Movie Review: Joker

Heath Ledger’s portrayal of Batman’s most infamous nemesis was widely heralded as a masterful performance after the 2008 release of The Dark Knight. Time has been kind to that film, and after Jared Leto’s failed attempt to recapture the magic that was Ledger’s haunting and larger-than-life Joker, fans were sure that there would never be another performance of this character that could compete with what Heath Ledger was able to do on-screen. While I’m not here to compare and contrast Joaquin Phoenix’s 2019 performance with Ledger’s in 2008, I’m confident saying this new take on Joker is unique enough to stand on its own as a masterful character piece in an incredible movie.

I truly didn’t expect director Todd Philips and company to take the direction they did with this film. Without spoiling too much, this is an entirely different take on Arthur Fleck as a character. Instead of cool and charismatic, Phoenix’s Joker is broken and hurt. Instead of the character’s iconic laugh being maniacal and strong in its intention, it was pained and weak in its impulsivity. Watching Arthur being beat down by life almost led me to feel sympathy for him, but in the end, I couldn’t help to root against what the cruel world had led him to become.

Joker works both as an incredibly well-delivered origin story and as a commentary on the darkest sides of ignored mental illness. I intensely disagree with the narrative that this film inherently promotes violence. This film instead encourages us to treat each other kindly despite our differences, and demonstrates the negative consequences that come from treating those who have less or are not as privileged in a rude way, in the most shocking fashion possible.

I can’t give enough praise to this film. Any awards that Joker can be nominated for, it should immediately be in the conversation to win. This movie thrives stylistically and thematically, and Phoenix gives a career-defining performance. This is a must-see, incredible movie with only minor problems that I would have to spoil to explain. Great stuff, albeit very, very unsettling.

SCORE: 9/10

Album Review: uknowhatimsayin¿ - Danny Brown

Detroit rapper Danny Brown has returned with his newest album offering uknowhatimsayin¿, and he is as wonderfully funky and comedic as ever. While not nearly as inventive as Atrocity Exhibition was, this project spends some of the well-earned freedom Danny Brown has previously garnered through his prior projects and doesn’t disappoint. This isn’t his best album, but it’s certainly very enjoyable.

The highs are very high on this project. “Dirty Laundry”, “3 Tearz”, and Savage Nomad” are standout tracks that I can see myself listening to on a regular basis. The production, bars, and brevity of this album are all appreciated for their excellency, but there’s just something missing from this project that doesn’t push it to the level of amazingness that his earlier projects have provided for me.

I’m wondering if I was expecting a certain level of experimentation and novelty that just wasn’t bound to come from this project. Atrocity Exhibition was so fresh and outlandish that it immediately stood out and set itself apart, and this album just doesn’t do that in the same way to me. Danny Brown is one of the more consistently solid rappers in the field right now, but part of me wishes he would continue pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable and expected in the genre right now. This album is conventionally very good, when I was looking for something unconventionally great.

Brown’s return to a sort of classicism is surely to be appreciated by those who aren’t impressed sheerly by experimentation. Instead of standing out from the well-produced instrumentals behind him as he previous has, Brown melts right into their grooves and finds a comfortable place to flex his ingenious lyrical abilities. This album is more heartfelt and playful than it is guttural, and that is okay because it’s such an easy and enjoyable listen. Danny Brown has earned his right to make whatever kind of music he wants, and this album is further proof of how that is a good thing. Excited to see what comes next from such an eccentric presence in hip-hop.

Favorite Tracks: “Dirty Laundry”, “3 Tearz”, “Savage Nomad”

Least Favorite Track: Change Up

SCORE: 8/10

Tyler, The Creator IGOR Tour Concert Review

Following the releases of his two most recent and fantastic albums Flower Boy and IGOR, I knew that I had to go see Tyler, The Creator live in concert. While some view Tyler as controversial (he was banned from the UK in 2015), I see him as the always-maturing artist that he is and enjoy his music very much. I’m happy to say that seeing him live in concert was worth every penny.

The opening acts at this show, Goldlink and Blood Orange, were decent. I think that if they switched the order in which they performed, the energy in State Farm Arena would’ve been a lot better throughout the whole night. Goldlink hyped everyone just for Blood Orange to mellow everyone out again. That’s okay, though - the following act was spectacular.

Tyler’s signature opening on this tour of slowly walking into and then soaking up the spotlight is just awesome. There’s also something cool about his rotation of loudly colored suits that makes the color reveal fun at every show. “IGOR’S THEME” works just as well in a concert setting as it did on the album, and I immediately knew that I was in for a treat when the beat hit and Tyler’s amazingly spastic dance moves hit the stage.

There was a good balance struck between performing songs off the new project and pulling out old classics like “Tamale” and “Yonkers” which made him famous in the first place. The crowd seemed to know every song, as did I, and the energy was fantastic during the entirety of Tyler’s set. The lighting and effects during the show fit in very well with the theme of the night, and I’m glad to have been able to take some decent pictures and videos. Ending things with “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” was the perfect way to cap off a great night.

I feel like even if you aren’t familiar with Tyler’s entire discography, it’s worth seeing him live in concert. Also, take someone you love like how I took my girlfriend. IGOR was a fantastic album, and I’ll be proudly repping the merch I got at the show while listening to the album. Great, great show.

Fall Clothing Pickups (Common Projects, AllSaints)

Despite the fact we’ll breaking high temperature records here in Atlanta tomorrow, Fall weather is right around the corner. That’s right - soon enough it will be cold enough to bring out the sweaters, flannels, and boots without the potential for a heatstroke. Having this in mind, as I often do, I recently decided to make some Fall clothing purchases. Spooky ones, at that. Let’s take a look.

The first item I decided to purchase recently was a pair of shoes I’ve been eyeing for a long time. Adding to my Common Projects collection is the Achilles Low in black and white. I’ll be able to dress this pair up or down, and I’ll be able to wear them year round. They’re so shiny they’ve even already been conversation starters.

The next two items I purchased were from AllSaints. That 15% off student discount just had to be taken advantage of. With Halloween on the mind, I went for two seasonally themed pieces. The sweater, with red and black stripes, is incredibly soft and gives off serious Freddy Krueger vibes. The T-shirt caught my attention because of its clever design, reading both “Hallucinations” and “AllSaints” simultaneously. Two pieces from one of my favorite brands that will get a lot of wear.

Thanks for checking out some of my Fall clothing pickups. If you want to see more of this sort of thing, you check out my Instagram here. What are you wearing this Fall?

Album Review: Self-Titled - The Highwomen

Made up by four of the most successful and influential female country blues artists currently in their genre, The Highwomen have released their debut self-titled album which lived up to my highest expectations. Though it may be bold to use a name playfully making reference to one of the most powerful collaborative groups of all time, The Highway Men, this project earned its place and my respect because of its outstanding vocal performances, poetic song writing, and stellar production.

I should give a disclaimer before you go listen to this project: It’s very heartfelt. You just might cry listening to it, and that’s okay. I wrote earlier this year about my widening taste in music, and this album checks all of those boxes. Not every track tugs at the heart strings, such as “Redesigning Women” and “If She Ever Leaves Me”, which make powerful statements put do so lightly and sometimes comedically. That being said, the emotional moments on this album are absolutely chilling and haunting. “My Only Child” is one of the most beautiful depictions of a parent’s love for a child I’ve ever heard, and “Cocktail And A Song” is an incredibly bittersweet story of dealing with loss. Grab a tissue box for this album - you’re going to need it.

While the songwriting is strong on this project, I don’t think it would’ve been as successful as it is if you were to insert any other country artists instead of the four Highwomen. Every member has something significant and unique to offer, such as Brandi Carlile’s spectacular and easily-recognizable vibrato, or Amanda Shires’ mature sound throughout the project. Each member compliments the others, and the harmonies are wonderful on nearly every track. The songs chosen to cover fit the album thematically and sonically, and the album is better off with them.

I’m thoroughly impressed by the newest country supergroup, and am excited to see what The Highwomen have in store in the future. I never thought I’d be listening to country music and enjoying it, but here we are. Don’t worry, though, I’m still listening to rap, rock, and all of the usual genres. Go check out this project and let me know if it brings a tear to your eye!

Favorite Tracks: “Redesigning Women”, “Loose Change”, “Crowded Table”, “Old Soul”, “My Only Child”, “Wheels of Laredo”

SCORE: 9/10