Somewhere Around Here: August 2010

Essential viewing this August:
- The first feature film from Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant was bound to raise high expectations in fans of great comedy. After creating two of televisions best shows in the past decade (The Office and Extras) it is an interesting move to the big screen for the brilliant duo. And Cemetery Junction is not exactly what we expected, but that only serves to impress us even more. Set in 1970's gritty small town England, it comes with more drama than laughs (even though there's plenty) and there is never any doubt that this films heart is more important than its funny bone. A young cast filled with unknown but terrific young Brits and strong support from the likes of Ralph Fiennes and Emily Watson. The film is genuinely moving and it is refreshing to see something that is usually a well known American formula work so well in the hands of Gervais & Merchant. After the heartbreakingly disappointing The Invention of Lying (2009) which Gervais wrote and directed alongside American Matthew Robinson, it is comforting to find him back together with his original partner. And the vast difference in quality should be enough to ensure Ricky does not stray too far away from Steve anytime soon.
- After blasting onto the stage of American independent films in the 90's, it has now been nearly ten years since Albert and Allen Hughes last presented a feature. This month sees the release of The Book of Eli, a strong comeback after the poorly received From Hell (2001). Proving they are not afraid to "go epic" the film looks beautiful, and creative photography helps to serve the state of helplessness and tragedy of the story. Walking in front of camera is Denzel Washington, strong as always but the character's good heart and cool-as-ice persona is becoming a bit too familiar when it comes to this particular actor. Thankfully we have Gary Oldman, who seems happy to do a film every other year now, in terrific form for support. His villainous Carnegie might also feel a bit like familiar territory, but one we're not treated to nearly enough these days so it is endlessly satisfying to take him all in. You'll need a bit of patience through the middle part, but the ending is worth the wait and it turns out to be a welcome return from The Hughes Brothers.
- Louis C.K. has grown to become one of the most recognizable American comedians over the last few years, so it was to expect that he would get his own show soon enough. Simply titled Louie each episode contains enough laughs to keep you tuned in, but the man becomes a little too self centered sometimes (which is to expect I suppose since he writes, directs and even edits every episode himself). Like his stand-up this is rough and filthy and filled with improv and features some hilarious guest apperances. It will be an aquired taste and the star might have benefitted from sharing some production duties in change for a bit more rehearsal in front of camera.

Essential listening this August:
- Surfer Blood, a band of youngsters from Florida actually released their debut album Astro Coast quite a few months ago but completely escaped my finely tuned radar. It was not until seeing them live earlier this month that their brilliance hit me. Not only is this a seriously strong first album but the sound that originally might be heard as a tribute to 90's underground and grunge actually comes across as something completely different. There is plenty of surf guitar, hard drum beats and a terrific vocal. And knowing that they are comfortably solid live there is no doubt that there should be plenty more quality in future releases as well. One of the years finest surprises.
- The third collaboration between singers Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan is entitled Hawk and it could not arrive at a more perfect time. With summer closing its doors and the dark and cold of autumn already here it becomes the perfect soundtrack for the months to come. The voice quality from both parties is no longer news, but with every record they seem to become more and more integrated in each other and this album just might be their finest one yet. Lovely pop songs in company of dark blues and soft country makes this a beautiful album that is bound to have an impact on any blessed listener.
- While some bands find it necessary to work on new material for decades, others seem to need a new album out every year. Arcade Fire appear to have found a natural rhythm with this months release of their third album The Suburbs, three years since Neon Bible and another six since their brilliant debut Funeral. This one is by far their most ambitious yet, containing sixteen tracks and jumping back and forth between both mood, genre and sound. But the result is always original and fresh and though it might require more than one session, as an album, this is starting to stand out as the groups finest work to date. Every song is filled with raw emotion, well written lyrics and an orchestra tight as hell. It is rare for one album to have three or four contenders for song of the year, but The Suburbs does.
Like this one. Turn it up and thank me later!