuts while some guest musicians are trotted in to make them seem relevant and Scorsese aims the camera at himself to make him seem relevant.

Marty attempts to wink at the audience by inserting Stones interview footage from the 60s, 70s and 80s where the old men are repeatedly asked things like, "how long do you think the Rolling Stones will be together and why doesn’t Charlie Watts ever talk?" It’s supposed to serve as a humorous foil to the close ups of their withered visages and show the viewer how their personalities haven’t changed much in the past 40 years. What it actually does it remind you how great everyone looked in ’65 – hell even in ’85 - and how saggy and old they are now.

At various points they trot out Jack White, whose extremely pale skin and dark hair combo actually make Keith look healthy; Christina Aguilera, who can’t stop herself from attempting to both out-sing and out-sex Jagger; and Buddy Guy, who makes it painfully obvious that the Stones actually suck at interpreting the blues. Perhaps the greatest part of the movie is at the encore when Jack White, despite his best attempts not to, ends up standing next to Christina Aguilera for the bow, touches her for the minimal amount of time necessary and then literally runs away from her into the warm embrace of Keith Richards (or anyone who’ll talk to him).

Other than the irritation of Martin Scorsese inserting himself into the beginning and end of the movie as a character – no we don’t need to hear a list of your favorite Stones songs kthxbai (
("ok, thanks bye," in cell text/Internet speak for you old people) – and Bill Clinton showing up to introduce his mom and solidify the viable sexuality theory, we guess the movie was OK for an overly long live concert documentary with lots of close ups of old people.

[B-] or [U for Unnecessary]

Watch: "Some Girls" from "Shine A Light"

When Solemn Iraq War Films Fail To Connect Is The Only Alternative Wild & Absurd Satire? John Cusak Seems To Think So

This "War, Inc." trailer is like, wtf?? John Cusak co-wrote this and one has to take pause and seriously wonder after watching this: was it written as a resigned throw-his-hands-up in the air response to audiences' complete apathy for his 2007 war film, "Grace Is Gone"? Or has he just lost his mind? Hilary Duff also stars in this thing as a Britney-like pop tart. This thing has to be seen to be believed.

The synopsis is basically this: Set in the future, when the desert country of Turagistan is torn by a riot after a private corporation, owned by the former US president has taken over the whole state (a not-so-subtle Haliburton dig), John Cusack plays the role of a hit man hired by the corporation's head to kill the CEO of their competitors. Everything changes when the ruthless killer finds himself head-over-heels in love with a sexy reporter (Marisa Tomei).

Woody Allen Sues American Apparel For $10 Million Over Unauthorized Image

Hipster clothing company American Apparel might think it's cute to put an image of a Hasidim-looking Woody Allen from a comedic sequence in "Annie Hall" on Allen Street (get it?) in downtown New York, but the nebbish director thinks otherwise and is suing the company to the tune of $10 million dollars.

Problem is AA, has not licenced the image and is advertising on billboards and the Internet without his consent.

According to the lawsuit, "Allen does not engage in the commercial endorsement of products or services in the United States."

Calls to American Apparel were not returned, but it's said that ladies were taken off laps for a minute to asses the damage.

Woody Allen Meets Christopher Walken in "Annie Hall"

RIP, Formerly Blacklisted Filmmaker Jules Dassin, 1911 - 2008

Many people assume since Jules Dassin made many a great French-made noir film ("Rififi," "La Legge"), that the filmmaker was, Joooles Dasseeen, a French filmmaker. He wasn't. Dassin was an American filmmaker who fled Hollywood in the 1950s in an attempt to resuscitate his career after he was blacklisted because of his earlier ties to the Communist Party during the McCarthy propaganda era.

The great Dassin died Monday in Athens, where he had lived since the 1970s, at the age of 96. A cause of death was not given.

The Criterion collection has done a great job of feting Dassin's pre-blacklist work in the last few years releasing, "Thieves' Highway" (1949), "Night In the City" (1950), "Naked City" (1948), and "Brutal Force" (1947), all in within the last 24 months or so (they released "Rififi" in their early days).

Coincidentally enough, the New York Times just published a feature on Richard Widmark, the morally ambiguous star of "Night In the City" two days ago (the last major film Dassin made before he fled for France).

Unable to speak the language, Dassin toiled for five years in unemployment until he was finely offered the chance to direct, "Rififi," long-regarded as heist classic (memorably, the robbery itself lasts about half-hour and was filmed without music or dialogue). Dassin won a best-director award for the film at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival.

By 1960, the communist witch-hunt was over and his comedy, "Never on Sunday," was nominated for best directing and screenwriting Academy Awards.

Another one of Dassin's gifts to the world aside from his fine noir cinema was his songwriting son, Joe Dassin, who was recently featured in Wes Anderson's "The Darjeeling Limited" (the song, "Les Champs-Élysées").

Trailer: "Rififi"

"Rififi" titular song sequence

"Naked City" opening

Scene: "A Night In The City"

No Sleep Til Trailer? Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch's 'Gunnin' For That #1 Spot' Is Duly Unremarkable

So, as previously reported, Beastie Boy Adam Yauch's latest film, the basketball documentary, "Gunnin’ for That #1 Spot," is premiering at the upcoming New York Tribeca Film Festival.

The doc is supposed to be a "super-energized and highly musical documentary," about eight elite high school hoop dreamers who participate in a prestigious tournament that helped launch the careers of basketball legends Dr. J, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.

But, the trailer has made it's way online and while it appears to be only a teaster trailer, holy zzzzzzzzz. Even down to the boring beats, this thing has amateur hour written all over it. Let's hope a real trailer provides a few more thrills. Either that or good luck, Yauch.

Watch: "Gunnin’ for That #1 Spot" trailer

Mos Def To Play Chuck Berry In 'Cadillac Records' R&B Film

It was only a few weeks ago that we saw pictures of Beyoncé as Etta James in the film, "Cadillac Records," chronicling the rise and fall of the titular estimable Chicago 1950's R&B record label.

Now rapper/actor Mos Def has been cast to play o.g. rocker Chuck Berry according to Variety. Actress Gabrielle Union has been tapped to play Geneva Wade, the girlfriend/wife of Muddy Waters to be played by Jeffery Wright. The film centers around R&B magnate Leonard Chess (played by Adrien Brody) and the estimable 1950's Chicago R&B record label Chess Records (in the film transposed to Cadillac Records).
The cast also includes Cedric the Entertainer (Willie Dixon), Columbus Short (Little Walter), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Revetta Chess), Tammy Blanchard, and Eamonn Walker (Howlin' Wolf)

Beyoncé is recording four songs for the soundtrack and will also serve as executive producer of the project which is already underway and shooting. Darnell Martin ("Their Eyes Were Watching God") is the writer/director.

Madonna To Remake 'Casablanca'; Set The Film In Iraq?

"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world she has to try and remake mine."

According to the London Telegraph, half of the tracks from career-opportunist Madonna's upcoming album Hard Candy have already been licensed for commercials somewhere in the world. Millions have already been made from an album that doesn't get officially released until April 28.

"It's not about upfront payments; it's about selling the product. She is a very smart businesswoman who wants to sell a lot of albums." said John Reid, the president of Warner Music Europe and vice-chairman of Warner Music International. Yeah, no shit.

It gets worse. Remember her stellar movie career? Yeah, we don't either cause it doesn't exist. The rumour going around the mill is: Madonna is intent upon remaking one of the most indelible movies of all time "Casablanca". Yes, that "Casablanca." The Humphrey Bogart/Ingrid Bergman top ten on every critics' list of greatest films ever made. Annnd, she wants to set it in Iraq. Good lord.

Apparently, "Madonna and her people are testing the waters to see if this is the right vehicle for her and if a major studio will get behind the project."

Of course, Madge would attempt sink her "chops "into Bergman's role, yikes. She has to be stopped. Boycott Hard Candy. And if that fails, at least we know even Madonna doesn't have always even have the pull to get movies into theatres (iTunes release, anyone? see Playlist's own story Panned Madonna Film Heading Straight To Video Download?). Though sometimes her muscles will help her husband D-list movies (see the belated and half-assed "Revolver" release).

Written by contributor Ryan Tidd

Deerhunter's Bradford Cox Speaks About 'Wild Things' Soundtrack Collaboration With Yeah Yeah Yeahs Singer Karen O

As reported here first* back in February, Deerhunter's sickly-looking Bradford Cox has been contributing to Karen O's work on the "Where The Wild Things Are" soundtrack for Spike Jonze (something else we also noticed first). *or at least we're the first people to notice this was a big deal, the original source sure didn't.

Now Pitchfork has gotten a statement from Cox after SPIN magazine reiterated in a recent issue that Cox was working with O on the film's music (they just said he had flown down to L.A. to work with her). Cox went on fora minute in the statement, but was short on details other than the basics we already know.

"Last year Karen asked me as well as some other musicians to help out with some demos of songs she was writing for the score to Spike's amazing movie. The songs she had crafted are radical and honest. I was just a helping hand. The big story is not who was there, but Karen's excellent song-writing. I did not want to discuss working on the soundtrack because I think plenty of people would assume that I was trying to use Karen and her project to get attention for my album or whatever. That's not the case. I have no big news to break. Karen rules. Spike rules. All the people that were there ruled hard. I've never had a better time in my life playing music with people. The audiences for the music and the movie should be stoked because it's going to blow them away."

Who are these "other musicians"? Perhaps a star-studded list of indie faves and bold face names? Maybe members of the Yeah, Yeah Yeahs? Very possibly, but Cox is mum on details. All we do know is that Spike Jonze's brother, producer Squeak E. Clean (who produced the YYYs Show Your Bones) worked on some or all the recording sessions.

Pregnant With Song: 'Juno' Spawns Another Soundtrack Of B-Sides On April 8

Ah, to capitalize on that which sells well. You might of expected it, right? The "Juno" soundtrack had the highest charting Billboard release in Rhino Records history and sold a boatload of albums for the tastemaking archivist label, so it's not a huge surprise that a veritable 'Juno II' disc is being released two months after the disc was #1 on the charts.

April 8 will see the Itunes exclusive/digital-only release of Juno B-Sides: Almost Adopted Songs, a 15-song collection of songs, including one song by "Juno," star Ellen Page.

It's unclear if these songs were on the shorlist for inclusion or someone at the label tapped director Jason Reitman on the shoulder and said, "psst, pick 15 more songs, we're making a killing!," but in a statement, the filmmaker said, "None of these songs made the movie, but they are all essential members of the Junoverse," and some of the songs from Mateo Messina's original score are included so it's not entirely disingenuous (though a press release later in the day says, the songs were originally "intended for the film [but] were cut").

Kimya Dawson, the prominent musical voice of the film returns with three cuts including a cover of Barry Louis Polisar's "All I Want Is You," which was featured in the trailer and on the initial soundtrack disc. "There were only so many Kimya tracks that could be in the movie, but it always broke my heart that this one didn't make it," Reitman said. "['Viva la Persistence'] is such a playful track and a joy to listen to live."

Polistar, Belle & Sebastian and Buddy Holly all make another appearance on this second disc and musical newcomers include, Yo La Tengo, Boston girl group, the Bristols, Mexican act Trio Los Panchos, and Brazilian bossanova songstress Astrud Gilberto.

Page sings the song "Zub Zub," a track written by the film's screenwriter Diablo Cody for a scene that was cut out of the movie, but is on the "Juno" dvd in the deleted scenes extras where Page's character not-so-subtly rips into Michael Cera's character and his inability to cope with her pregnancy (you can watch it below). The scene may have been excised from the film, but it was one of the director's favorites. "I just remember directing with my daughter strapped to my chest in a BabyBjorn (baby carrier) and the whole crew watching on as Ellen noodled around on guitar."

You can pre-order the soundtrack on Itunes now for $9.99. If you can't access Itunes for whatever reason, the album will be available through all digital service providers on May 13.

Juno B-Sides: Almost Adopted Songs tracklist
1. Twentieth Century Fox Fanfare - Kimya Dawson/Matea Messina
2. Me and You - Barry Louis Polisar
3. My Wandering Days Are Over - Belle & Sebastian
4. Kite - Mateo Messina
5. Viva la Persistence - Kimya Dawson
6. Little Baby - The Bristols
7. I'm Into Something Good - Jr. James & The Late Guitar
8. Meet The McGruffs - Mateo Messina
9. Once I Loved - Astrud Gilberto
10. All I Want Is You - Kimya Dawson (solo)
11. Learning the Game (single version) - Buddy Holly
12. Meet the Lorings - Mateo Messina
13. Besame Mucho - Trio Los Panchos
14. You Can Have It All - Yo La Tengo
15. Zub Zub - Ellen Page

Download: Yo La Tengo - "You Can Have It All"

Watch: Ellen Page sings "Zub Zub" in deleted "Juno" scene

'Mister Foe' Soundtrack Features Domino Records Curated Soundtrack: Franz Ferdinand, Clinic, Orange Juice & Sons & Daughters

Finally, we have realized we don't have to carry the entire proverbial load when it comes to entertainment. For years we've innovatively pinched television programs like, "The Office," "Big Brother" and countless game shows ("Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", for one) from the United Kingdom, so why not do the same for a film?

As such, we are treated with a re-packaged version of "Hallam Foe" (2007) now entitled, "Mister Foe" that stars Jamie Bell (of "Billy Elliot" fame) in the lead role and seems to emphasize the proto-typically indie-film charming outsider with the troubled past who seeks love despite his eccentricities (shade of a Scottish "Catcher In The Rye"). Claire Forlani plays Hallam Foe's step-mother, with whom he has some sort of tryst that causes his father to throw him out. Undeterred he shacks up with some little blonde number (Sophie Myles) that finds his sorted affairs and oedipal complex attractive. Ewan Bremner appears in the trailer long enough to declare the new title, "Mister Foe," in a fantastic Dickensian accent.

Overall, the film looks interesting and should appeal to the art house hipsters, pseudo-intellectuals and the creepy perverts-who-fantasize-about-their-step-mothers. We'll be tuning in to see if that nation across the pond has anything else to offer besides tea and those mop-topped lads from the Ed Sullivan show.

Trailer songs: Appropriately, the driving opening song is "Blue Boy," from seminal Scottish indie-rockers Orange Juice. The second song played in the trailer is "Here On My Own" by U.N.P.O.C. another band who have caught on to the idea that lo-fi can be beautiful.

Domino Records were commissioned to put the soundtrack to this film together and as you might expect, they picked an eclectic list of artists conveniently already on the Domino records label roster like Psapp, Juana Molina, Clinic, Junior Boys and Franz Ferdinand who wrote an original song for the film, ("Hallam Foe Dandelion Blow"). How about that? Is that the way soundtracks are going to be curated in the future from one label that can license is all in one fell swoop? Don't be surprised if you see more of this trend.

While the film and soundtrack release date keep getting pushed back in the U.S. (the film was supposed to come out March 12), one can still score the soundtrack on import via Amazon if they so wish and we're told Domino will release it stateside later this year (likely whenever the film can secure a firm release date). The album art will of course change to reflect the new title, but we can safely assume the tracklist will be the same. The film has a small, infrequently updated blog for those that want to peruse for more (warning many past links are dead).

Update: the film now comes out June 6 in the U.S.
"Mister Foe" tracklist.
1. Orange Juice – Blue Boy
2. U.N.P.O.C. – Here On My Own
3. King Creosote – The Someone Else
4. Sons And Daughters – Broken Bones
5. Junior Boys – Double Shadow
6. Clinic – If You Could Read Your Mind
7. Future Pilot AKA – Battle At The Gates Of Dub
8. Hood – Lines Low To Frozen Ground
9. Franz Ferdinand – Hallam Foe Dandelion Blow
10. Psapp – Tricycle
11. James Yorkston And The Athletes – Surf Song
12. Bill Wells Trio – Also In White
13. Juana Molina – Salvese Quien Pueda
14. Cinema – They Nicknamed Me Evil
15. Woodbine – I Hope That You Get What You Want
16. Movietone – Ocean Song


Listen: Franz Ferdinand - "Hallam Foe Dandelion Blow"

Watch: Mister Foe trailer


Contributor Ryan Tidd wrote this review. The Playlist made the soundtrack notes.