Somewhere Around Here: July 2010

Essential viewing this July:
- One of the most anticipated films of the year arrived this month. Inception is the return of Christopher Nolan after The Dark Knight (2008), his biggest success to date. And even though expectations have been running high all across the board, the film should prove to be another smash hit for the British director. This is one of the best crafted and original films I've seen come out of America in years. Nolan's firm desire for reality and effects in camera combined with some genuinely intelligent screenwriting makes this the best film of the year so far. Similar to his two Batman pictures, the film is driven by effects (completely mind blowing at times), but the drama stands well on its own and in the steady hands of this particular filmmaker you always feel confident there is plenty more where it all came from. A great ensemble make for some thrilling acting pieces as well, and in the middle there is a terrific performance from Leonardo Di Caprio. Well into his thirties now the kid from What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) and Titanic (1997) has established himself as a bona fide movie star. Able to bring heart, emotion and physical skill every time he's onscreen, there is no doubt this is one of the finest actors working in Hollywood today. Inception will be hailed by both critics and audiences and with the success that will follow, one can only imagine what sort of spectacle Nolan will invite us to the next time around. No matter what it is, the line starts here.
- Summer is not the best season for television so it is great that a major show like Entourage has decided to kick off its seventh season this month. Rumored to be its final full season it surely is one of the few remaining must-see shows still on. Not as edgy as it used to be, and the writing appears to be running dry when it comes to certain aspects of the show. But this opens up for some welcome attention towards the supporting players of the last few seasons, mainly the terrific Kevin Dillon. The fresh sensation of the rated R comedy that used to be the heart of the show is toned down, but like everything you know that is drawing towards the end, it is not necessarily a bad idea to slow things down. Regardless if this will be the final hours we spend in the company of these guys, there is plenty to enjoy on the way out.
- One flick I was sad to miss in theatres was Kick Ass, the new film from Matthew Vaughn. Based on the comic book by Mark Millar and John Romita jr. this is a wonderful and highly enjoyable piece of entertainment. What appears to be a silly superhero movie for kids is actually a vulgar and violent affair with some great action and superb performances. In particular a break out role for young Chloe Moretz as the politically incorrect Hit Girl. Supported by Nicolas Cage in his wonderfully quirky and playful mood, the always terrific Mark Strong as the villainous D'Amico and Aaron Johnson in the title role, this is a great ensemble. A great return to form for director Vaughn after the disappointing Stardust (2007) and with the sequel already announced (Kick Ass 2: Balls To The Wall!) to arrive in 2012 this could become one of the most funny and unpredictable franchises in years.

Essential listening this July:
- Tired Pony is a new group with members from wonderful bands such as R.E.M., Snow Patrol and Belle & Sebastian that play terrfic pop country music. Their first album The Place We Ran From is filled with both catchy rock tunes and quiet tracks with qualities from all the before mentioned bands. Along the way there is also some support from the lovely She & Him, and after the initial first listen you are bound to want to go deeper and hear more. Hopefully this will be a full blown effort from everyone involved which would able us to catch them live sometime soon.
- A new acquaintance for me is Deer Tick who just released their third album The Black Dirt Sessions. A great mix of blues, country and 70's style rock with a terrific lead singer in John McCauley. The album starts off slow and melancolic but builds in both sound and impressions. Eleven tracks with poetic and emotional lyrics make this a wonderful addition to the soundtrack of this summer and makes you eager to examine their earlier work as well.
- About ten years after Industrial Silence, Madrugada's album debut arrives in a new deluxe edition, remastered and accompanied by a second disc with B-sides, rarities and demos. You could quickly accuse the mighty record companies of seeking more profits from this mega seller, but there is simply too much good stuff here to feel anything but joy. The album itself still holds its ground a decade upon release, but it is the bonus disc that provides plenty of new gold. Some material has been out there on limited singles and EP's but the newfound demos are really something for any music treasure chamber. With more than enough tracks to fill a whole new album one can only imagine how great this would be as a record on its own, but there is quiet beauty in the simple and accoustic versions of every track. It is a solid reminder of just how impressive this band was. And with songs like this one, possibly the finest ballad the band has ever produced, you can only say thank you.