It’s worth pointing out Anderson’s previous brushes with religion in his past projects. In There Will Be Blood, Paul Dano played a preacher who sparred with Daniel Day-Lewis’ oil magnate and sought to cure him of his wickedness through honest faith. The charismatic Lancaster Dodd, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, is the leader of a Scientology-like religion in The Master, which centers on the devotion of a disillusioned veteran, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. And coincidence and chance are the masters of fate in what may be Anderson’s best film, Magnolia, which includes many unexplained occurrences that must be linked in some way to a form of higher power.

In Licorice Pizza, Alana is Jewish, born to Israeli parents just like the real Alana. In fact, Alana’s older sisters, Este and Danielle, play her sisters, and her parents, Moti and Donna, also portray themselves. Alana’s Jewishness comes up at multiple points throughout the film, including in a memorable scene where Harriet Sansom Harris’ agent repeatedly makes mention of her Jewish nose. That’s not necessarily meant as a detractor, but instead just one of her features which is, at the very least, distinctive. Such stereotypes have not historically been considered positive, but Alana has accepted the nature of her face and the fact that it’s just part of her charm.

It’s important to note the impact of this scene in comparison to another moment that has attracted negative attention. Japanese restaurant owner Jerry Frick (John Michael Higgins), when meeting first with a newspaper representative and then young entrepreneur Gary, puts on a cringe-worthy Japanese accent to ask his wife a question. That he’s asking in English and that she answers in Japanese with no subtitles is just puzzling and obviously meant for comedy, and in the second scene it’s an entirely different actress playing a new wife, who fulfills the same purpose of being nothing more than a punchline. Asian-American groups have rightfully taken issue with these scenes, which, like a recent Holocaust joke on And Just Like That, play no greater role in the film and could have easily been left out.

It’s as hard to grapple with the presence of that clear racism as it is with the age difference between the two leads, who do explore a romantic relationship. When Alana first meets Gary, who instantly expresses interest in her, she notes that any union would be illegal because she is 25 and he is 15. Yet they spend almost all their time together, and a connection develops. There is a beauty to it, and this film doesn’t judge them for being at different points in their lives, instead highlighting how the discrepancies in their maturity levels and the way that they spend their time makes it difficult to imagine that they could really last.

Forgiving those two questionable elements of Licorice Pizza may make it challenging to get through and to adore for some viewers. But there is truly something that feels magical about its storyline, which is at times larger-than-life and allows a fifteen-year-old actor to accomplish incredible things. Haim and Cooper are both extraordinary talents, and while they are better known for their music and famous parents, respectively, they should absolutely return to future roles since they are inherently skilled. Anderson also knows how to work with actors, something he has proven over and over again, leading his past performers to nine Oscar nominations (Haim and Cooper have received other accolades for their work this past year).

What should make Licorice Pizza particularly poignant for Jewish audiences, however, is a scene that has far more depth and isn’t meant to be merely for a quick laugh. When Alana brings Gary’s friend Lance, played by Jewish actor Skyler Gisondo, over to meet her family, they sit down to a Shabbat dinner. Alana’s father Moti asks Lance to lead the most basic of Jewish rituals, the motzi over the challah. Rather than feign ignorance or reveal that he isn’t Jewish – a typical plot point in situations like this – Lance raises a pointed objection, declaring that he is an atheist and has made a vow not to participate in any prayers. That show of principle is more offensive to Moti than anything else, underlining that tradition has a deep place in any family, something Lance’s refusal to honor deeply wounds. There is so much packed into the two hours and thirteen minutes that Licorice Pizza runs that everyone will be able to find something different. Cameos from Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, and others enhance a story that is most about two people who share a deep connection, one whose physical nature may disgust some and whose ethical acceptance the film doesn’t dwell much on, just as it does nothing to excuse its Asian racism. There is a transporting nature to the way this film feels, and it’s even more rewarding for fans of Anderson’s who may have liked his previous work but have never experienced anything quite like this before.

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Here at Jewcy, we pride ourselves on our ability to name famous Jews faster than Adam Sandler. And we’re especially proud of our “Jews Who Rock” list, which was pretty exhaustive when it came out, and people still read it every day (perhaps to learn that Paula Abdul is Jewish).

But here’s the thing: It came out in 2006.

So, it’s definitely time for an update! The last decade has provided us lots of new important Jewish musicians, from Adam Lambert, to P!nk, to Jeff Rosenstock, to the entirety of Haim (we’re just so proud of Haim).

So we’d love to hear from you for help! Take a gander at the original list and tell us who we’re missing! You can let us know commenting here, or Facebook, or by tweeting at us angrily (or not angrily). Heck, you can even send us a message on Tumblr. Send us Jewish musicians who are obscure, majorly famous, members of bands with non-Jewish frontpeople, Israeli, only sorta Jewish, whatever. Get your fave immortalized forever in an article on the Internet!

Thanks, and in the meantime, enjoy this Haim video, wherein boys cry a lot. Have we mentioned that Haim is great?

Photo of Haim via Wikimedia

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Since it’s a Jewish love holiday, why not songs about love (and sex, and relationships) by Jewish artists?  The rule was that at least one songwriter and the vocalist have to be Jewish, (So, Joey Ramone leading the Ramones covering “Baby, I Love You,” by three Jewish songwriters, qualifies).

The result is sort of… bizarre. Jews hold (and have held) a diverse presence in popular music over the last several decades, in pretty much every genre there is.

And so, this playlist has Drake. And Carole King. And Peaches. And Vanessa Carlton. And Neil Diamond. And P!nk. And Lesley Gore. And Matisyahu. And Paula Abdul. And Haim. And Tom Lehrer. And Amy Winehouse. And more.

You can listen below, but just put it on shuffle.  There’s no way to make the order make any sense.

If any of you are bold enough to smooch a partner to this playlist, let us know how that works out for you.

And if you want to hear a bit of this in a room full of other people, we hope to see you at the party tonight!

We give you, AHAVA:

Image credit: Wikimedia

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If I could go back in time and be re-born, along with my sisters, I would like for us to come back as Haim. They’re three Californian Jewish sisters who are hitting major musical heights and getting a shit ton of acclaim for their awesome 80’s pop-infused, rockin’ sound.

After spending many April’s of their life basking in the Coachella sun, Este, Danielle, and Alana took the stage for the first time, performing an eight-song set of their best from their album, Days are Gone, as well as a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well.”

They even admit they used to jump the fence and sneak in to the festival. While I wonder if that’s even possible, I’d say they’ve officially made it. They still have their cool, under the radar vibes, but are definitely no longer under the radar. Get it, Haim!

Watch their set below and enjoy! Happy Friday!

(Image: Getty)

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Indie ‘It Girl’ band Haim have a new music video, and it is everything charmantes and adorably early-90s!

If you’re not not familiar with the Californian trio—consisting of twenty-something sisters Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim—check out our Q&A from May last year. Their “sanguine yet dreamy sound” is a mix of rock, folk, and retro synthpop: it’s fun and catchy, but not without depth—the sort of layered pop that reveals its cleverness, maturity (and ever-so-subtle irony) on repeated listens.

Anyway! Here’s the video for “If I Could Change Your Mind,” one of the tracks from their 2013 debut album, Days Are Gone.

Writes Moze Halperin for Flavorpill:

The choreographer for this very video (Fatima Robinson) is known for her work with the Backstreet Boys and Aaliyah, and it’s fitting that the sisters don’t exactly nail their choreography with the ease of either; it’s always funny seeing indie rockers doing pop-star moves, and Haim seems acutely aware of its unnaturalness. The video is more a self-aware homage, with the sisters wearing their dance moves like polyester Halloween costumes, managing to have enough fun to forget that they’re synthetic.

Enjoy!

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But who doesn’t love Haim? They’re super funny, unbelievably talented, and nailed the “chill rock electronic” music genre down to a science. The California sisters hit major success with their 2013 released album Days Are Gone, and are prepping for a lot more awesomeness in the new year.

Alana and Este recently told Rolling Stone they’re working on new material in 2014, along with launching their biggest tour yet.

“Our New Year’s resolution is to discover new things, go to new places and get inspired by different kinds of music,” says multi-instrumentalist Alana Haim.

And just who is inspiring them these days? None other than Kanye West and his dark twisted fantasies.

“We’re always writing and figuring out new vibes and trying to get our inner Kanyes out,” says Alana. Adds bassist Este Haim, “We’re going to tap into our inner Kanye.”

They are huge fans of the Yeezus album, noting that it was one of their favorite’s of 2013.

“It’s a fucking masterpiece,” says Alana. “I have yet to see Kanye not put out an amazing record – and people don’t understand how hard that is. To make record after record and come out with something new and push the boundaries and have it succeed every single time is insane. If I could choose any brain to just chill in, for, like, 10 minutes, it’d be Kanye’s. I just want to see what goes on up there. Because he’s a genius.”

They also pledge to work on their fitness more, and of course, call their mother. Rock on Haim!

Today I listened to this Haim and Lorde cover of “Strong Enough” by Sheryl Crow one too many times. Enjoy!

(Photo by Getty)

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Back in elementary school, “The Chanukah Song” made being Jewish a littler cooler. At first, when your classmates bragged about Easter egg hunts and super-cool presents from Santa, you didn’t have an obvious trump card. But then, thanks to Adam Sandler, you got what you needed to show off on the playground.

Today, over a decade since Sandler’s tune reigned supreme, Haim, our favorite singing sisters, have brought back the jam with their rock and roll cover. Share with your friends, and remind them how cool Hanukkah can be.

Now that we’re feeling juvenile, take the time machine back to yesteryears and listen to Stan and Judy’s Kid alone in your bedroom. Ah, nostalgia.

Listen: Haim’s take on Adam Sandler’s ‘Chanukah Song’ [JTA]

Previous: Spotlight on the Band Haim: Three Jewish Sisters Who Rock

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We’ve all been waiting for HAIM’s album Days Are Gone, but it doesn’t officially drop until September 30. Lucky for us, public radio has given us a Simchat Torah miracle—the album is available for live stream on NPR right now.

In May, Jillian Scheinfeld interviewed the band’s youngest, Alana, for Jewcy. Alana talked about her family, her favorite venues, and the band’s success:

I pinch myself everyday. We have been working so hard for the past seven years to get out of L.A., and it really has been the most amazing ride. My fear before was that nothing was going to happen, and my fear now is that it’s all going to stop.

Well, HAIM’s success certainly shows no signs of stopping. You can read the full Jewcy interview here and listen to Days are Gone on NPR’s First Listen.

Here’s one off their EP Forever:

Spotlight on the Band Haim: Three Jewish Sisters Who Rock

First Listen: HAIM, ‘Days Are Gone’ [NPR]

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The band Haim may have stepped onto the music scene in 2012, but its members have been playing together for literally their entire lives. The Los Angeles-based group is composed of the three rock star Haim (rhymes with ‘time’) sisters: Este, 27, Danielle, 24, and Alana, 22. Born into a musical family, their father placed drumsticks in the girls’ hands when they were toddlers, and they’ve been playing non-stop ever since.

The sisters have been recording together for the past five years, and released their EP, Forever, in February. Their sanguine yet dreamy sound is a blend of classic rock, 80’s R&B, and pop, with a bit of folk melody in there as well. They’ve toured with Mumford and Sons and recorded a track with ASAP Rocky, and are heading out on tour with Vampire Weekend later this month.

With an album dropping early this summer, the band is well on its way to mainstream success, staying characteristically humble in the process. I spoke with Alana, the youngest of the three Haim sisters, who said she’s ‘pinching herself’ with disbelief.

I’ve heard your parents are very musical. Tell me a bit about your childhood and how music became such a big part of life for you and your sisters.

My parents were in a band with another couple when we were babies. They would play at Club Med, so Club Med would pay for our family vacations. We didn’t have a lot of money, so we couldn’t really go to these exotic places, but our parents would play in Mexico and around the U.S. When we got a little older the gig fizzled out, but one night my dad woke up from this dream—like Moses, or Jacob who woke up from the dream?—It was Jacob. In the dream he played music with us, and soon after that we just started playing with our parents.

Our first song we learned was “Mustang Sally” and then it just brewed from there. Our first gig was at Canter’s Deli in L.A., and I think I was about five or six. Every weekend we would practice; we’d play country fairs and charity gigs. My parents never let us play for money, but believe me if we got money from the amount of gigs we played, I’d be rolling in dough right now. I wouldn’t have to be in Haim, I’d be chilling in Barbados.

So one day you all just decided to start a band?

A couple years ago we kind of just broke off and started our own band. We had begun by playing covers together, and then when we formed Haim we started writing songs. We always basically knew we wanted to start a band together, we just never really said it out loud. It was an unspoken thing that one day we’d just try playing music together. Finally we were like, ‘We probably should do it, we’re getting kind of old.’ So we wrote a song in a day, probably the worst song ever, but it was a song. Then from there we just kept growing and playing shows out in L.A., and now I’m here! It’s almost been seven years since Haim started, so it’s pretty crazy!

There have been comparisons made between you guys and artists like Fleetwood Mac and John Waite. Do you find it annoying when people try and categorize your music or do you find it flattering?

I always find it flattering. How can I ever say, ‘Ugh, oh my god, we sound like Fleetwood Mac.’ I’ve wished on every star that I end up as successful as Fleetwood Mac. I grew up listening to Fleetwood Mac; I’m obsessed with them. I never get mad about those things, I just think its hilarious because when I listen to my music I hear harmonies, so maybe that’s the Fleetwood Mac vibes.

I think we’re such different songwriters, but I feel like people need to categorize bands. Every band has been ‘the next this’ or ‘the next that’, so we’re just kind of following the path of being a band. I welcome any comparison. I think they’re always hilarious and amazing, so I’m down.

I saw your tweet the other day asking for album name suggestions. Did you get any good ones?

Oh my god! That was the best and worst idea I ever had. I think my favorite was ‘Haim a little teapot.’ A lot of people have play on words of Haim, like ‘Scene of the Haim’ or ‘Haim Time.’ I think it was funny because a lot of people still don’t know how to pronounce our name. We can literally see the difference in rhymes from people who knew our name and didn’t know our name.

Doesn’t Haim mean ‘to life’ in Hebrew? Maybe you could do a play on words with ‘to life,’ or something like that.

It’s all welcome. There are some really good ones we have that involve the word life. I’ve always had a really strong connection to my last name. I think it’s very powerful.

Have you been to Israel?

Of course! We have to go to Israel for the occasional family wedding. There are some crazy Israeli weddings! I love Israel; I think it’s such a beautiful place. A lot of people think ‘Oh you go to Israel because you’re Jewish.’ I encourage my friends who aren’t Jewish to go to Israel because it’s such a beautiful place, and it’s such an important place. There’s so much history there, and it doesn’t matter what religion you are. I’ve always felt like a deep connection to the country. Especially living in LA, we don’t really have any history. Our history starts with Hollywood.

Which of your sisters writes most of the songs, or is it mostly collaborative?

Our song writing is very collaborative. Usually one of us will come in with one element, whether it’s a guitar line or a melody. We just all come together and whatever inspires us takes its own journey. We don’t have a set formula yet, so whatever works that day, we kind of just go with it.

It must be fun to collectively share your musical experiences with your sisters, like if one boy breaks your heart, I feel like you may all hate on him equally. Do you think this shared feeling of heartbreak or love heightens Haim’s emotional performance?

Oh yeah, definitely. And there have definitely been some moments that I regret singing songs about my exes. I’ve written songs and sang them to them after we break up, which I mean, is horrible. I had way more angst as a 16-year-old than I do today. I’m more poetic with it now, but it was very different back in the day. It’s definitely gotten better. We all tend to break up or we get broken up with at the same. Once it happens to one of us, it usually happens to the other. It’s been the perfect time to write a record.

Having two of my own, I know sisters are usually pretty similar but also really different. What’s your dynamic like? It seems like Danielle’s a little reserved, and you’re more outgoing. Can you tell me about your personalities?

We are three puzzle pieces, really the counterparts to each other. Este is the first child and is the rambunctious, always wants attention-type of person. Not in a bad way, she’s just always been super outgoing and has always loved talking to people—she’s been that way since birth. Having a sister like Este and coming into the world you have to be quiet, so Danielle was always the sweet, internalized child. The way she is the onstage is the way she is in real life.

I’m a weird mixture of both of them. I’ve taken the good things from both. Its easier being the baby because you see your sisters going through the craziest times in their life and you make a mental note like ‘OK, when I’m 16 I won’t make that mistake.’ I’ve seen my sisters make mistakes and I’ve been able to not do that. It’s easier for the baby!

Agreed. What’s your favorite spot you guys have played and what’s your dream venue?

AH: We were on tour with Julian Casablancas (of The Strokes) when I was 17, and we played this venue in St. Louis called The Pageant. I don’t know what it was about it but it was such a cool place to play. It was the biggest place we had played at that point, so we were completely starry-eyed. In the artists lounge area, there are pictures of the owner with every band he thought was worth taking a picture with, and that night he asked us to be on the wall. It was our ‘made it’ moment.

We’re about to go on tour with Vampire Weekend for a week and a half—I’m literally pinching myself. I’m so confused about my life! It’s crazy. We’re playing at Red Rocks in Colorado soon, and it looks like the most amazing place. I’ve always wanted to play there and I was so excited to see it on the tour schedule.

It sounds like your life is pretty awesome.

I pinch myself everyday. We have been working so hard for the past seven years to get out of L.A., and it really has been the most amazing ride. My fear before was that nothing was going to happen, and my fear now is that it’s all going to stop.

In the Spotlight: Alex Karpovsky: Actor, Writer, Director, and Producer

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