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.