Posted on: Saturday, May 21, 2005
SATURDAY SCOOPS
Play that 'track
Advertiser Staff
Summer movie season and its dozens of accompanying marketing-committee-approved soundtrack CDs returned this week led by some flick about a galaxy far, far away. A good time, we thought, to dig up a few great film soundtracks from the late '90s and '00s perhaps missed in the rush to pick up, like, "Spiderman" or something. Try these largely unsung gems:
Why own it? Director Jim Jarmusch personally sequenced the disc's oddball collection of funk, jazz, ska, rock and classical tunes, mixing up Jerry Byrd's "Hanalei Moon," with the likes of Tom Waits and Funkadelic.
"Garden State" (Epic/Sony Music Soundtrax, 2004)
Why own it? Director Zach Braff's wise and wistful song mix (including Coldplay, The Shins, Zero 7 and Simon & Garfunkel) perfectly nailed the lives and personalities of his film's quirky characters.
"Ghost World" (Shanaachie, 2001)
Why own it? Even the geekiest of your music geek friends couldn't come up with a motley mix CD of funky Indian film music, forgotten blues and scratchy old jazz 78s as inspired as this one.
"Grosse Pointe Blank"/ "More Music from the film 'Grosse Pointe Blank' " (Polygram, 1997)
Why own it? Its mix of music from great '80s "The ..." bands — Clash, Specials, Jam, English Beat, Pixies, Pogues — and others will add instant cool to your Greed Decade CD collection.
"High Fidelity" (Hollywood, 2000)
Why own it? Because the film's freakishly music-obsessed main characters would hunt you down if this mix of high-minded Bob Dylan, Velvet Underground, Kinks and Stereolab wasn't in your personal Top 5.
"Kill Bill, Vols. 1 & 2" (Maverick, 2003, 2004) Why own it? Quentin Tarantino reaches near genius in choosing just the right left-field songs for his films. He's at his peak here.
"The Royal Tenenbaums (Expanded Edition)" (Hollywood, 2002)
Why own it? See "Kill Bill, Vols 1 & 2" above. Substitute director Wes Anderson for "Q.T."
"Swingers" (Hollywood, 1996)
Why own it? Both soundtrack and film inspired the late '90s revival of big band swing music and dancing. Beyond that, it's a swaggering mix of country and funk.
"Trainspotting" (Capitol, 1996)
Why own it? Brit pop and techno have never been put to better use on a film soundtrack. Blur, Brian Eno, Pulp and others mix it up with classic Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and Blondie.
"Wicker Park" (Lakeshore, 2004)
Why own it? The film was a box-office dud. But its soundtrack of Death Cab For Cutie, The Postal Service, Snow Patrol, Aqualung and The Shins is a solid introduction to modern day moody indie pop and rock.
Reach Derek Paiva at dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8005.
-By Derek Paiva
Victoria Ward Centers The sale includes various succulents, cactus varieties, dish gardens and hanging planters.
Consider it an opportunity for everyone from beginners to collectors to find an array of plants for home and garden, and to talk to growers about plant care.
For more information, call 622-5500.
Bargain hunter? Head for Richardson Field today for the Super Garage Sale and Craft Fair. It runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Admission is free. Park at the Rainbow Bay Marina. All sellers are military-affiliated.
If you see people resting their feet today, cut them some slack — they have may have participated in the 2005 Charity Walk that started at 6 a.m. If you're an early-early riser, head on over to McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Beach Park and take part yourself.
Similar walks are being held on Maui (808) 244-8625, the Big Island (808) 882-5451 and Kaua'i (808) 826-2273.
The four walks last year raised nearly $1 million for Hawai'i-based charities, with 11,000 walkers participating. Part of today's proceeds will go toward military groups.
Cost is $35 ($25 for 18 and younger); you can go to www.charitywalk.org or call 923-0407 on O'ahu for more information.
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is hosting its sixth annual Living Day History from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, free to the public. Highlights include modern soldiers and combat equipment, Hawaiian fighting arts, re-enactments and large-scale working aircraft models. Parking is available at Fort DeRussy. Call 955-9552 or 438-2825 for more information.
Family Expositions
Groms, or wee ones on surfboards, will invade Queen's Surf in Waikiki today as the T&C Surf Grom Contest opens at 8 a.m. The ninth annual contest, which runs until 4 p.m. both today and tomorrow, is open to amateur, unrated bodyboarders, shortboarders and longboarders ages 14 and younger in three age divisions. Prizes will be given out to all participants, including a T&C Grom Contest T-shirt and a goodie bag. About 140 youngsters are expected to challenge each other and test their skills in the waves.
Information: 971-5419 or www.tcsurf.com (click on "News" link)
They're finally home, so let's celebrate with Sunset in the Park's Homecoming for Heroes, a joint military and civilian homecoming celebration for the 10,000 troops deployed in January 2004.
The celebration runs from noon to 10 p.m. today and tomorrow at Wheeler Army Air Field at Schofield Barracks near Wahiawa.
Some of the highlights are a performance by 'ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro on Sunday; a display of antique and new automobiles and motorcycles, food booths, rides and games, and children's activities.
Movies will also be shown as part of Sunset in the Park. "Finding Neverland" shows tonight and "National Treasure" tomorrow.
All attendees are asked to have photo identification. Vehicles with coolers and bags are subject to inspection. No pets will be allowed.
The event marks the broadcast of the last episode of the original "Kamen Rider V3" TV series (6:30 p.m. tomorrow on Oceanic 78) and also features Riderman and Kamen Riders 1 and 2.
The event includes Rider-oke (Kamen Rider karaoke), prizes, balloons and autographs by "Kikaida" star Ban Daisuke.
"Coffee and Cigarettes" (Milan, 2003)
Movies to rock to: From top, left to right, "Garden State," "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Coffee and Cigarettes," "Grosse Point Blank," "Trainspotting," "Wicker Park," "Swingers," "Ghost World," "High Fidelity" and "Kill Bill, Vols. 1 and 2."
Billboard peak: Did not chart
Billboard peak: 20
Billboard peak: Did not chart
Billboard peak: 31/Did not chart
Billboard peak: 135
Billboard peak: Vol. 1, 45; Vol. 2, 58
Billboard peak: 162
Billboard peak: 168
Billboard peak: 48
Billboard peak: Did not chart
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Landscaping for your own desert isle
Plant yourself at the Ward Warehouse ... or at least check out the plant sale by the Cactus and Succulent Society of Hawai'i from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.
Succulents and cacti will be offered for sale at Ward Warehouse by an enthusiasts' society.
Super Garage Sale today at Pearl field
Many small steps are big stride for charity
Living History Day staged by Army
It's time for the New Baby Expo, today and tomorrow at the Blaisdell Center. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and features, among other things, a baby-crawling contest, "Hawai'i's largest" baby shower and various booths.
This baby takes a break during the Baby Crawling Contest at a previous New Baby Expo.
Sunset in the Park will welcome troops home
They Kamen, they sign, they conquer
Japanese superheroes of yesteryear return today, for a free autograph and picture-taking session at Shirokiya on the Ala Moana Center mall level. Ridermania, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., features an appearance by Kamen Rider V3, the cyborg hero who followed Kikaida to Hawai'i in the '70s.
Kamen Rider V3 will make an appearance at Shirokiya at Ala Moana Center today.
