Sherpa's Wonderin's

Spotlight Music

Dream Girls
I had some compensation time I needed to use before it expired, so I took off from work a couple hours yesterday and went to see Dreamgirls at the Uptown theater in DC. The Uptown has the reputation for being the best screen in the area to see a movie. The Uptown is the last movie palace in the area, and the curved screen is a whopping 32 feet x 70 feet. The screen is about the size of an IMAX screen but the curve really makes a difference. Although I had heard a lot about Dreamgirls, it didn't disappoint. The film itself is kind of light fare. A good film, but I don't think it was "snubbed" at the Oscars. However, the acting was rock solid. Even knowing that Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy were the stand outs, I was still knocked out by Hudson's performance, and Murphy nearly stole the show as lecherous James Early. Beyonce Knowles and Jaime Foxx gave solid performances, but were easily shadowed by Hudson and Murphy. Keith Robinson also delivered as Effie's (Jennifer Hudson) brother the song writer. I found myself loving a lot of the music, and overall thought it a movie worth seeing. Oh, and if you find yourself in upper northwest DC, go see a film at the Uptown.


J.Gyllenhall singing one of Effie's songs---


Sloan
I can't believe I haven't blogged about these guys. Since I first heard a single from their new album, I've been listening to the mp3s I have. They are another throwback band. Infectious music, their 70's rock hooks draw you in and leave you wanting more. Check them out.

Sloan Can't you figure it out mp3

The Shins
I finally got around to listening to the Shin's latest album, wincing the night away. Although a couple of the singles on the album are some of the finest work they have yet produced, I think the cd is uneven, and "Chutes too narrow" is a more consistent, solid piece of work. That being said, its still a good CD, and I'm sure I'll listen to it regularly throughout the year--but its not the best CD of the year to date.