Issue of May 19, 2008

May 19, 2008



LETTER FROM LOS ANGELES
Largo Nights
Dana Goodyear
A hothouse of music and comedy.
Q. Why is Largo a success? Why is it named "Largo"? Why is the article titled "Largo Nights"? Pick three gorgeous sentences. Dissect the frog. Is it still gorgeous? Dead?

PROFILES
Bird-Watcher
David Remnick
A life devoted to jazz.
Q. "The urge to preserve, to collect, to keep time at bay, to hold on to the past is a common one. " Does collecting keep time at bay? Do the Dead Sea Scrolls equate to something monumental in jazz history? Is Schaap King Arthur? "Ask ev'ry person if he's heard the story, And tell it strong and clear if he has not, That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory..."

THE CRITICS
POP MUSIC
“American Idol.”
Sasha Frere-Jones
Q. Now that I know the rules of the game I understand what all the fuss is. But I'm still not interested in playing. SFJ claims the game is "I'm smarter than the (other) judges". What do you think is the appeal of AI? Do you watch? vote? Why?

THE CURRENT CINEMA
“Noise,” “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantánamo Bay.”
David Denby
Q. A "noise" crusader is my hero! Does DD entice you to see either film with his review? Do you agree that H&K are Abbot and Costello for the 21st Century?