Ponyo Trailer

The US trailer for acclaimed Japanese animated film-maker Hayao Miyazaki's newest film Ponyo was released several days ago, nearly a year after the original version made its Japanese debut. English voice-overs include: Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, and, as you can easily tell from the trailer, Liam Neeson.

The legendary directory, working with equally legendary Studio Ghibli, is most well-known for 2002's Oscar winning Spirited Away and 1997's Princess Mononoke. It's the director's first film since 2006's Howl's Moving Castle.

The movie is set for release August 14, catch the official trailer here.

Michael Jackson Dead at 50

NBA Draft or not, acknowledging the legacy and musical career of Michael Jackson on this day is a must. Irregardless of the issues that have been following the man for years, he was an impossibly creative and unique individual that graced the music world with spectacular songs and performances for decades.

CNN reported (originally leaked by the LA Times) that Jackson had entered the UCLA Medical Center after suffering cardiac arrest in his Beverly Hills home at around noon Pacific time. The exact conditions of his death are not yet known.

Jackson's avid fans, who waded through controversy after controversy, will surely miss the icon, along with true music fans everywhere.

He is survived by his three children, Prince Michael I, Paris, and Prince Michael II.

2009 NBA Draft

Now I know that Bears and Bullets is a predominantly music website with the occasional movie trailer and funny story here and there, but for anyone who reads this but doesn't know me personally should know that I'm a more than avid follower of the NBA. And tonight, the 2009 NBA Draft, is one of my favorite times of the year.

So while you sit at home, debating whether or not Michael Jackson indeed died (sad, if so) or he's in a coma (confusing, if so), I'll be sitting and endlessly tweeting the numbing results, and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see if my favorite teams, the Philadelphia 76'ers, do anything important.

It's a good day.

Deerhunter

Deerhunter will suffer (for me, at least) a similar fate of MSTRKRFT at this year's Lollapalooza, as unfortunate scheduling conflicts put the Atlanta four-piece performing at the same time as Lou Reed, and it's pretty hard to say no to the guy.

Music workaholic Bradford Cox released the group's latest Rainwater Cassette Exchange EP last Spring, all while still maintaining side-projects Lotus Plaza and Atlas Sound, and still supporting the group's Microcastle LP. Although most of probably heard some of it already, Aquarium Drunkard posted the EP's closing track "circulation" earlier today, recatapulting the Deerhunter flux of trademarked sounds emanating from my speakers. A solid listen for anyone.

Deerhunter - Circulation - MP3

MSTRKRFT on Letterman

MSTRKRFT, whom due to scheduling complications at this year's Lollapalooza I'll unfortunately be missing, appeared on Letterman last night with John Legend to perform "Heartbreaker" off the group's Spring release Fist of God.

The performance was supported by numerous back-up singers but still came off as a clustering dance track that would fit much better in a different setting. Regardless.

MSTRKRFT ft. John Legend - Heartbreaker (Live on Letterman)

Sonic Youth on Fallon

Criticism's of Sonic Youth's most recent LP The Eternal have penned the group's 16th album as something that would fit much better had 2009 been 1993. Regardless of maligned observations and accurate witticisms, the album scores the group's storied career as the head-hunters of the NYC indie-rock scene.

The group, well into middle-age, made their second New York talk-show appearance (after performing "Sacred Trickster" on Letterman), with a performance of "No Way," aching back to the band's early work, on Fallon last night.

You can catch the band performing at Philadelphia's Electric Factory July 2, or the next night at NYC's United Palace Theater.

Sonic Youth - No Way (Live on Fallon)