Essential March

Essential viewing:
- "Blindness" is the second English speaking feature from Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles. Like his previous films "City of God" and "The Constant Gardener", the focus is still on people in extreme surroundings. It's an interesting thriller with an apocalyptic feel fitting for the director. It may turn out a little over ambitious, but should still be appreciated for trying to be different.
- Director John Patrick Shanley is hard to figure out. His first outing was the extremely dark comedy "Joe Versus The Volcano" nearly twenty years ago and now he is back with the award friendly "Doubt". It may still be better served in its original stage play format, but this is still engaging stuff with top notch performances. And more proof that Meryl Streep is still the finest actress of her generation.
- After the breakout of cable television a few years ago, featuring shows like "The Sopranos" and "Sex In The City" it is refreshing to see there is still room for long time running network shows like "24". Now in its seventh season, it may have lost some of its original impact, but with Kiefer Sutherland still breathing fire in his now sure to be signature role, this is still great fun and exilarating television.

Essential listening:
- "Kicks" is the title of Scottish band 1990s second album. After their wonderfully welcome debut "Cookies" in 2007, one might label this as simply more of the same. But with cracking tunes, terrific lyrics and songs that are just dying to be performed live, its the kind that makes you want to dance around your living room while shouting to your neighbours; "Don't you just love pop music!" Completely irresistible.
- The Gaslight Anthem is a group of New Jersey rockers kickin' it old school. Their second full lenght album "The '59 Sound" is a joy from start to finish. Clearly inspired by heroes such as Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, this is rock music in its purest form. Not pretending to be anything they're not, simply trying to make you feel good!
- Washington is a norwegian band that has been floating below the radar for several years. With more success outside the borders of their own country than within, they are still a secret to many. Now with the release of their third album "Rouge/Noir", (three usually being the maximum number of albums a band is allowed to release before being labeled a flop or a hit) it is impossible to imagine they will remain a secret for much longer. A bit more edgy and instrumental than their previous records, this is still musical melancholy that should be cherished by anyone with a heartbeat. Their third, and arguably finest album to date.