Who’s Adele?

Or, why do I feel like the music and tv shows that I like turn me into a hipster?

Guys, I do know who Adele is. But it got me thinking when I first heard Chasing Pavements. I was like I need to listen to more. Then, when Adele was up for her first Grammy I was watching a talk show where the host was out in the streets asking if people were up to speed on the artist nominated that year. During the segment this guy asked “who’s Adele?” All I could do is sigh as my husband gave me the there, there pat on the shoulder.

Speaking of Adele, have you seen the Carpool Karaoke The Late Late Show with James Corden … with Adele? It is funny! Well, I think it is funny. I can’t lie to you I’ve seen about six times.

I am not sure why when I like a song or something I see (YouTube, tv shows, movies) I have to see it multiple times. What? I know when I have reached my limit. It’s when I can just about quote it word for word. No, that’s not weird! You’re weird! “I like being weird. Weird’s all I got. That and my sweet style.” #Moss #TheITCrowd #EmbraceYourWeird #FeliciaDay

Side notes: Seriously though being weird is not a bad thing, it’s different. Being different is a good thing.

So … yeah sorry about the rant…what was I saying? Oh yes, Adele is one of my favorites Carpool Karaokes. Is karaokes a word? Meh, oh well. My other favorite is the one with Rod Stewart. That guy “God Bless you Rod Stewart” always makes me smile.

And I know actors are not the characters they play, but I can’t help but think its Smithy! When I see James Corden singing. Perhaps it is because I love Gavin & Stacey. Who’s Gavin & Stacey? You might be able to find it on the YouTube. If not I would recommend buying it. If you like British comedies/drama/awesomeness you should check it out.

Don’t worry I am getting to the hipster part. I was thinking about how it seems like now everyone knows who Adele is. Okay, perhaps not everyone. That’s unfair I have not met everyone.

Anyway, so ever since I keep hearing people say how much they like Adele. I say to myself, I liked Adele before you. I feel in love with her music before you knew she was. Then I think, whoa Melissa, quit messing around … do you have to say that like a hipster when you say that?

But what is a hipster exactly? I know what social media’s definition of hipster is. Is it really fair for me to use the word hipster? Maybe I should say I sound like a Sheldon Cooper when I talk about stuff like that. Eek that sounds worse. Anywho you know what I mean.

It’s like The Walking Dead. My husband and I have been watching since day one. Then after a couple of years as it is gaining more and more popularity, all of a sudden everyone is talking about The Walking Dead. Then there’s that voice. I feel in love with The Walking Dead before you knew who Rick Grimes is.

Then, I am like you know what Melissa? It’s a good thing other people like the same music and shows you like because they can go on making music/shows.

And to answer your question, yes I talk to myself. The point is, that means more people to talk to about said music and shows. Perhaps even one day I can say The Guild and someone will say, I like that show to.

Maybe this should have been called Who’s Adele?

Or, why do I feel like the music and tv shows make me keep talking to myself. And I was talking to you guys when I said that … yes, I was.

I’m in love … with Begin Again

I will try to describe my love for this movie. Have you ever read a book, seen a movie or heard a song that found the right place in your heart? This is what this movie has been for me. I saw this movie recently on Blu-ray. I know what you might be asking, Melissa if this movie is so wonderful why are you just seeing it? Well most movies like this only play at one theater where I live for a limited time. And if you happen to be working the release weekend it will be a bit too late because it will have only shown once. Sorry for the side rant, where was I …

Begin Again is written and directed by James Carney, and stars Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, James Corden, Hailee Steinfeld, Adam Levine, Catherine Keener and CeeLo Green. When I first saw the preview I wanted to see it because I think Mark Ruffalo is a wonderful, authentic actor. And I also love James Corden who is a brilliant and funny actor. In all honesty, the entire cast is amazing. I could not see any one else playing these characters. Keira Knightley plays Gretta James a singer song writer who is discovered by Dan Mullihan (Mark Ruffalo).

PS: Knightley does her own signing in the movie. Speaking of singing, there is a song in the movie that I am in love with, Lost Stars written by Gregg Alexander, Daniel Brisebois, Nick Lashley and Nick Southwood. I love the Knightly and Levine version of this song. So I feel in love twice once with the movie and the second with this song. The lyrics are amazing. It’s like a poem. Just the beginning of the song fills a space in my heart, the space I was talking about earlier.

“Please, don’t see

Just a girl caught up in dream

And fantasies

Please, see me

Reaching out for someone

I can’t see”

Dan (Ruffalo) has sold most of his shares of his record label. So he has been forced out by his partner (Mos Def). So even though Dan is not able to sign anyone, Gretta decides she wants him to produce her album. One of the things I love about their decision is to record it all over New York. So no matter what happens, background noise mainly they will keep recording.

If you think the movie is going to have a cliché like Dan and Gretta ending up together, you are wrong. While they are making this album together they are helping each other. She helps him build a stronger relationship with his daughter (Steinfeld) which essentially helps him reunite with estranged wife (Catherine Keener).

So there is one small cliché (tiny, minor thing that does not ruin the movie at all) in the movie where Dave Kohl (Levine) who plays Gretta’s boyfriend meets someone else. She discovers this when he plays a song for her he write while in LA. Gretta knows him that well, that as soon as she hears the lyrics she knows he is singing about someone else. Dave tries to get Gretta back after she leaves a song for him on his voice mail. 

Yes, this movie is about how music can save you. But also about how two people can save each other and it does not have to be in a romantic setting. There are no words to describe how beautiful, wonderful, lovely this movie is. Okay those were some words but it truly is like one of books you read, or movies you see that you want to keep to yourself because it has filled you with so much joy you want to keep it to yourself and share it at the same time.