Daily Archives: June 25, 2011

“Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” Documentary Pleases Audiences

Talk show host Conan O’Brien has released his first documentary, appropriately entitled “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop,” which chronicles the witty late night star’s comedy tour.

After a very public break-up with former home station NBC in early 2010, O’Brien refused to merely simmer on the backburner while waiting out his six month ban from appearing on television.

"Conan O'Brien Can't Stop" gives viewers a no holds barred glimpse into the trials of one of television's most popular personalities.

In good spirits, O’Brien embarked on his nationwide “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour,” but not without inviting a film crew to record and document every comedic step of the way.

The kitschy film gives ”Team Coco” fanatics and mere viewers alike a special glimpse into the life of O’Brien – one filled with many rest stops, fan meet and greets, and a subdued sense of resentment intact throughout the entire film.

“Can’t Stop” also excels in humanizing O’Brien beyond the point of his public persona.  Known as one of the most down-to-earth names in the entertainment industry, viewers are allowed a peek into many of O’Brien’s darker days on the tour – days where frustration, bitterness, and homesickness fester to a head.

By the home stretch of the documentary, O’Brien has viewers scratching their heads and contemplating whether or not the comedian will even complete the final leg of the tour due to his lack of enthusiasm and all-around sense of being burned out on comedy.

In good character, O’Brien pulls out all the stops and rounds out his comedy tour with grace.

Now calling TBS his new home while hosting his self-titled late night show, O’Brien is living proof that persistence, quick wit, and a little comic relief goes a long way.

“Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” is
an Abramorama release, rated R for intermittent strong language.

New York Senate Legalizes Gay Marriage

New York became the 6th state to legalize same-sex marriage last night. The bill was approved with a 4 vote lead in the affirmative. This past week, protestors and supporters have been posted outside of the chamber in Albany where the voting takes place. The Senate had been deliberating for nine hours on Friday when the bill was finally passed around 10:30pm EST. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, a key component in the passing of this bill, is a Democrat, and he has been a strong supporter of same-sex marriage since last year. A previous version of the bill was passed last week, but was reevaluated due to some Republican concerns about religious institutions.

Two years ago, this approval was defeated in a Democrat-dominated Senate, causing many gay rights advocates to begin to lose hope in a currently Republican-dominated Senate. However, 4 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, along with 29 Democrats, leaving the final vote as 33-29. Only one Democratic senator, Rubén Díaz, Sr., did not vote for same-sex marriage. Diaz stated “God, not Albany, has settled the definition of marriage, a long time ago.” On the flip side, Republican Senator Mark J. Grisanti, originally in opposition of gay marriage, proposed that he “cannot deny, a person, a human being, a taxpayer, a worker, the people of my district and across this state, the State of New York, and those people who make this the great state that it is the same rights that I have with my wife.” New York is currently the largest state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage.

Contains information from the New York Times.

 

Matt Nathanson’s “Modern Love” Hits the Indie-Pop Mark

Matt Nathanson’s eighth studio album, “Modern Love,” dropped this past Tuesday, proving itself as an instant summer pop hit.

Although Nathanson has released seven albums prior to “Modern Love,” the acoustic songwriter is on the right track to becoming a household name with his catchy lyrics, soothing ballads, and haunting chords.

"Modern Love" appeals to a wide variety of listeners, with many tracks warranting radio airtime.

After gaining radio notoriety in 2009 with his hit single “Come On Get Higher,” Nathanson has been hard at work perfecting his unique breed of indie-pop in the studio.

“Modern Love” opens with “Faster,” a catchy and fast-rocking island song, complete with brass and a full set of percussion fit for any fan of Jack Johnson or Jason Mraz.

Nathanson slows things down with haunting and breathy ballad “Kiss Quick,” that relies heavily on the gentle plucking of guitar strings and sincere lyrics to convey its intimate message.

Other notable tracks include “Run” featuring Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, “Bottom of the Sea,” and “Room at the End of the World.”

Nathanson will join forces with Maroon 5 on their summer tour to further promote “Modern Love.” For a list of which cities he will be performing in, please visit his official site here.