Essential 2008

In spirit of all the listings that appear around this time of peoples favorite things of this ending year, I thought I'd join in with my top picks of this years finest treats for our eyes and ears. So here it is. The best 2008 had to offer:

Viewing:
1. "There Will Be Blood" came out early in the year and really set the bar on fire. P.T. Anderson delivers his best work to date in this adaptation of Upton Sinclair's novel "Oil!". Stunning cinematography, a haunting soundtrack and flawless performances from everyone involved. Daniel Day-Lewis is a study of monumental acting and this role will surely stand as his career high. It's a remarkable performance. The film is an instant classic and one of the most impressive pieces of cinema I have ever seen. Hands down, the best picture of the year.
2. "The Dark Knight" is Chris Nolan's second instalment in the Batman series, and it's the best one yet. Both darker and more complete than any of its predecessors it stands as one of the best comic book adaptations ever made. Amazing set pieces and a gritty realism adds to the effect and the pitch perfect casting is tremendous. What great movies are all about.
3. "The Visitor" has been mentioned here earlier. Tom McCarthy's second feature is a brilliant story of lonely hearts and open minds. It is a humanly original fable about unlikely friendships and second attempts. Richard Jenkins is terrific in his first real leading role and if there is any justice in this world he should win every award out there the next couple of months.
4. "The Diving Bell And The Butterfly" by Julian Schnabel requires patience and tolerance, but if you're willing to let yourself go in it the payoff is well worth it. This true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby and his unbelieveable journey from a life as a successful magazine editor to the confines of a hospital bed enlights and celebrates the best and worst things in life.
5. "Juno" is everyone's favorite. A hilarious and orignal story with smart directing from Jason Reitman. Arguably the best cast of the year and without a doubt the finest soundtrack. This film is exactly what Hollywood needed and hopefully it will inspire more films ABOUT something and with REAL people. Qute and filthy at the same time and sharp around the edges.

Listening:
1. Vampire Weekend from New York created the years best with their self titled debut album. A smart and fresh pop album with classic and cathy tunes. Sounds like The Clash, and Bowie if he still allowed himself to have fun. And the single "A-Punk" just might be the coolest track of the year too.
2. The Music's third album "Strenght In Numbers" elevates this Leeds quartet from basement electro rock to stadium sounding and larger possibilities. A great collection of songs and a sound that no one else has at the moment. After a four year break they are certainly back on track and this album leaves you with the wonderful feeling that their best work might be yet to come.
3. "Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!" is a smashing return to form by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Raunchy and funny tracks with some of the most memorable lyrics by the aussie. Not quite enough to compete with his early work but a solid reminder that Cave is still alive. And he wants your soul.
4. "Walk It Off" is americans Tapes 'n Tapes sophmore record and a different take on the alternative rock scene they explored in their brilliant debut "The Loon". A delishious sounding band with enough energy to blow the door off the room to stardom. Warning: Contains guitar riffs that require air guitar participation.
5. Madrugada is dead, but at least they left us a beautiful soundtrack for the funeral. Their final album, simply titled "Madrugada", only contains nine songs but it is more than enough to confirm their status as the finest norwegian rock band of all time. Sivert Høyem is friends with both God and The Devil and will sing his heart out for any of them. A perfect swansong for a perfect band.

2009 has got work to do.

Home For Christmas

I woke up this morning at 5.30am. Which meant I had only slept for two hours. I had gone to bed around 1am, but struggled to fall asleep. I woke up half an hour before the alarm clock was set to go off. I got dressed, drank two glasses of orange juice, brushed my teeth for less than ten seconds, grabbed my bag and left. Today I'm going home for christmas.
I took the bus to the airport. It was crowded and full of frustrated children and stressed out parents. I turned up the volume on my ipod and tried my best to let The Doors drown out all the madness. It seemed every family with an infant was travelling today. But nothing will get me down, because I'm going home for christmas.
At the airport, I check my bag and find the nearest coffee machine. Medicine for the insomniac. I buy some fruit in attempt to jumpstart my body along with the coffee, but there is no fooling this temple. I need sleep and my body is not afraid to tell me. I rest my head back against the wall and try to catch a few minutes, but it does not work. I tell myself I will write a letter to Apple on monday. If Nick Cave turned to the max on my ipod can not block out a family of four, three tables down from me, something needs to be done volume wise. But it's okay. I'm on my way home for christmas.
The plane is packed. Not a single seat to spare. I'm the aisle man, next to a fifty something male passenger who is either talking a lot to himself or trying hard to strike up a conversation with me, even though I've pulled my beanie over my eyes in a demonstrative attempt to show that my priority is sleep. Not chitchat about the lack of leg room on airplanes this day in age. Leave me alone old timer, I'm going home for christmas.
Arriving in my hometown, something magical happens. I'm in my late twenties and have done my share of air travel. I've travelled light, heavy, with skiis, my old dog, my bike, once I even checked in six pieces of luggage. And yet, something is happening right now that I've never seen before. My bag is the first one out on the belt. I really must be asleep. I've never even heard of something like that happening before. I mean, you always see the first bag that comes out but I've always just assumed it belongs to a man who died long ago and the bag has been travelling on that worn out conveyor belt since aviation was a new and sensational form of travel. I take my bag and look around at all the suckers who are shaking in their boots in fear that their luggage will not arrive and that there will be plenty of free space under the tree this year. I walk outside and it is snowing. Finally, a sign that christmas just might be around the corner. My Dad is here to pick me up and we drive straight home. I open the door and the smell of freshly baked bread and dinner in the oven hits. My Mom comes out in the hallway and gives me a kiss. She says; I'm glad you're home for christmas.

Merry Christmas! Will That Be Cash Or Credit Card?

I'm always amazed at the amount of money we spend on christmas shopping every year. It's nothing new and if people do have money to spend I suppose nothing is better than to spend it on gifts for the people closest to you. Christmas only comes around once a year, and all else aside, it is a nice opportunity to show your appreciation of your loved ones.
What gets worse though is how it has become more and more of an industry. We're used to seeing more commercials on TV for products that would make wonderful presents for your friends and family and the mailbox fills up with flyers and magazines advertising the perfect present for whoever it may be. This starts in the early days of November even. It is a business and for certain stores it is their most important time of year. I haven't started my limited christmas shopping yet, but I have noticed how the stores and advertisments have gotten more ruthless and whatever tiny bit of shame there ever was in the business, it is certainly gone by now.
The other day I was in a shopping mall, and outside a toy store there is a Santa with an alarmingly fake beard and highly visible pillows under his worn out red jacket. He is shaking the hands of the passing children and their parents and working hard to fool at least the youngest with an occasional attempt at a jolly ho-ho-ho. He's asking what the little kid wants for christmas and gets an uninteresting reciting of his wish list in return. Interupting the slightly overeager youngster he puts his hand on a tower of boxes containing some kind of toy crane building sets. "Wouldn't you love to open up one of these on christmas eve?". The kid lights up and immediately turns to his mother with wanting eyes and a, I imagine, much rehearsed smile. "Please mommy, can I get it?". Santa the Sales rep. discreetly leans forward and says to the mother; "It's on sale. Only 399." The parent is both surprised and slightly upset by this approach from Santa and starts to walk away. "We'll see, sweetheart." Needless to say, not a good enough answer for the kid who starts screaming and crying as his mother gently pulls him away from the store. Santa Claus scrathes his beard in dismay and starts canvassing the mall for his next mark.
Imagine the lovely car ride home the mother has with her child yelling and kicking at her from the back seat. What kind of a mother wouldn't let her son have a present from Santa Claus himself?

On my way out I passed a decorated christmas tree with a price tag on it. It does not get more symbolic than that.

"Another Quiet Room"

tired of being still but nothing moves
hear the voices outside the door
need to speak but follow the rules
the streets will be crowded just once more

clear your throat don't raise your hand
no one cares who the last one is
all things are set to self destruct
the glass is empty so get the bottle

don't bring keys and don't be late
stay on your feet and trust the light
another quiet room with the windows shut
everybody! don't look now

Giggsy # 2

As promised, here is the photo of me alongside Ryan Giggs and the Premiership and Champions League trophy of last season. It was taken at the Supporters Club galla dinner on November 16th. I'm the second one from the left, in case you were in doubt. The other guys are fellow supporters whom I shared a table with that night.


And here is an old one, from when I first met the man back in 1999. It's nine years ago and as you can see, Ryan has let himself go a bit.

Essential November

Essential viewing this November:
- "Burn After Reading". The Coen brothers' latest is a wonderful return to their offbeat quirky comedy after last years dark "No Country For Old Men". It has it's flaws sure, but we should be thankful there are still people in Hollywood who create more than your average type comedies. Custom-fitted for its cast this is insanely enjoyable and further proof that George Clooney should do comedy more often, and that Frances McDormand should be in every movie ever made.
- "Henry Poole Is Here" is a slow burning and quiet dark comedy with a surprisingly subtle performance from Luke Wilson. It gets a little sobby towards the end, but up until then, the director of the extremely overlooked "Arlington Road" (1999) and "The Mothman Prophecies" (2002) has created one of this years finest surprises.
- "The Visitor". At last a leading role for the immaculate Richard Jenkins! The director of "The Station Agent" returns with another delicate and sober take on the conditions of the lonely human heart. Jenkins is incredible and the ending, not to mention the final scene, will haunt you for ages. My favorite film of 2008, alongside "The Dark Knight". How is that for variety!

Essential listening this November:
- Glasvegas is a young band from Scotland and their self-titled debut is one of the most exciting albums to come out of the UK in years. Rock and roll melancholy with massive soundscapes, added with a cinematic rise to each and every track. Delicious! Can't wait for the next one.
- Joshua Radin is an American singer/songwriter and his second album "Simple Times" is a wonderful collection of lovely guitar driven songs with some beautiful lyrics. If there is a better record to put on in the early hours of the morning, I don't want to know.
- The Killers are back, and it is sounding surprisingly fresh still. Their highly anticipated third album "Day & Age" is a clever mix of classic The Killers and a touch of 80's Pet Shop Boys. And who on earth would believe that to be a good thing? It is.

Film Festival

Earlier this year I made a short film called "En Hjelpende Hånd" ("A Helping Hand"). It was a non-budget film, with no public or private funding and I was only able to make it thanks to the help of some very talented friends. We shot it over two days back in May and spent the better parts of the summer putting it together. Then I got my favorite band from my hometown to give us a couple of awesome rock tunes for it, and bam - there was the movie.
The goal when you make a movie like this is to be able to show it to as many people as possible, so as soon as it was finished I started sending it around to various film festivals. And a few days ago I learned that it had been selected for competition at the Tromsø International Film Festival. It will be screened as part of a programme called "Films From The North". I had my previous film shown at this festival two years ago and it was truly a terrific experience. It's something very special to have your work shown in your hometown, in front of a massive audience including your friends and family. The festival takes place in January and has rapidly grown to become the biggest film festival in Norway, when you look at the number of visitors. I will travel up north and be there for the screenings and I expect it to be another great experience.
The entire programme will be announced towards the end of the year and I will post more info on the time and place of the screenings if anyone is interested in checking it out.

Born In The U.S.A.

I went to see the new Oliver Stone movie “W.” the other day. It’s a portrait of George W. Bush and his road to the White House. Part human drama, part political satire. It was quite an interesting movie, and I enjoyed it. I rarely pay attention to audience reactions when I go to the movies (mainly because I’m working really hard to block out all the annoying sounds of chitchat and bags of candy). But I noticed that even though the film is full of dark humor and clever dialogue, the audience was only laughing at the obvious jokes. Like Bush mispronouncing a word, the look on his face or his laugh. It wasn’t really a surprise, but it got me thinking about the recent U.S. election and in particular the media’s coverage of it.

It’s three weeks ago today since Obama won the election. It was the most significant, and arguably the most important win in the country’s history. Leading up to the election the media’s involvement was massive. Everyone knows that a major part of any presidential campaign is not only to make your own policies known, but also to shame or even better, embarrass your opponent. This election was no exception. During the endless months of campaigning there wasn’t a day that went by where the republicans were not battering the democrats, or vice versa. It even started before the nominees of each party was decided. In the republican camp there was a mighty war of words going on between McCain and Romney. And the democrats were even worse, as the battle between Obama and Clinton didn’t just limit itself to verbal arguments, but attempts of public humiliations of each candidate. It would be exploiting rumors of a personal nature and photographs of the candidates in “unfortunate” situations. But the worst of it all was yet to come.

When McCain announced Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate things would really get ugly. There was no stopping the endless attacks on the Alaska governor. Some were innocent while some quite serious. And when it came to this, no one was worse than the TV shows. Letterman, Leno, Jon Stewart and Saturday Night Live to mention just a few, pretty much based their entire fall schedule on the ridicule of this, until recently, unknown woman. Since I have laughed out loud at many of the jokes on some of these shows I have no right to say “that’s wrong!” But I am amazed that even now, almost a month after the election this is still going on. Jokes about McCain, Palin and Bush are still what keep the audience tuning in.

I am sure that if you were to ask a group of American voters what they remember the most about the 2008 election, the most important one in their lifetime, very few would say McCain’s promise of tax cuts or Obama’s pledge to withdraw soldiers from Iraq. They would laugh and say Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin impression on SNL, Conan’s joke about how McCain is so old he can’t remember what he’s doing at this debate, or the time Obama went on Letterman to do the Top Ten list.
I’m watching a movie about what people call the worst administration and president in American history. Eight years which have seen horrible terrorist attacks, endless years of war, a US economy in crisis and a world struggling and fighting due to oil prices. And yet, just have George W. Bush say “nucilar” and people laugh their asses off.
If it is all just a joke, does it really matter who wins?

My Favorite Spot

Everybody has a favorite spot in this world. A place where you feel completely comfortable and at ease. A place you can return to when times are hard. Or where you would wish to be if the spot you happen to be in at the moment isn't that great. It can be in the corner of your couch. Underneath a blanket in your bedroom. On top of a mountain you once climbed. On the beach where you had your best vacation. Or maybe on the street outside your childhood home.
My favorite spot in this world is on the deck outside the house where my mother was born. It's a remote place, quiet and peaceful. A small community where everybody knows everybody and with just a few dozen inhabitants. Whenever I come there, I always spend the better part of my first day or night out on that deck. And I just sit there. The house is surrounded by mountains and right in front of you is the occean. There is a river on both sides of the house and you can hear them run so smoothly you could easily fall asleep. There is a big garden with my mother's favorite flowers. Tall trees and green grass. We have a big red barn and behind it you can see the neighbour's horse walking about. It can be quite windy, particularly in the fall, and you can hear the whistle from it through the odd cracks of the old house. I moved away from home about three years ago and since then I don't get to visit this place as often as I would like. But it is always there and I will always come back to it.

This photo shows you just what you see when you sit down on the deck and look out.

007 Has Great Hair

I hate the advertising campaign for the new James Bond movie. All the posters and magazine ads look like lost footage from a Vogue shoot. Daniel Craig has a bit of filth on his face sure, but his hair is groomed perfectly and his eyes seem to have emptied out the entire stock of steele blue this world has to offer. His skin is perfectly tanned and his lady friend of the season looks more like a contender for America's Next Top Model than a dangerous femme fatale, as a true Bond girl should. I've posted some pics at the bottom so you can see what I'm talking about. What ever happened to the good old Bond posters with Sean Connery in a sharp suit and a stupid smirk on his face, surrouned by explosions, Aston Martins, long legs, the scary yet hilarious villain and some weird invention by Q in the background?
On top of all this, I am currently watching a commerical on TV where ex-007 Pierce Brosnan is telling us he needs L'oreal lotion to treat his skin the way it truly deserves to be treated. What the hell is going on?! If James Bond is no longer a real man, what hope is there for the rest of us?

The movie is not that great either. But at least shit blows up.

Bond feels pretty, oh so pretty

Any idea what the new Bond movie is about?

Giggsy

I have been a supporter of Manchester United my whole life. It started when I got old enough to follow football and was able to watch the games on TV every saturday alongside my dad while my mother was upstairs frustrated and calling us for dinner. My first big memory as a Man Utd supporter was when they won the European Cup in 1991. I was at a friends house, the only one who had cable television at the time, celebrating the sweet sweet victory (see photo above). Since then I have followed the reds through thick and thin, watched every game possible and been to Old Trafford for the real thing about a dozen times.
Last night I attended a galla dinner in Oslo in honor of the clubs longest serving player: Ryan Giggs. When he came on in last seasons Champions League final he broke the record of appearances for the club, and since his debut back in 1991 he has played over 770 matches for Manchester United. A record no man in England is even close to matching. Giggs attended the dinner last night and I got to meet him for the second time. I first met the man in Manchester in 1999 on my first trip there. I stopped by the training ground and was lucky enough to shake his hand and get my picture taken with him. But it was just as exciting last night as I got to do it one more time. The event was put together by the scandinavian branch of the official supporters club and a few lucky members were selected to attend. It really was a terrific night. Giggs not only had dinner with us, answered our questions and signed autographs for us, he also brought the fruits of last years amazing Manchester United season, the trophies from the triumphs in the Premiership as well as the Champions League. I got my picture taken with the man himself alongside both trophies, but have not yet gotten it onto my computer so for now I will just post a photo below of myself along with the Champions League trophy. If you look closely you can see the hairs on my neck stand up.

Ryan Giggs - a true United legend.

Madrugada

About ten years ago I turned 18 and could finally enjoy all the things that become available to you at that age. Many people look forward to getting their drivers license, be able to drink and go out to clubs and such things. For me one of the biggest things was to be able to go out to concerts where you had to be of legal age to enter. Around this time, the late 90's, there was a norwegian rock band that were starting to get some serious attention from both critics and audiences nationwide. The name of the band was Madrugada.

When the band released their first album in 1999 it was in many ways the start of a new age in norwegian rock music. The band of three young men from the north of Norway represented a breath of fresh air in a business that had seemed to wear itself out. Their songs were dark and melancholic and had some of the finest lyrics ever written in Norway surely. I first saw the band just after the release of their first album. It was an awesome and mindblowing experience and it would mark the beginning of my forever lasting love for this band. Since then they have released four more studio albums, one double live album and countless singles. Each of their album releases has gone to the top of the norwegian chart and they remain one of the most successful bands in Norways history.
In the summer of 2007, one of the founding members of the band passed away at the age of just 31. This was a big shock for the entire norwegian music industry, but the band insisted on releasing their final album, which at that time was already completely recorded. It would become their biggest selling album to date. After touring the following year the two remaining founding members of the band decided to call it a day. Last night they performed their last ever concert and I was there (Scroll down for photo). It was an emotional and powerful night.

When you've followed a band from their very beginning and listened to their music on almost a daily basis for years and years, you can't help but feel connected to it. The band has been a part of my life for nearly ten years now and many experiences, both good and bad, have been accompanied by this music. I've seen them live more than any other band, around Norway and abroad and it is one of the few acts I can say have never given a less than stellar performance. Which is a rarity in these times. Now the amount of attention a band or performer gets depends on the look of the band, the music videoes and the money that is thrown around in order for big companies to capitalize on the success. With Madrugada it was never about that. The band have been composing music and frequently releasing albums with outstanding high quality and toured both small and major stages to play for their fans. Now that they have retired it is indeed a loss for all people who appreciate good music, and they leave behind an impressive track record that I doubt will ever be matched by any norwegian act. Madrugada has been the soundtrack of my life for the last ten years and I will miss them deeply.

You know I'm far from satisfied.

Madrugada, Oslo Spektrum 15 November 2008

The First One

Why?

There are a million blogs around. Plenty of websites for people to express themselves. A bunch of forums where you can talk about how much you hate or love this and that. Comment on what is going on in the world, or maybe just in your own living room. Talk about a movie you just saw, a trip you just had or maybe you've accomplished something spectacular and want to share it. Brag about some stuff, sulk over everything else. All this is already out there. So why another one?

Why not?

I'll get back to you when I have something.