Essential viewing this year:
1. The Tree of Life
Only the fifth movie in a career stretching across four decades, this picture by director Terrence Malick was perhaps bound to be an event no matter the outcome. But the result is without question the most powerful and emotional piece of filmmaking you will see this year. It is certainly an acquired taste, but patience goes a long way and in the end the reward is heartbreakingly satisfying. The art of cinema does not get more true than this.
2. Biutiful
Another powerful picture with one of the years best on-camera performances. Javier Bardem delivers what will stand as another milestone in his already overwhelming career, in Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu's fascinating and disturbing voyage into the human soul.
3. Drive
The critics favourite picture of the year. Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn has created one of the years most original and memorable films, with a superbly played down performance from Ryan Gosling. This movie also features one of the finest soundtracks of 2011. In a word: cool.
4. The Trip
Overlooked by far too many according to this writer. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play themselves brilliantly in this wonderful and hilarious road trip gem. A change of pace for director Michael Winterbottom, with a surprisingly strong emotional punch at the end. A guaranteed cult classic.
5. Midnight in Paris
Perhaps not quite worthy a top five position, but for a Woody Allen fan this was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. The 76 year old director is on great form and delivers his best picture in ages. A subtle turn from Owen Wilson fits Allen's formula perfectly and the result is funny, curious and simply magical.
Top three runners up: 127 Hours - Win Win - Buck
Essential listening this year:
1. Beirut - The Rip Tide
The fourth album from Zach Condon's band is perhaps their most accesible yet, but who says that's a bad thing when it is as beautiful as this. With a modest nine tracks this album is an absolute joy from start to finish. Stylish, poetic, quiet and simply magnificent.
2. The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
A delightful kick in the teeth with the necessary tounge-in-cheek attitude that has been missing from every other British band the past five years. Short, sweet and fun as hell.
3. Bon Iver – Bon Iver
The self titled second album from Justin Vernon's company is such a rarity as a superior follow-up. An album that was born to stir the heart and seems relentless in doing so despite the endless number of plays it is exposed to.
4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Belong
The band that knocked this writer to his knees with their 2009 debut returned with another impressive record this year. It does not have the same initial impact as its predecessor, but this is as refreshing and harmonic as any good indie album can be expected to be.
5. The Horrible Crowes – Elsie
A side project from The Gaslight Anthem frontman Brian Fallon and guitar tech Ian Perkins that turned out to be a fully fledged rock album. It does not stray too far away from their original sound, but the Crowes seem to be in possession of a touch more blues and soul than the Gaslight. A genuine American rock record with a clear tip of the hat to the likes of Springsteen and Petty.
Top three runners up: The Decemberists: The King is Dead - Kitchie Kitchie Ki Me O - Explosions in the Sky: Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
Things to die for in the new year?
Viewing: The Dark Knight Rises, The Master, Trance
Listening: The new Springsteen album. That's it.
Roll on 2012!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Essential December '11
Essential viewing this December:
One of this years strongest and most powerful films has to be We Need To Talk About Kevin. Tilda Swinton is the mother who struggles coming to terms with the inconceivable actions of her son while we also follow the challenging first years of Kevin's life. John C. Reilly provides solid support as the husband, but this is Swinton's show. Turning in her strongest performance to date she is by far the most obvious winner of any award to be handed out over the next couple of months. This is a hard watch and at times almost too much to take, but a cleverly written script and Lynne Ramsays confident direction makes this an essential piece of independent cinema. You won't be able to shake it for weeks.
Another terrific American indie of the season is Martha Marcy May Marlene. The feature film debut from director Sean Durkin requires both patience and a strong stomach, but there is no questioning the quality of the craft behind it. This is an original and, at times, frightening look at humanity and relationships that is guaranteed to put Durkin on the radar of every big time producer in Hollywood. A superb central performance from Elizabeth Olsen and a tremendous supporting role from John Hawkes, who over the last few years has become one of the most convincing character actors of his generation working today. A very impressive film.
Director Mark Pellington has in the opinion of this writer created some of Hollywoods most overlooked pictures over the past decade or so. Arlington Road (1999), The Mothman Prophecies (2002) and Henry Poole Is Here (2008) were all terrific movies with strong characters and a hard edge. His latest, I Melt With You, is no exception. Starring a quartet of interesting, but perhaps variable actors, he has managed to get the best out of every single man and frame. A male audience will certainly find this more relateable, but this should provide an interesting view for anyone. Glenn Porters script may loose its head a bit in the final act but ultimately it does not change the fact that I Melt With You is one of the most fascinating films of the year.
Essential listening this December:
December has never been a month filled with a variety of strong releases but if you look hard enough you should be able to find one or two. Or three. Vidar Busk has been one of Norways leading rock guitar musicians for about fifteen years now. Through various of his own bands he has released several strong records with perhaps 2001's Venus, Texas as the highlight so far. With this months Troublecaster he is paying tribute to his beloved America with a collection of both his own and other peoples music. Anchored in rock & roll, blues and country rockabilly this record is engaging enough to require several visits, and a refreshing sound in an otherwise caroling and soft pop influenced month.
Last month this writer called the final release from R.E.M. the must-have compilation of the year, but the christmas month may have found a serious challenger in Calexico. The album Selections From Road Atlas 1998 - 2011 features sixteen terrific tracks from the Arizona band who have created an almost unique sound in their indie-like country music. They call this an alternative best of album themselves, and the selections form the album nicely as you get both their uptempo and more mellow tracks, all driven by guitar and that delicious soft drum. Lovely indeed.
With Brothers, The Black Keys were responsible for one of the finest albums of last year. And this months El Camino seems to pick up exactly were its older brother left off. With eleven tracks, four less than Brothers, this naturally has a more compact feeling to it but the main elements are still intact even though the strong hint of soul that shaped last years album is a bit abscent here. However, El Camino is filled with solid and straightforward rock tracks that are bound to menace several car radios and rock bars around the globe the coming months. I also predict it will be a popular soundtrack when summer comes around. And as always, the boys know how to create a entertaining and classic video without spending, I don't know, a hundred bucks? Enjoy Lonely Boy!
One of this years strongest and most powerful films has to be We Need To Talk About Kevin. Tilda Swinton is the mother who struggles coming to terms with the inconceivable actions of her son while we also follow the challenging first years of Kevin's life. John C. Reilly provides solid support as the husband, but this is Swinton's show. Turning in her strongest performance to date she is by far the most obvious winner of any award to be handed out over the next couple of months. This is a hard watch and at times almost too much to take, but a cleverly written script and Lynne Ramsays confident direction makes this an essential piece of independent cinema. You won't be able to shake it for weeks.
Another terrific American indie of the season is Martha Marcy May Marlene. The feature film debut from director Sean Durkin requires both patience and a strong stomach, but there is no questioning the quality of the craft behind it. This is an original and, at times, frightening look at humanity and relationships that is guaranteed to put Durkin on the radar of every big time producer in Hollywood. A superb central performance from Elizabeth Olsen and a tremendous supporting role from John Hawkes, who over the last few years has become one of the most convincing character actors of his generation working today. A very impressive film.
Director Mark Pellington has in the opinion of this writer created some of Hollywoods most overlooked pictures over the past decade or so. Arlington Road (1999), The Mothman Prophecies (2002) and Henry Poole Is Here (2008) were all terrific movies with strong characters and a hard edge. His latest, I Melt With You, is no exception. Starring a quartet of interesting, but perhaps variable actors, he has managed to get the best out of every single man and frame. A male audience will certainly find this more relateable, but this should provide an interesting view for anyone. Glenn Porters script may loose its head a bit in the final act but ultimately it does not change the fact that I Melt With You is one of the most fascinating films of the year.
Essential listening this December:
December has never been a month filled with a variety of strong releases but if you look hard enough you should be able to find one or two. Or three. Vidar Busk has been one of Norways leading rock guitar musicians for about fifteen years now. Through various of his own bands he has released several strong records with perhaps 2001's Venus, Texas as the highlight so far. With this months Troublecaster he is paying tribute to his beloved America with a collection of both his own and other peoples music. Anchored in rock & roll, blues and country rockabilly this record is engaging enough to require several visits, and a refreshing sound in an otherwise caroling and soft pop influenced month.
Last month this writer called the final release from R.E.M. the must-have compilation of the year, but the christmas month may have found a serious challenger in Calexico. The album Selections From Road Atlas 1998 - 2011 features sixteen terrific tracks from the Arizona band who have created an almost unique sound in their indie-like country music. They call this an alternative best of album themselves, and the selections form the album nicely as you get both their uptempo and more mellow tracks, all driven by guitar and that delicious soft drum. Lovely indeed.
With Brothers, The Black Keys were responsible for one of the finest albums of last year. And this months El Camino seems to pick up exactly were its older brother left off. With eleven tracks, four less than Brothers, this naturally has a more compact feeling to it but the main elements are still intact even though the strong hint of soul that shaped last years album is a bit abscent here. However, El Camino is filled with solid and straightforward rock tracks that are bound to menace several car radios and rock bars around the globe the coming months. I also predict it will be a popular soundtrack when summer comes around. And as always, the boys know how to create a entertaining and classic video without spending, I don't know, a hundred bucks? Enjoy Lonely Boy!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Essential November '11
Essential viewing this November:
One of the most surprising and well working American films this season is 50/50. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the 27 year old who gets diagnosed with cancer and Seth Rogen (who also produces) as his friend trying to deal with the news. There is also strong support in Anna Kendrick and Angelica Huston. Written by Will Reiser, as an autobiographical script, there is a great balance between the laughs and tears and a tremendous performance by Gordon-Levitt makes this very moving stuff that will stick in your memory for a long time.
Another movie this month that plays well both for laughs and emotions is It's Kind Of A Funny Story. Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, this very entertaining story comes out of nowhere and makes an immidiate impact. Starring newcomer Keir Gilchrist and comedian Zach Galifianakis, this is one of the finest independent cast pairings in a long time. Galifianakis is superb and Gilchrist delivers a very impressive and subtle performance in a role that could easily have slipped the wrong way in more showboating hands. Boden and Fleck do a nice job with balancing the themes and conflicts of the story, and manages to keep this more than interesting throughout, despite being restricted to a single building location. A terrific surprise that hopefully will find a large audience on DVD.
The return of a Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant creation has to be considered one of the biggest television events of the year. The creators of The Office and Extras this time strike upon BBC2 and HBO with a mix of their two previous series with Life's Too Short. Warwick Davis plays himself, and we follow him through his days of running his "Dwarfs For Hire" agency and random encounters with celebrity. Three episodes in it is still too early to compare this to the duos previous work, but their sense of humor and style still runs fluently. Davis can be said to be the comedic find of the year, and every show so far has got more laugh-out-loud moments every other minute than any American sitcom running these days has in a lifetime.
Essential listening this November:
Bruce Springsteen's trusted E-Street guitarist Nils Lofgren has always had a slightly overlooked solo career running while touring the worlds largest stadiums with The Boss. Surely, there have been a few hits and missses, but with this months Old School, his first solo album since Sacred Weapon (2006) the rough voiced and guitarlickin' Chicago boy is back with a bang. There is a strong groove throughout, and the quality in Lofgrens playing is undeniable. It is also a treat for any Springsteen fan used to only see Nils joining in on the odd chorus have twelve tracks all to himself. And he let's it rip! A very pleasant surprise.
After their superb The King Is Dead album earlier this year, indie folk darlings The Decemberists are having a change of heart, by releasing the EP Long Live The King. It is a lovely companion piece, and with six precious tracks it is a short and worthy treasure. Lead singer Colin Meloy has to be rising fast in the polls over Americas finest folk voices. The EP has a well paced rhythm and moves along quickly, making you instantly want to listen again after the lovely Sonnet finishes the record off.
Earlier this year R.E.M. called it a day, and the release of the compilation Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982 - 2011 is a fitting, though perhaps a bit limited farewell. 40 tracks, including 3 new ones, automatically makes you think that some of your sweethearts must be missing, but the mix of songs still satisfies fairly decent. The early era probably deserves more space, but this is a democratic and balanced collection. The bands conclusion was one of the big surprises in the musical year, making this the most essential compilation of band music of 2011. And if their final single We All Go Back To Where We Belong does not bring a single tear to your eye, you were never really a fan.
One of the most surprising and well working American films this season is 50/50. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the 27 year old who gets diagnosed with cancer and Seth Rogen (who also produces) as his friend trying to deal with the news. There is also strong support in Anna Kendrick and Angelica Huston. Written by Will Reiser, as an autobiographical script, there is a great balance between the laughs and tears and a tremendous performance by Gordon-Levitt makes this very moving stuff that will stick in your memory for a long time.
Another movie this month that plays well both for laughs and emotions is It's Kind Of A Funny Story. Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, this very entertaining story comes out of nowhere and makes an immidiate impact. Starring newcomer Keir Gilchrist and comedian Zach Galifianakis, this is one of the finest independent cast pairings in a long time. Galifianakis is superb and Gilchrist delivers a very impressive and subtle performance in a role that could easily have slipped the wrong way in more showboating hands. Boden and Fleck do a nice job with balancing the themes and conflicts of the story, and manages to keep this more than interesting throughout, despite being restricted to a single building location. A terrific surprise that hopefully will find a large audience on DVD.
The return of a Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant creation has to be considered one of the biggest television events of the year. The creators of The Office and Extras this time strike upon BBC2 and HBO with a mix of their two previous series with Life's Too Short. Warwick Davis plays himself, and we follow him through his days of running his "Dwarfs For Hire" agency and random encounters with celebrity. Three episodes in it is still too early to compare this to the duos previous work, but their sense of humor and style still runs fluently. Davis can be said to be the comedic find of the year, and every show so far has got more laugh-out-loud moments every other minute than any American sitcom running these days has in a lifetime.
Essential listening this November:
Bruce Springsteen's trusted E-Street guitarist Nils Lofgren has always had a slightly overlooked solo career running while touring the worlds largest stadiums with The Boss. Surely, there have been a few hits and missses, but with this months Old School, his first solo album since Sacred Weapon (2006) the rough voiced and guitarlickin' Chicago boy is back with a bang. There is a strong groove throughout, and the quality in Lofgrens playing is undeniable. It is also a treat for any Springsteen fan used to only see Nils joining in on the odd chorus have twelve tracks all to himself. And he let's it rip! A very pleasant surprise.
After their superb The King Is Dead album earlier this year, indie folk darlings The Decemberists are having a change of heart, by releasing the EP Long Live The King. It is a lovely companion piece, and with six precious tracks it is a short and worthy treasure. Lead singer Colin Meloy has to be rising fast in the polls over Americas finest folk voices. The EP has a well paced rhythm and moves along quickly, making you instantly want to listen again after the lovely Sonnet finishes the record off.
Earlier this year R.E.M. called it a day, and the release of the compilation Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982 - 2011 is a fitting, though perhaps a bit limited farewell. 40 tracks, including 3 new ones, automatically makes you think that some of your sweethearts must be missing, but the mix of songs still satisfies fairly decent. The early era probably deserves more space, but this is a democratic and balanced collection. The bands conclusion was one of the big surprises in the musical year, making this the most essential compilation of band music of 2011. And if their final single We All Go Back To Where We Belong does not bring a single tear to your eye, you were never really a fan.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Essential October '11
Essential viewing this October:
One of the most surprising hits this fall is Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive. His fourth English speaking film has managed to find a decent audience, despite the Danish director’s suggestive and challenging style. This film also earned him Best Director at this years Cannes film festival. Based on John Sallis’ book and starring Ryan Gosling as the quiet Driver (that is his only credited name) while Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston and a delicious villainous turn from Albert Brook provide solid support. Accompanied by a cool soundtrack and some creative cinematography, this is very enjoyable indie stuff indeed.
Woody Allen’s latest is in fact one of his best in years. Midnight in Paris is a light hearted and amusing fable that fits leading man Owen Wilson perfectly. Having moved away from New York and shooting more around Europe, Paris serves as a perfect backdrop for Allen’ story about the man who finds adventures after dark that he thought could never be seen. The film carries all the familiarities of a Woody Allen movie, and the 75 year old veteran seems to be enjoying his filmmaking more than ever.
One of the most meaningful and moving documentaries this year has to be Buck. The film follows Buck Brannaman, the man who inspired Nick Evans book The Horse Whisperer. Director Cindy Meehl creates a personal and interesting portrait of a genuine American hero who through his horse training classes delivers lessons not only to the four-legged, but everyone around him. A truly fantastic film with a lovely message and a big heart. It actually might make you feel better about this place.
Essential listening this October:
Lungs was one of 2009s finest albums according to this writer, and two years later Florence + The Machine return with that difficult second album. Ceremonials does not have the same initial impact as its predecessor, which is unfair to expect, but it still packs a punch strong enough to ensure you that the debut album certainly was not a fluke. The sound is easily recognizable and the arrangements are both heavy and sophisticated, with Florence Welch’s thunderous voice staying forever present throughout. It is not without flaws, and the twelve track album could easily have done with a trimming or two. There is a thin line between grandiose and over indulgent, but Welch pulls out another neat balancing trick.
At one point during one of his stand-up specials, American comedian Zach Galiafianakis has the idea to name his new DVD “The New Coldplay Album”. It’s a great joke, except it’s not a joke. It would easily have sold a million copies before anyone even read the back of the sleeve. The enormous success of Coldplay over the last years makes it fair to label them the biggest band in the world. They simply cannot fail. And even though their new album Mylo Xyloto is far from flawless, it is still strong enough to ensure another season of dominance on every chart worldwide. The album is easily identifiable, and even though at first it seems a planned companion piece to their previous Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), it probably has more in common with 2005’s X&Y. The band is still looking to sound bigger than life itself for the most part, and perhaps that is what they should be doing all the time. The usual slow and acoustic tracks now come off more to prove that the band still are able to shine in a small room. But they will never need to, so there is no reason for them to ever take their foot of the gas.
Unlike brother Liam, Noel Gallagher took his time after the end of Oasis before revealing any new music plans. There was never any doubt that another project would see the light of day one day, and this month it is revealed through the release of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. It might sound like a new band, as it works both as an artist and album title, but there really is only one man behind it all. Gallagher has written every song and even though the album won’t sweep the rug from underneath anyone, it still comes with a surprise or two. The best thing is still that this is much better than any of the past three (at least) Oasis albums. And perhaps as expected, Gallagher seems to be a bit more in harmony with both himself and the musicians around him as he is calling every single shot. It is not revolutionary, sure, but the album is carried by a much welcome enthusiasm and attention to detail that makes it a very satisfying listen. And the choice of Aka… What a Life! as a first single is perfect. Apparently anything can happen in 2011 as Noel Gallagher goes Disco!
One of the most surprising hits this fall is Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive. His fourth English speaking film has managed to find a decent audience, despite the Danish director’s suggestive and challenging style. This film also earned him Best Director at this years Cannes film festival. Based on John Sallis’ book and starring Ryan Gosling as the quiet Driver (that is his only credited name) while Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston and a delicious villainous turn from Albert Brook provide solid support. Accompanied by a cool soundtrack and some creative cinematography, this is very enjoyable indie stuff indeed.
Woody Allen’s latest is in fact one of his best in years. Midnight in Paris is a light hearted and amusing fable that fits leading man Owen Wilson perfectly. Having moved away from New York and shooting more around Europe, Paris serves as a perfect backdrop for Allen’ story about the man who finds adventures after dark that he thought could never be seen. The film carries all the familiarities of a Woody Allen movie, and the 75 year old veteran seems to be enjoying his filmmaking more than ever.
One of the most meaningful and moving documentaries this year has to be Buck. The film follows Buck Brannaman, the man who inspired Nick Evans book The Horse Whisperer. Director Cindy Meehl creates a personal and interesting portrait of a genuine American hero who through his horse training classes delivers lessons not only to the four-legged, but everyone around him. A truly fantastic film with a lovely message and a big heart. It actually might make you feel better about this place.
Essential listening this October:
Lungs was one of 2009s finest albums according to this writer, and two years later Florence + The Machine return with that difficult second album. Ceremonials does not have the same initial impact as its predecessor, which is unfair to expect, but it still packs a punch strong enough to ensure you that the debut album certainly was not a fluke. The sound is easily recognizable and the arrangements are both heavy and sophisticated, with Florence Welch’s thunderous voice staying forever present throughout. It is not without flaws, and the twelve track album could easily have done with a trimming or two. There is a thin line between grandiose and over indulgent, but Welch pulls out another neat balancing trick.
At one point during one of his stand-up specials, American comedian Zach Galiafianakis has the idea to name his new DVD “The New Coldplay Album”. It’s a great joke, except it’s not a joke. It would easily have sold a million copies before anyone even read the back of the sleeve. The enormous success of Coldplay over the last years makes it fair to label them the biggest band in the world. They simply cannot fail. And even though their new album Mylo Xyloto is far from flawless, it is still strong enough to ensure another season of dominance on every chart worldwide. The album is easily identifiable, and even though at first it seems a planned companion piece to their previous Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), it probably has more in common with 2005’s X&Y. The band is still looking to sound bigger than life itself for the most part, and perhaps that is what they should be doing all the time. The usual slow and acoustic tracks now come off more to prove that the band still are able to shine in a small room. But they will never need to, so there is no reason for them to ever take their foot of the gas.
Unlike brother Liam, Noel Gallagher took his time after the end of Oasis before revealing any new music plans. There was never any doubt that another project would see the light of day one day, and this month it is revealed through the release of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. It might sound like a new band, as it works both as an artist and album title, but there really is only one man behind it all. Gallagher has written every song and even though the album won’t sweep the rug from underneath anyone, it still comes with a surprise or two. The best thing is still that this is much better than any of the past three (at least) Oasis albums. And perhaps as expected, Gallagher seems to be a bit more in harmony with both himself and the musicians around him as he is calling every single shot. It is not revolutionary, sure, but the album is carried by a much welcome enthusiasm and attention to detail that makes it a very satisfying listen. And the choice of Aka… What a Life! as a first single is perfect. Apparently anything can happen in 2011 as Noel Gallagher goes Disco!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
"Take"
Take my younger wife
and our first born
Take every photo album
and picture off the wall
Take my place in the city
and the broken down car
Take my attempt at adulthood
and my regular seat by the bar
Take my shot at fame
and grand romantic ideas
Take my crossed fingers
and false apologies
But leave me friday afternoons
and my favorite black shirt
Leave the blood in my eye that
i keep saying does not hurt
Leave me my brothers old shoes
and which ever words made sense
Leave the laughter from the kitchen
and my beloved audience
and our first born
Take every photo album
and picture off the wall
Take my place in the city
and the broken down car
Take my attempt at adulthood
and my regular seat by the bar
Take my shot at fame
and grand romantic ideas
Take my crossed fingers
and false apologies
But leave me friday afternoons
and my favorite black shirt
Leave the blood in my eye that
i keep saying does not hurt
Leave me my brothers old shoes
and which ever words made sense
Leave the laughter from the kitchen
and my beloved audience
Friday, September 30, 2011
Essential September '11
Essential viewing this September:
After terrific offbeat comedies such as Zero Effect (1998), Orange County (2002) and Walk Hard (2007) director Jake Kasdan has done enough to be named one of the most original directors of Hollywood comedy. Bad Teacher is his latest and it shares a number of qualities with his previous efforts. This is filthy and delicious at the same time and has more great one-liners than any other film this year. Cameron Diaz stars and does well playing against type as the bored and shameless teacher. Jason Segel and a ridiculously underused Justin Timberlake both provide decent support, but it is the sixty year old veteran Phyllis Smith who brings out the biggest laughs. A fresh and dirty comedy that delivers exactly what it promises.
After his infamous falling out with NBC, Conan O’Brien was banned from appearing on television for six months after agreeing to a settlement and leaving The Tonight Show. Angry and frustrated, and with plenty of time on his hands, he set out to perform a live comedy and music tour. Rodman Flender tagged along and the result is the very interesting documentary Can’t Stop. Going behind the scenes of Conan’s preparation for the tour is exciting enough, but the real treat here lies in the unfiltered look into the talk show hosts psyche after losing the job of a lifetime, and at the same time trying to please everyone he meets on the roads across America. It is a terrific portrait of a man at a distinct crossroad in his life, and a wonderful exploration of celebrity, show business and ego.
This year’s Palme d’Or winner from Cannes is certainly a demanding experience, but for the audience members who choose to follow the journey there are plenty of rewards to be found. Director Terrence Malick has never spoiled us with his features. With a career covering four decades, The Tree of Life is only his fifth feature. It is an intimate look at life, family and fate that may frustrate, but it will also unquestionably move and impress even more. Brad Pitt turns in a career best performance with his quiet and subtle father figure. Supported by Jessica Chastain, they deliver some truly memorable scenes, but it is when Pitt travels alongside his children he impresses the most. It is a remarkable performance that does not ask for anything, but delivers in spades. Certainly not a film for the blockbuster crowd, but Malick has once again created a sublime work of cinematic art.
Essential listening this September:
One of Norway’s most reliable sources of dark and melancholic rock music, Sivert Høyem, returns with his fourth solo album this month. Long Slow Distance is a strong and interesting album, despite being maybe a little bit too predictable in certain places. The man is still one of his country’s most powerful vocalists and there are several songs where he gets to prove his strength. Lyrically this album may be a touch darker than his previous outings, but on the other hand Høyem still knows how to make a quality rock track that remains light on its feet, so overall this is solid record with comforting skills on display.
Mockingbird Time is the first album since 2003 from The Jayhawks, and it is a surprisingly healthy and rewarding record. Mark Olson returns to the band and has written every track with his old partner Gary Louris. The first single She Walks in So Many Ways was a nice taste of the album to come, as it is filled with terrific pop, rock and country songs. The timing of the album is also perfect, as it arrives in the middle of autumn and encourages to a focused listen, either in a warm living room or through your headphones underneath a warm hoody as you walk through the dark October nights.
The Horrible Crowes is the side project of Brian Fallon, the front man in The Gaslight Anthem. Alongside his guitar tech buddy Ian Perkins their first album Elsie is a collection of classic style rock tracks, with perhaps a more technical and sophisticated touch than the Gaslight records. There is a sensitive side too with great lyrics and lovely compositions. The skills of Fallon and Perkins shine through on every track and this album, arriving as a minor surprise out of the blue, could become one of the year’s most pleasant releases.
Behold The Hurricane is a wonderful choice for a first single, and the video by Corin Hardy captures the song in a very interesting way. Have a look n’ listen.
After terrific offbeat comedies such as Zero Effect (1998), Orange County (2002) and Walk Hard (2007) director Jake Kasdan has done enough to be named one of the most original directors of Hollywood comedy. Bad Teacher is his latest and it shares a number of qualities with his previous efforts. This is filthy and delicious at the same time and has more great one-liners than any other film this year. Cameron Diaz stars and does well playing against type as the bored and shameless teacher. Jason Segel and a ridiculously underused Justin Timberlake both provide decent support, but it is the sixty year old veteran Phyllis Smith who brings out the biggest laughs. A fresh and dirty comedy that delivers exactly what it promises.
After his infamous falling out with NBC, Conan O’Brien was banned from appearing on television for six months after agreeing to a settlement and leaving The Tonight Show. Angry and frustrated, and with plenty of time on his hands, he set out to perform a live comedy and music tour. Rodman Flender tagged along and the result is the very interesting documentary Can’t Stop. Going behind the scenes of Conan’s preparation for the tour is exciting enough, but the real treat here lies in the unfiltered look into the talk show hosts psyche after losing the job of a lifetime, and at the same time trying to please everyone he meets on the roads across America. It is a terrific portrait of a man at a distinct crossroad in his life, and a wonderful exploration of celebrity, show business and ego.
This year’s Palme d’Or winner from Cannes is certainly a demanding experience, but for the audience members who choose to follow the journey there are plenty of rewards to be found. Director Terrence Malick has never spoiled us with his features. With a career covering four decades, The Tree of Life is only his fifth feature. It is an intimate look at life, family and fate that may frustrate, but it will also unquestionably move and impress even more. Brad Pitt turns in a career best performance with his quiet and subtle father figure. Supported by Jessica Chastain, they deliver some truly memorable scenes, but it is when Pitt travels alongside his children he impresses the most. It is a remarkable performance that does not ask for anything, but delivers in spades. Certainly not a film for the blockbuster crowd, but Malick has once again created a sublime work of cinematic art.
Essential listening this September:
One of Norway’s most reliable sources of dark and melancholic rock music, Sivert Høyem, returns with his fourth solo album this month. Long Slow Distance is a strong and interesting album, despite being maybe a little bit too predictable in certain places. The man is still one of his country’s most powerful vocalists and there are several songs where he gets to prove his strength. Lyrically this album may be a touch darker than his previous outings, but on the other hand Høyem still knows how to make a quality rock track that remains light on its feet, so overall this is solid record with comforting skills on display.
Mockingbird Time is the first album since 2003 from The Jayhawks, and it is a surprisingly healthy and rewarding record. Mark Olson returns to the band and has written every track with his old partner Gary Louris. The first single She Walks in So Many Ways was a nice taste of the album to come, as it is filled with terrific pop, rock and country songs. The timing of the album is also perfect, as it arrives in the middle of autumn and encourages to a focused listen, either in a warm living room or through your headphones underneath a warm hoody as you walk through the dark October nights.
The Horrible Crowes is the side project of Brian Fallon, the front man in The Gaslight Anthem. Alongside his guitar tech buddy Ian Perkins their first album Elsie is a collection of classic style rock tracks, with perhaps a more technical and sophisticated touch than the Gaslight records. There is a sensitive side too with great lyrics and lovely compositions. The skills of Fallon and Perkins shine through on every track and this album, arriving as a minor surprise out of the blue, could become one of the year’s most pleasant releases.
Behold The Hurricane is a wonderful choice for a first single, and the video by Corin Hardy captures the song in a very interesting way. Have a look n’ listen.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Essential August '11
Essential viewing this August:
After The Station Agent (2003) and The Visitor (this writers third favorite film of 2008) director Thomas McCarthy was looking likely to become one of Americas finest independent filmmakers. With his third outing Win Win it is safe to say he has fulfilled that promise. Perhaps not as emotionally strong as The Visitor, but this time around McCarthy showcases a firm take on comedy as well as drama. Even though it may lie a bit heavier on the drama side, particularly towards the end, this is wonderfully clever stuff. With the always reliable Paul Giamatti as the struggling lawyer and wrestling coach who finds reason to believe in both jobs, for better or worse, when Alex Shaffer’s Kyle comes into his life. Shaffer is a minor revelation in this, and with fine support from Bobby Cannavale, Amy Ryan and Jeffrey Tambor this is one of the strongest, not to say, coolest casts of the year so far. A deliciously quirky and moving film which also firmly establishes Giamatti as the go-to-guy for hopeless, yet hilarious characters.
Despite winning the International Critics Award at last years Toronto Film Festival, Beautiful Boy still didn’t manage to reach a large audience during its limited theatrical run. The sensitive subject matter obviously ensured this would not be a massive hit, but it still deserves more attention than it has received so far. Michael Sheen and Maria Bello are the married couple on the verge of divorce, when they learn that their son was responsible for a school shooting, before taking his own life. It is difficult to watch and at times it feels a bit too forced in its message, but more than anything this is powerful and impressive filmmaking. Sheen and Bello are both terrific and fearless in their performances, while director Shawn Ku, in his first theatrical feature, offers a nice shift in both balance and tone throughout the film. A truly brave piece of work that will strike hard and leave a mark on every viewer.
After the success of his first feature Reprise (2006) it is almost surprising it took so long for director Joachim Trier to return with his sophomore effort. And despite five years has passed Trier has not strayed too far away from his original ideas. The themes from his debut can also be found in this months Oslo, 31. August as we follow Anders through his first day out on his own after ten months of drug rehab. Doings his rounds, seeing old friends and family, he struggles to find his feet on the streets he has walked his whole life. The leading role is played by Anders Danielsen Lie (who also starred in Reprise) and he turns in a strong performance, even though audience members who remember his first collaboration with Trier will struggle not to see a few too many similarities between the two. The most impressive part of this film though is Trier’s sense of dialogue (he penned the script with writing partner Eskil Vogt and it is loosely suggested by Pierre Drieu La Rochelle’s 1931 novel Leu Feu Follet) and Anders’ heart-to-heart conversations with his close friend Thomas is both funny and deeply moving. This is a very strong follow up from Trier, let’s just hope he moves even further for his next one, and that we don’t have to wait another six years.
Essential listening this August:
The most anticipated collaboration in music history? If you’ve read ANY American music magazine this year, you must certainly be convinced that Watch The Throne is just that. Well, Kanye West and Jay-Z do give it their all, no question about it. There is, surprisingly, no sign of anyone’s ego getting in the way of producing a cracking record. Another pleasant surprise is the amount of variation they both bring. Fans of either artist will easily recognize their favorites work, but this is still a solid album that turns out to be exactly what it was meant to be, a massive collaboration. The duo mix both style and genre with a pleasant ease and each track feels strong enough to stand its own ground, not always the case with either two performers solo work. It is not the masterpiece many were expecting, but in all fairness with the hype surrounding it, they never really stood a chance of that. But this is still a smashing album that will earn Jay and Kanye more praise and money that they never needed in the first place. I guess you can’t have it all.
The reliable deliveryman of, in his own words, brutal blues Bjørn Berge returns this month with Blackwood, his tenth studio album. An impressive record considering his debut Blues Hit Me only arrived in 1998. For fans this is easily recognizable and one could be tempted to say it offers little new to the guitarist's strong catalogue, but the quality of his playing and songs are simply too hard to ignore. Berge lets it rip from start to finish and has become one of the most reliable Norwegian deliverers of solid albums, regardless of genre. His voice can still shatter every window on the block and the sound of his guitars never gets old, it simply gets better by the year.
The Rip Tide is the fourth album from Beirut, and even though some claim it to be the most accessible one yet, there is plenty of familiar stuff in here. Afraid to stray too far away from the indie label, Zach Condon is sure to include enough noise within the albums nine tracks to make it a challenging, but mostly, enjoyable listen. A Candle’s Fire might be Beirut’s strongest opening track so far, and the soft and tender Goshen reminds you of Condon’s slightly rustic lovely voice. A wonderful album that will fit in perfectly on anyone’s iPod as they walk in the steadily approaching dark of autumn.
After The Station Agent (2003) and The Visitor (this writers third favorite film of 2008) director Thomas McCarthy was looking likely to become one of Americas finest independent filmmakers. With his third outing Win Win it is safe to say he has fulfilled that promise. Perhaps not as emotionally strong as The Visitor, but this time around McCarthy showcases a firm take on comedy as well as drama. Even though it may lie a bit heavier on the drama side, particularly towards the end, this is wonderfully clever stuff. With the always reliable Paul Giamatti as the struggling lawyer and wrestling coach who finds reason to believe in both jobs, for better or worse, when Alex Shaffer’s Kyle comes into his life. Shaffer is a minor revelation in this, and with fine support from Bobby Cannavale, Amy Ryan and Jeffrey Tambor this is one of the strongest, not to say, coolest casts of the year so far. A deliciously quirky and moving film which also firmly establishes Giamatti as the go-to-guy for hopeless, yet hilarious characters.
Despite winning the International Critics Award at last years Toronto Film Festival, Beautiful Boy still didn’t manage to reach a large audience during its limited theatrical run. The sensitive subject matter obviously ensured this would not be a massive hit, but it still deserves more attention than it has received so far. Michael Sheen and Maria Bello are the married couple on the verge of divorce, when they learn that their son was responsible for a school shooting, before taking his own life. It is difficult to watch and at times it feels a bit too forced in its message, but more than anything this is powerful and impressive filmmaking. Sheen and Bello are both terrific and fearless in their performances, while director Shawn Ku, in his first theatrical feature, offers a nice shift in both balance and tone throughout the film. A truly brave piece of work that will strike hard and leave a mark on every viewer.
After the success of his first feature Reprise (2006) it is almost surprising it took so long for director Joachim Trier to return with his sophomore effort. And despite five years has passed Trier has not strayed too far away from his original ideas. The themes from his debut can also be found in this months Oslo, 31. August as we follow Anders through his first day out on his own after ten months of drug rehab. Doings his rounds, seeing old friends and family, he struggles to find his feet on the streets he has walked his whole life. The leading role is played by Anders Danielsen Lie (who also starred in Reprise) and he turns in a strong performance, even though audience members who remember his first collaboration with Trier will struggle not to see a few too many similarities between the two. The most impressive part of this film though is Trier’s sense of dialogue (he penned the script with writing partner Eskil Vogt and it is loosely suggested by Pierre Drieu La Rochelle’s 1931 novel Leu Feu Follet) and Anders’ heart-to-heart conversations with his close friend Thomas is both funny and deeply moving. This is a very strong follow up from Trier, let’s just hope he moves even further for his next one, and that we don’t have to wait another six years.
Essential listening this August:
The most anticipated collaboration in music history? If you’ve read ANY American music magazine this year, you must certainly be convinced that Watch The Throne is just that. Well, Kanye West and Jay-Z do give it their all, no question about it. There is, surprisingly, no sign of anyone’s ego getting in the way of producing a cracking record. Another pleasant surprise is the amount of variation they both bring. Fans of either artist will easily recognize their favorites work, but this is still a solid album that turns out to be exactly what it was meant to be, a massive collaboration. The duo mix both style and genre with a pleasant ease and each track feels strong enough to stand its own ground, not always the case with either two performers solo work. It is not the masterpiece many were expecting, but in all fairness with the hype surrounding it, they never really stood a chance of that. But this is still a smashing album that will earn Jay and Kanye more praise and money that they never needed in the first place. I guess you can’t have it all.
The reliable deliveryman of, in his own words, brutal blues Bjørn Berge returns this month with Blackwood, his tenth studio album. An impressive record considering his debut Blues Hit Me only arrived in 1998. For fans this is easily recognizable and one could be tempted to say it offers little new to the guitarist's strong catalogue, but the quality of his playing and songs are simply too hard to ignore. Berge lets it rip from start to finish and has become one of the most reliable Norwegian deliverers of solid albums, regardless of genre. His voice can still shatter every window on the block and the sound of his guitars never gets old, it simply gets better by the year.
The Rip Tide is the fourth album from Beirut, and even though some claim it to be the most accessible one yet, there is plenty of familiar stuff in here. Afraid to stray too far away from the indie label, Zach Condon is sure to include enough noise within the albums nine tracks to make it a challenging, but mostly, enjoyable listen. A Candle’s Fire might be Beirut’s strongest opening track so far, and the soft and tender Goshen reminds you of Condon’s slightly rustic lovely voice. A wonderful album that will fit in perfectly on anyone’s iPod as they walk in the steadily approaching dark of autumn.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
"Desolation"
did you get what you came for
in a place where no one ever comes
if this anger is correctable
there is quiet to be found
the desolation of a first born
frozen grounds in early june
vague misery on every corner
broken hearts stacked outside the door
if there is purpose for the storm
one last chance to get it right
a falling soul from clear blue skies
there was no other way to fly
in a place where no one ever comes
if this anger is correctable
there is quiet to be found
the desolation of a first born
frozen grounds in early june
vague misery on every corner
broken hearts stacked outside the door
if there is purpose for the storm
one last chance to get it right
a falling soul from clear blue skies
there was no other way to fly
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Essential July '11
Essential viewing this July:
A true gem that has slipped underneath most people’s radars this year is Barney’s Version. A terrific dark comedy with a stellar performance from Paul Giamatti, which despite very little publicity earned him a Golden Globe back in January. Directed by Richard J. Lewis, mainly known through directing various middle of the road TV-series, Barney’s Version brings out laughs, emotion and feels genuinely real right through its core. A superb supporting cast with Rosamund Pike and Dustin Hoffman as the standouts (Hoffman plays Giamatti’s father and when they are paired they create some of the funniest and finest chemistry seen in any movie this year) alongside a very clever script, it is a shame this film has not been able to find a larger audience.
One of the most surprising films this month is The Trip. Surprising in the sense of how it combines its talents. Directed by Michael Winterbottom (last seen at the helm of 2010’s terrific The Killer Inside Me) and starring British comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, this is a comedy that on paper would be sold as a buddy/road movie. And it is an absolute joy. Coogan and Brydon are pitch perfect together and the playful tone of the film makes for a very enjoyable experience. The comics both shine as they play off each other and the much improvised script (there are no screenplay credits) allows for terrific company. Filled with laughs, and a surprising emotional punch at the end, this is impressively well crafted comedy.
One of the most courageous films of the year so far is Trust. The story about a teenage girl who is targeted by an older man through the internet is both challenging and thought provoking. The family falling apart is parents Clive Owen and Catherine Keener, who both turn in impressive performances, but the real revelation here lies with newcomer Liana Liberato. Playing the young girl torn between the comfort of her family and the desire to grow up, she is simply tremendous and delivers a bona fide classic leading role debut. Directed by David Schwimmer, who as the years pass is putting more and more distance between himself and Ross from Friends, by constantly delivering impressive work. His feature debut Run Fatboy Run (2007) was tragically overlooked, but this should ensure that more people realize the talent he possesses behind the camera.
Essential listening this July:
After their successful debut For Emma, Forever Ago (2008) Bon Iver return with their self titled second album. The sound and atmosphere is still very much the same, but it is apparent that the band has been able to put more of everything into every aspect of simply making a record. Bon Iver is still tender and delicate, but there is just a touch of indie pop that seems more confident than before. It sounds terrific, and there is not a weak track on the album. Asking if this album will do more for the band than their debut did is a difficult one to answer. But those who fell in love with the band the first time around is guaranteed to feel that crush coming on once more.
When you look at her catalogue of work it is impressive to think that Joss Stone at 24 is now releasing her fifth album, this time through her very own record label. Not bad at all. And LP1 certainly has enough quality to earn her the respect she deserves. She still wears her heart on her bare sleeve and sings with plenty of attitude. What may have benefitted the album even more is just a slightly more distinctive sense of direction. The record travels through desire, emotion and the occasional party but it could have done with some more distinctive purpose. But the heart is there and Ms. Stone makes sure it is felt through every beat.
Since summer is never the high season for new releases it is fitting to mention a re-release this month: The 25th anniversary edition of Life’s Rich Pageant, the classic R.E.M. record. Since its origin in 1986 it more than survives the light of today and this edition even comes with 19 (yes, count 'em up, 19!) previously unreleased demos. A great package for the loving fan and a solid reminder of the golden age that was the 80’s for this truly American rock outfit. And isn’t Begin The Begin one of the finest opening tracks of a record ever? Yes, it is.
A true gem that has slipped underneath most people’s radars this year is Barney’s Version. A terrific dark comedy with a stellar performance from Paul Giamatti, which despite very little publicity earned him a Golden Globe back in January. Directed by Richard J. Lewis, mainly known through directing various middle of the road TV-series, Barney’s Version brings out laughs, emotion and feels genuinely real right through its core. A superb supporting cast with Rosamund Pike and Dustin Hoffman as the standouts (Hoffman plays Giamatti’s father and when they are paired they create some of the funniest and finest chemistry seen in any movie this year) alongside a very clever script, it is a shame this film has not been able to find a larger audience.
One of the most surprising films this month is The Trip. Surprising in the sense of how it combines its talents. Directed by Michael Winterbottom (last seen at the helm of 2010’s terrific The Killer Inside Me) and starring British comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, this is a comedy that on paper would be sold as a buddy/road movie. And it is an absolute joy. Coogan and Brydon are pitch perfect together and the playful tone of the film makes for a very enjoyable experience. The comics both shine as they play off each other and the much improvised script (there are no screenplay credits) allows for terrific company. Filled with laughs, and a surprising emotional punch at the end, this is impressively well crafted comedy.
One of the most courageous films of the year so far is Trust. The story about a teenage girl who is targeted by an older man through the internet is both challenging and thought provoking. The family falling apart is parents Clive Owen and Catherine Keener, who both turn in impressive performances, but the real revelation here lies with newcomer Liana Liberato. Playing the young girl torn between the comfort of her family and the desire to grow up, she is simply tremendous and delivers a bona fide classic leading role debut. Directed by David Schwimmer, who as the years pass is putting more and more distance between himself and Ross from Friends, by constantly delivering impressive work. His feature debut Run Fatboy Run (2007) was tragically overlooked, but this should ensure that more people realize the talent he possesses behind the camera.
Essential listening this July:
After their successful debut For Emma, Forever Ago (2008) Bon Iver return with their self titled second album. The sound and atmosphere is still very much the same, but it is apparent that the band has been able to put more of everything into every aspect of simply making a record. Bon Iver is still tender and delicate, but there is just a touch of indie pop that seems more confident than before. It sounds terrific, and there is not a weak track on the album. Asking if this album will do more for the band than their debut did is a difficult one to answer. But those who fell in love with the band the first time around is guaranteed to feel that crush coming on once more.
When you look at her catalogue of work it is impressive to think that Joss Stone at 24 is now releasing her fifth album, this time through her very own record label. Not bad at all. And LP1 certainly has enough quality to earn her the respect she deserves. She still wears her heart on her bare sleeve and sings with plenty of attitude. What may have benefitted the album even more is just a slightly more distinctive sense of direction. The record travels through desire, emotion and the occasional party but it could have done with some more distinctive purpose. But the heart is there and Ms. Stone makes sure it is felt through every beat.
Since summer is never the high season for new releases it is fitting to mention a re-release this month: The 25th anniversary edition of Life’s Rich Pageant, the classic R.E.M. record. Since its origin in 1986 it more than survives the light of today and this edition even comes with 19 (yes, count 'em up, 19!) previously unreleased demos. A great package for the loving fan and a solid reminder of the golden age that was the 80’s for this truly American rock outfit. And isn’t Begin The Begin one of the finest opening tracks of a record ever? Yes, it is.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Essential June '11
Essential viewing this June:
- After the disappointing spin-off that was Wolverine (2009) one could be tempted to leave the X-Men franchise dead and buried. But luckily with X-Men: First Class, the capable hands of Matthew Vaughn have not only brought the series back to its peak, but left it with a more than promising future. Going back to the early days of Professor X and Magneto, Vaughn has brought in a whole new set of talent with James McAvoy (X) and Michael Fassbender (Magneto) leading the way. And the two do a remarkable job of reigniting the original spark that made this relationship originally interesting in Bryan Singer’s first X-Men (2000). In fact, McAvoy and Fassbender are so strong that they put stars like Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne and January Jones to shame. A terrific set-up with clever takes on the characters origin accompanied by some very impressive action makes this one of the finest blockbusters of the summer.
- Another pair with great chemistry on display this month is Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in Paul, a sci-fi comedy that gets away with a bit too much but still leaves you wanting more. Pegg and Frost, who also penned the script together, have done so much together by now (Shaun of The Dead (2004) and most recently Hot Fuzz (2007)) naturally don’t have to work too hard to come off as best buddies, but it is in their relationship to newfound friend Paul they both really shine. Directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad (2007) and TV’s Arrested Development), this is a superb buddy movie with a rare treat of making a CGI character both impressive and loveable. A wonderful antidote to the serious sci-fi movies just around the corner.
- The legendary front man of Motorhead, Lemmy Kilmister, was bound to get a documentary team knocking on his door one day. And now the film, simply titled Lemmy, arrives. Directors Wes Orshoski and Greg Olliver follow the heavy rocker for the better part of a year and the result is interesting, moving and entertaining. Whether it is on the front or back stage, on his beloved tour bus or back at his economic apartment in Los Angeles, this is an intimate and honest portrait of a man completely dedicated to his art. Contributions from the likes of Dave Grohl, James Hetfield, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett and many more makes the uninformed viewer realize the legacy of the man, and the film depicts the rocker in a raw and unfiltered environment which makes it even more satisfying to take in. A rock solid documentary bio picture.
Essential listening this June:
- The return of Arctic Monkeys is a curious one, with their fourth album Suck It And See. After their first two superb albums, their third one Humbug (2009) was a bit of a surprise turn, and in spite of some high quality tracks, didn’t manage to sell itself as a full-on rock album. Two years later they return in better form and a clearer idea of what they want their album to be. The quality of each track still varies a little too much, but all together this is a great mix of songs and a reassuring return to their confident selves. Alongside the superb first single Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair, tracks like Brick By Brick and Reckless Serenade remind you of the attitude and original fresh feeling that first made us fall in love with the band when they debuted back in 2005.
- Despite coming across some commercial success a few albums back, indie rockers Death Cab For Cutie refuse to make anything too accessible. With their impressive seventh studio album Codes and Keys, they are still experimental, fearless and looking to improve. The result is an interesting album that stands strong and tall, but still doesn’t quite challenge their finest efforts. There is a romantic idea running through the various moods of the album where Ben Gibbard still sings with convincing and heartfelt effect, making this a record well worth listening to. And it will still make an unforgiving impact on the loyal fans.
- The past decade have seen many great Norwegian rock bands retire or break up, with no one ever really being able to replace them. Bands such as Madrugada, Ricochets and My Midnight Creeps. So it should be a comforting sign that Kitchie Kitchie Ki-Me-O features members of all the above. Their first, self titled album is a very promising outing that will hopefully grow even more impressive with further visits. Dark, poetic, gritty and rough around the edges, hopefully this band will live on longer than any of its members’ previous ones. From Next, the terrific single that opens the album, to the closing One Day, this is a much needed Norwegian rock album that should inspire others to follow.
- After the disappointing spin-off that was Wolverine (2009) one could be tempted to leave the X-Men franchise dead and buried. But luckily with X-Men: First Class, the capable hands of Matthew Vaughn have not only brought the series back to its peak, but left it with a more than promising future. Going back to the early days of Professor X and Magneto, Vaughn has brought in a whole new set of talent with James McAvoy (X) and Michael Fassbender (Magneto) leading the way. And the two do a remarkable job of reigniting the original spark that made this relationship originally interesting in Bryan Singer’s first X-Men (2000). In fact, McAvoy and Fassbender are so strong that they put stars like Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne and January Jones to shame. A terrific set-up with clever takes on the characters origin accompanied by some very impressive action makes this one of the finest blockbusters of the summer.
- Another pair with great chemistry on display this month is Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in Paul, a sci-fi comedy that gets away with a bit too much but still leaves you wanting more. Pegg and Frost, who also penned the script together, have done so much together by now (Shaun of The Dead (2004) and most recently Hot Fuzz (2007)) naturally don’t have to work too hard to come off as best buddies, but it is in their relationship to newfound friend Paul they both really shine. Directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad (2007) and TV’s Arrested Development), this is a superb buddy movie with a rare treat of making a CGI character both impressive and loveable. A wonderful antidote to the serious sci-fi movies just around the corner.
- The legendary front man of Motorhead, Lemmy Kilmister, was bound to get a documentary team knocking on his door one day. And now the film, simply titled Lemmy, arrives. Directors Wes Orshoski and Greg Olliver follow the heavy rocker for the better part of a year and the result is interesting, moving and entertaining. Whether it is on the front or back stage, on his beloved tour bus or back at his economic apartment in Los Angeles, this is an intimate and honest portrait of a man completely dedicated to his art. Contributions from the likes of Dave Grohl, James Hetfield, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett and many more makes the uninformed viewer realize the legacy of the man, and the film depicts the rocker in a raw and unfiltered environment which makes it even more satisfying to take in. A rock solid documentary bio picture.
Essential listening this June:
- The return of Arctic Monkeys is a curious one, with their fourth album Suck It And See. After their first two superb albums, their third one Humbug (2009) was a bit of a surprise turn, and in spite of some high quality tracks, didn’t manage to sell itself as a full-on rock album. Two years later they return in better form and a clearer idea of what they want their album to be. The quality of each track still varies a little too much, but all together this is a great mix of songs and a reassuring return to their confident selves. Alongside the superb first single Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair, tracks like Brick By Brick and Reckless Serenade remind you of the attitude and original fresh feeling that first made us fall in love with the band when they debuted back in 2005.
- Despite coming across some commercial success a few albums back, indie rockers Death Cab For Cutie refuse to make anything too accessible. With their impressive seventh studio album Codes and Keys, they are still experimental, fearless and looking to improve. The result is an interesting album that stands strong and tall, but still doesn’t quite challenge their finest efforts. There is a romantic idea running through the various moods of the album where Ben Gibbard still sings with convincing and heartfelt effect, making this a record well worth listening to. And it will still make an unforgiving impact on the loyal fans.
- The past decade have seen many great Norwegian rock bands retire or break up, with no one ever really being able to replace them. Bands such as Madrugada, Ricochets and My Midnight Creeps. So it should be a comforting sign that Kitchie Kitchie Ki-Me-O features members of all the above. Their first, self titled album is a very promising outing that will hopefully grow even more impressive with further visits. Dark, poetic, gritty and rough around the edges, hopefully this band will live on longer than any of its members’ previous ones. From Next, the terrific single that opens the album, to the closing One Day, this is a much needed Norwegian rock album that should inspire others to follow.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
"Apartment Limbo"
about you about me
the closest thing so far
cold coffee and empty pillow cases
another bored and weakened soul
wearing the shoes of a ghost
playing old records over again
this year has become a decade
trying to remember a friend
a heartbeat counting backwards
whatever you want me to see
lies underneath your skin
yours to forget yours to change
a part of you in every beat
busted neon signs over locked doors
this unstable state we’re in
stay with me ‘til we get through july
cheap lyrics made for radio
joni made her baby cry too
on the floor out of cigarettes
a crowded road through your veil
no such thing as falling gently
if only rails ran through this town
the closest thing so far
cold coffee and empty pillow cases
another bored and weakened soul
wearing the shoes of a ghost
playing old records over again
this year has become a decade
trying to remember a friend
a heartbeat counting backwards
whatever you want me to see
lies underneath your skin
yours to forget yours to change
a part of you in every beat
busted neon signs over locked doors
this unstable state we’re in
stay with me ‘til we get through july
cheap lyrics made for radio
joni made her baby cry too
on the floor out of cigarettes
a crowded road through your veil
no such thing as falling gently
if only rails ran through this town
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Essential May '11
Essential viewing this May:
- Before summer arrives and the only thing available in cinemas will be huge blockbusters, it is very nice to start the season off with a terrific American independent film. Blue Valentine stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams and is a powerful and credible story about love, as opposed to the traditional love stories told through Hollywood. The films low budget naturally makes this both raw and simplistic, but director Derek Cianfrance makes the most out of everything, and while relying heavily on his actors, he has created a wonderfully moving picture. Gosling and Williams are both superb and their performances force this experience under your skin, where it will stay for a long time.
- Alongside last month’s release of their new album Wasting Light, Foo Fighters also came out with a feature documentary Back And Forth, covering the band’s story from their origin up until the recording of the new record. Directed by James Moll (who took home the Oscar for best doc with 1998’s The Last Days) this is a very entertaining and interesting film. Naturally it offers more for fans of the band, but this should be intriguing for any audience. It covers the bands success and stories from the industry, but mainly this film is about friendship, loyalty and it does not only celebrate the joys of life, but also the impact pain and hardship has on everything we do. That, and the music kicks ass.
- At the end of 2009 this writer went on to list Moon, the feature length directorial debut by Duncan Jones the best picture of the year. And it was by a landslide. Two years later, Jones returns with Source Code, and this time he brings plenty of Hollywood with him. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as the American soldier serving his country in what can mildly be called an experimental war on terror. And for most of it, it is one incredibly thrilling ride. It seems Jones may have had to answer to one too many studio heads in order to satisfy the popcorn munching audiences, when it comes to the final act. But up until that, this is a wonderfully entertaining blockbuster, with a terrific original script by Ben Ripley, and strong performances by everyone involved. Hopefully Jones is working on his own blockbuster script as we speak, so that next time we may be in for an equally earth shattering experience as his debut was.
Essential listening this May:
- The self titled debut album of Nashville rockers Mona is this month’s biggest treat. Influenced by early American rock & roll, alongside massive acts such as The Killers or even U2, this comes across as a sweet mix of simple rock tracks against stadium filling grandiose hits. It is an absolute joy from start to finish. It varies quite in levels of how hard-hitting each song is, but the overall quality is very impressive and strong for a first album. Mona is expected to have a promising future by big outlets like Q and NME, and if they manage to bring the energy and positivity from this album onto the stage, and eventually releasing an even better second record, most of the work may already be done.
- After collaborating with several other artists, both as band and producers, Okkervil River finally release an album of their own with I Am Very Far. This is their sixth album and the sequel to 2008’s incredible The Stand-Ins. Their latest outing may come off as more complex or even slightly darker than previous material, but if you allow it a few more spins it actually comes out in even more harmony than before. A massive soundsscape make certain tracks seem like symphonies while the rough indie feel is never far off. A triumphant return from one of America’s finest offbeat outfits.
- Despite having released three albums before this month’s God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise, Ray Lamontagne is a new acquaintance for this writer. His latest record is a tremendous effort filled with soulful blues and country rock, complimented with great lyrics. Lamontagne’s gutwrenching voice alone is enough to knock your socks off and it was this riveting performance alongside The Pariah Dogs on an episode of The Late Show that caught my attention. Get some!
- Before summer arrives and the only thing available in cinemas will be huge blockbusters, it is very nice to start the season off with a terrific American independent film. Blue Valentine stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams and is a powerful and credible story about love, as opposed to the traditional love stories told through Hollywood. The films low budget naturally makes this both raw and simplistic, but director Derek Cianfrance makes the most out of everything, and while relying heavily on his actors, he has created a wonderfully moving picture. Gosling and Williams are both superb and their performances force this experience under your skin, where it will stay for a long time.
- Alongside last month’s release of their new album Wasting Light, Foo Fighters also came out with a feature documentary Back And Forth, covering the band’s story from their origin up until the recording of the new record. Directed by James Moll (who took home the Oscar for best doc with 1998’s The Last Days) this is a very entertaining and interesting film. Naturally it offers more for fans of the band, but this should be intriguing for any audience. It covers the bands success and stories from the industry, but mainly this film is about friendship, loyalty and it does not only celebrate the joys of life, but also the impact pain and hardship has on everything we do. That, and the music kicks ass.
- At the end of 2009 this writer went on to list Moon, the feature length directorial debut by Duncan Jones the best picture of the year. And it was by a landslide. Two years later, Jones returns with Source Code, and this time he brings plenty of Hollywood with him. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as the American soldier serving his country in what can mildly be called an experimental war on terror. And for most of it, it is one incredibly thrilling ride. It seems Jones may have had to answer to one too many studio heads in order to satisfy the popcorn munching audiences, when it comes to the final act. But up until that, this is a wonderfully entertaining blockbuster, with a terrific original script by Ben Ripley, and strong performances by everyone involved. Hopefully Jones is working on his own blockbuster script as we speak, so that next time we may be in for an equally earth shattering experience as his debut was.
Essential listening this May:
- The self titled debut album of Nashville rockers Mona is this month’s biggest treat. Influenced by early American rock & roll, alongside massive acts such as The Killers or even U2, this comes across as a sweet mix of simple rock tracks against stadium filling grandiose hits. It is an absolute joy from start to finish. It varies quite in levels of how hard-hitting each song is, but the overall quality is very impressive and strong for a first album. Mona is expected to have a promising future by big outlets like Q and NME, and if they manage to bring the energy and positivity from this album onto the stage, and eventually releasing an even better second record, most of the work may already be done.
- After collaborating with several other artists, both as band and producers, Okkervil River finally release an album of their own with I Am Very Far. This is their sixth album and the sequel to 2008’s incredible The Stand-Ins. Their latest outing may come off as more complex or even slightly darker than previous material, but if you allow it a few more spins it actually comes out in even more harmony than before. A massive soundsscape make certain tracks seem like symphonies while the rough indie feel is never far off. A triumphant return from one of America’s finest offbeat outfits.
- Despite having released three albums before this month’s God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise, Ray Lamontagne is a new acquaintance for this writer. His latest record is a tremendous effort filled with soulful blues and country rock, complimented with great lyrics. Lamontagne’s gutwrenching voice alone is enough to knock your socks off and it was this riveting performance alongside The Pariah Dogs on an episode of The Late Show that caught my attention. Get some!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Essential April '11
Essential viewing this April:
- After serving as a screenwriter on films such as Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) it was no surprise that George Nolfi went on to cast Matt Damon for his first directorial outing. And a wise choice indeed as Damon is one half of the finest pairing to come out of Hollywood in years. The other half is Emily Blunt and the film is The Adjustment Bureau. A romantic thriller with a touch of science fiction does not sound as a safe bet, but Nolfi makes it work, much thanks to his compelling leading pair. Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, this is surprisingly moving and effective, and a very positive debut from a director who will be interesting to follow in his next move from the big chair.
- Another writer making his feature film debut this season is John Wells. After conquering TV with endless episodes of The West Wing and E.R. he now moves to the big screen with The Company Men. A well acted drama about corporate downsizing, perhaps not an idea that screams entertainment, but a strong script (which Wells penned himself) and a solid ensemble of actors make this an engaging watch. A surprisingly strong leading role from Ben Affleck with high quality support in Chris Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones ensures a both moving and interesting film. The sensitive material may have scared off the audiences stateside, but this is a valuable bit of filmmaking from John Wells.
- The podcasts from Ricky Gervais, Steve Merchant and Karl Pilkington have gone on to become a global phenomenon. When HBO first launched the idea of an animated series based on The Ricky Gervais Show, many were skeptical if the humor would be as entertaining on screen. After just wrapping up their second season and already being green lit for a third, it is safe to say that the lads have successfully conquered TV as well. With more detailed and incorporated animation than in its debut season, season two is simply 13 episodes of pure brilliance. Even if you’re familiar with the podcasts, the simple animation is entertainment enough in itself, and if this is your first encounter with these fantastic conversations, simply hit ”play all” and enjoy!
Essential listening this April:
- When The Airborne Toxic Event released their debut album in 2009 this writer went on to list it the second best album of the year, only beaten by Soulsavers’ magnificent Broken. Two years later some of the enthusiasm might have settled down, but the bands second outing still has enough quality to get me going. All At Once is another great collection of indie pop/rock tracks that are fast, playfully driven and occasionally very catchy. The sound and feel of the album remain close to the first one, and even though the immediate infatuation is not as strong this time around this is a terrific American pop record.
- It is hard to believe that Foo Figthers’s latest release is in fact their seventh studio album, an impressive feat for any band. And Wasting Light is a reassuring return to familiar form after the mildly disappointing Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace (2007). What that album lacked in energy and hard rock, Wasting Light makes up tenfold. From the very beginning Dave Grohl’s crew is there to let you know that this will be a no-nonsense ride. Another impressive trick is to despite being a very well produced record, the band still sounds rough around the edges, which always suited the fighters better than being perfect. Not revolutionary but, more importantly, a quality hard rockin’ album with great tracks that must be kicking and screaming to be played live this summer. Can’t wait!
- Another wonderful American band that have been around for a while is Explosions In The Sky, who this month return with their sixth album (an amusingly titled) Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. The band is still an all instrumental outfit, but the nerve and emotion of their guitars and drums doesn’t fall short to any other band, and a vocalist would simply get lost in this glorious company. With a modest six tracks, this album is one beautiful symphony of inspiring rock that carries its heart on its sleeve.
Close your eyes and enjoy the lovely Postcard From 1952. Sweet dreams guaranteed.
- After serving as a screenwriter on films such as Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) it was no surprise that George Nolfi went on to cast Matt Damon for his first directorial outing. And a wise choice indeed as Damon is one half of the finest pairing to come out of Hollywood in years. The other half is Emily Blunt and the film is The Adjustment Bureau. A romantic thriller with a touch of science fiction does not sound as a safe bet, but Nolfi makes it work, much thanks to his compelling leading pair. Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, this is surprisingly moving and effective, and a very positive debut from a director who will be interesting to follow in his next move from the big chair.
- Another writer making his feature film debut this season is John Wells. After conquering TV with endless episodes of The West Wing and E.R. he now moves to the big screen with The Company Men. A well acted drama about corporate downsizing, perhaps not an idea that screams entertainment, but a strong script (which Wells penned himself) and a solid ensemble of actors make this an engaging watch. A surprisingly strong leading role from Ben Affleck with high quality support in Chris Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones ensures a both moving and interesting film. The sensitive material may have scared off the audiences stateside, but this is a valuable bit of filmmaking from John Wells.
- The podcasts from Ricky Gervais, Steve Merchant and Karl Pilkington have gone on to become a global phenomenon. When HBO first launched the idea of an animated series based on The Ricky Gervais Show, many were skeptical if the humor would be as entertaining on screen. After just wrapping up their second season and already being green lit for a third, it is safe to say that the lads have successfully conquered TV as well. With more detailed and incorporated animation than in its debut season, season two is simply 13 episodes of pure brilliance. Even if you’re familiar with the podcasts, the simple animation is entertainment enough in itself, and if this is your first encounter with these fantastic conversations, simply hit ”play all” and enjoy!
Essential listening this April:
- When The Airborne Toxic Event released their debut album in 2009 this writer went on to list it the second best album of the year, only beaten by Soulsavers’ magnificent Broken. Two years later some of the enthusiasm might have settled down, but the bands second outing still has enough quality to get me going. All At Once is another great collection of indie pop/rock tracks that are fast, playfully driven and occasionally very catchy. The sound and feel of the album remain close to the first one, and even though the immediate infatuation is not as strong this time around this is a terrific American pop record.
- It is hard to believe that Foo Figthers’s latest release is in fact their seventh studio album, an impressive feat for any band. And Wasting Light is a reassuring return to familiar form after the mildly disappointing Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace (2007). What that album lacked in energy and hard rock, Wasting Light makes up tenfold. From the very beginning Dave Grohl’s crew is there to let you know that this will be a no-nonsense ride. Another impressive trick is to despite being a very well produced record, the band still sounds rough around the edges, which always suited the fighters better than being perfect. Not revolutionary but, more importantly, a quality hard rockin’ album with great tracks that must be kicking and screaming to be played live this summer. Can’t wait!
- Another wonderful American band that have been around for a while is Explosions In The Sky, who this month return with their sixth album (an amusingly titled) Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. The band is still an all instrumental outfit, but the nerve and emotion of their guitars and drums doesn’t fall short to any other band, and a vocalist would simply get lost in this glorious company. With a modest six tracks, this album is one beautiful symphony of inspiring rock that carries its heart on its sleeve.
Close your eyes and enjoy the lovely Postcard From 1952. Sweet dreams guaranteed.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Great Stand-Up
One of the best short stand-up routines I've ever seen!
Phil Hanley performing on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS March 11, 2011.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Music
A few weeks ago, one of my favorite bands announced that they are retiring and will no longer release any new music together. That band is The Music.
The Music was formed in Leeds and released their first, self titled debut album in 2002. The album reached an impressive #4 spot on the UK charts and would prove to be the bands highest ranking. Despite never becoming a global best-selling act they would always receive great reviews from critics and they enjoyed a tremendous respect in the UK music community. The track Getaway from their first album is the first song I ever heard by the band and it is still one of my favorites.
Two years later the band released their second album Welcome To The North. It was another hit with critics and the band went on a global tour to promote the album. The first single Freedom Fighters is another great example of their powerful style, filled with energy, strong riffs and a great chorus.
After the second album there was a period of complete silence around the band. Rumours started saying they had split up and many thought they would never be heard from again. When the band changed labels in 2007, lead singer Robert Harvey confessed to have struggled with alcohol and claimed this to be the reason for the long absence. However he overcame his troubles and 2008 saw the release of their much anticipated third album Strenght In Numbers. The returning band appeared to be more focused and stronger than ever.
On March 31 the band announced on their website that they would play a limited number of concerts this summer and that this would be the end of The Music. The song Ghost Hands would be the bands last ever song. They were a terrific band and it is a shame that there will never be another The Music album.
The Music R.I.P.
The Music was formed in Leeds and released their first, self titled debut album in 2002. The album reached an impressive #4 spot on the UK charts and would prove to be the bands highest ranking. Despite never becoming a global best-selling act they would always receive great reviews from critics and they enjoyed a tremendous respect in the UK music community. The track Getaway from their first album is the first song I ever heard by the band and it is still one of my favorites.
Two years later the band released their second album Welcome To The North. It was another hit with critics and the band went on a global tour to promote the album. The first single Freedom Fighters is another great example of their powerful style, filled with energy, strong riffs and a great chorus.
After the second album there was a period of complete silence around the band. Rumours started saying they had split up and many thought they would never be heard from again. When the band changed labels in 2007, lead singer Robert Harvey confessed to have struggled with alcohol and claimed this to be the reason for the long absence. However he overcame his troubles and 2008 saw the release of their much anticipated third album Strenght In Numbers. The returning band appeared to be more focused and stronger than ever.
On March 31 the band announced on their website that they would play a limited number of concerts this summer and that this would be the end of The Music. The song Ghost Hands would be the bands last ever song. They were a terrific band and it is a shame that there will never be another The Music album.
The Music R.I.P.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sound City
This past weekend saw the first ever Sound City festival take place in Tromsø. Sound City is a festival concept from Liverpool, UK which has gone on to establish festivals not only in its hometown, but also in Dubai and showcasing at the South By Southwest festival in Texas, USA. The idea to bring this renowned festival to the far north of Norway is both bold and inspiring. The festival featured interesting seminars from a wide variety of British speakers and saw thirty bands perform live shows on three stages over two days.
The festival was a great success and will be repeated next year, hopefully become an institution, and establish long lasting working relationships between Tromsø and the international music and art scene.
Here is a selection of various media coverage which give you an idea about the festival.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-13019859
http://ballade.no/nmi.nsf/doc/art2011041113520424204165
http://www.nordlys.no/kronikk/article5399609.ece
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Essential March '11
Essential viewing this March:
- Straight from its winning turn at this years Oscars arrives Inside Job, a documentary about the origin of the global financial crisis three years ago. The subject matter shouldn’t be enough to draw interest from the average film enthusiast, but this doc is equally entertaining and educational. Like with his first film, the successful No End In Sight (2007), director Charles Ferguson is not afraid of controversy and faces his interview objects head on, making more than one decide to withdraw. There is much analysis, numbers and organizations are tirelessly listed throughout, but Inside Job still manages to be one of the most compelling American docs in a long time.
- One of the strongest character dramas to come out of Hollywood so far this year is Rabbit Hole. Nicole Kidman and Aaaron Eckhart are the married couple struggling to find their feet, and each other, after the loss of their only son. Although the subject matter is dark there is a surprising touch of humor in David Lindsay-Abaire’s screenplay (based on his own play) and director John Cameron Mitchell balances the story well. Kidman is extraordinary, turning in her best performance in years while Eckhart plays off her well, but shines even more when he has the screen all to himself. A very strong and convincing film.
- Over the past ten years Philip Seymour Hoffman has established himself as one of the most credible actors of his generation, mainly through American independent films. So for his directorial debut it is no surprise that he has chosen the low key Jack Goes Boating, based on Robert Glaudini’s New York play. Hoffman plays the lead as a lonely limo driver who struggles to find his place in a new and unfamiliar relationship. With strong support from Amy Ryan and John Ortiz, Hoffman takes a moving and amusing look at the quiet discomfort within people relating to each other. Perhaps he doesn’t take any risks, but Hoffman proves to have a steady hand at story and a nice sense of timing which will make it exciting to see what he does next from behind the camera.
Essential listening this March:
- The release of a brand new R.E.M. record might not longer be the event it used to be, but their 15th studio album Collapse Into Now is a very strong effort and deserves attention never the less. A solid follow up to their previous Accelerate (2008) which was a comforting return to form after a few rather uninteresting outings. This album is also dominated by guitars, Michael Stipe’s ever depending voice and features some of the finest tracks the band has produced in many years. The overall quality suffers a bit due to a few dull pieces, but still Collapse Into Now could prove to be the bands finest hour since 1996’s New Adventures In Hi-Fi.
- When The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart appeared in 2009 with their self titled debut, this writer was overwhelmed and went on to list it as the third best album of the year! Two years later they are back with the sequel, aptly titled Belong. Like many following a first success the second record is bigger in both sound and ambition. But the goal is the same, to create irresistible straight forward pop tracks. And once again, they are successful. From the opening title track to the closing Strange, this is a delicious mix of guitar rock, dreamy pop, catchy riffs and seducing lyrics. In a word: sexy.
- After being listed as one of “the ones to watch” by endless music outlets, The Vaccines arrive with their debut this month, the wonderfully titled What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? This quartet from London plays loud rock with the occasional element of sweet punk. With eleven tracks ticking in at just over half an hour, this is fast and intense and should become a massive hit at festival stages over the coming summer. Drawing resemblances to other bands one could be tempted to say that this should do for The Vaccines what Is This It did for The Strokes, arriving exactly ten years after the Americans debut. Let’s hope the Brits prove more stabile and lingering.
Enjoy If You Wanna and start counting the days till the weather allows us to blast this from our car stereo with all the windows down!
- Straight from its winning turn at this years Oscars arrives Inside Job, a documentary about the origin of the global financial crisis three years ago. The subject matter shouldn’t be enough to draw interest from the average film enthusiast, but this doc is equally entertaining and educational. Like with his first film, the successful No End In Sight (2007), director Charles Ferguson is not afraid of controversy and faces his interview objects head on, making more than one decide to withdraw. There is much analysis, numbers and organizations are tirelessly listed throughout, but Inside Job still manages to be one of the most compelling American docs in a long time.
- One of the strongest character dramas to come out of Hollywood so far this year is Rabbit Hole. Nicole Kidman and Aaaron Eckhart are the married couple struggling to find their feet, and each other, after the loss of their only son. Although the subject matter is dark there is a surprising touch of humor in David Lindsay-Abaire’s screenplay (based on his own play) and director John Cameron Mitchell balances the story well. Kidman is extraordinary, turning in her best performance in years while Eckhart plays off her well, but shines even more when he has the screen all to himself. A very strong and convincing film.
- Over the past ten years Philip Seymour Hoffman has established himself as one of the most credible actors of his generation, mainly through American independent films. So for his directorial debut it is no surprise that he has chosen the low key Jack Goes Boating, based on Robert Glaudini’s New York play. Hoffman plays the lead as a lonely limo driver who struggles to find his place in a new and unfamiliar relationship. With strong support from Amy Ryan and John Ortiz, Hoffman takes a moving and amusing look at the quiet discomfort within people relating to each other. Perhaps he doesn’t take any risks, but Hoffman proves to have a steady hand at story and a nice sense of timing which will make it exciting to see what he does next from behind the camera.
Essential listening this March:
- The release of a brand new R.E.M. record might not longer be the event it used to be, but their 15th studio album Collapse Into Now is a very strong effort and deserves attention never the less. A solid follow up to their previous Accelerate (2008) which was a comforting return to form after a few rather uninteresting outings. This album is also dominated by guitars, Michael Stipe’s ever depending voice and features some of the finest tracks the band has produced in many years. The overall quality suffers a bit due to a few dull pieces, but still Collapse Into Now could prove to be the bands finest hour since 1996’s New Adventures In Hi-Fi.
- When The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart appeared in 2009 with their self titled debut, this writer was overwhelmed and went on to list it as the third best album of the year! Two years later they are back with the sequel, aptly titled Belong. Like many following a first success the second record is bigger in both sound and ambition. But the goal is the same, to create irresistible straight forward pop tracks. And once again, they are successful. From the opening title track to the closing Strange, this is a delicious mix of guitar rock, dreamy pop, catchy riffs and seducing lyrics. In a word: sexy.
- After being listed as one of “the ones to watch” by endless music outlets, The Vaccines arrive with their debut this month, the wonderfully titled What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? This quartet from London plays loud rock with the occasional element of sweet punk. With eleven tracks ticking in at just over half an hour, this is fast and intense and should become a massive hit at festival stages over the coming summer. Drawing resemblances to other bands one could be tempted to say that this should do for The Vaccines what Is This It did for The Strokes, arriving exactly ten years after the Americans debut. Let’s hope the Brits prove more stabile and lingering.
Enjoy If You Wanna and start counting the days till the weather allows us to blast this from our car stereo with all the windows down!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
"Last Call"
this night has no imagination
in dire need of some more education
tonight i'm gonna blow my cover
resurrect like some lost piece of art
every drink has a bitter taste
these promises won't make it through the night
this hole ain't deep enough for you and me
everything you say has a hangover
hurry home to a bed with one side
last call for any heartbeat in the house
there is always traffic in front of you
turning us on is enough to bore us
slow derail in every look you send
this home feels like a hotel
the kiss feels like murder but
you don't taste like the real thing
in dire need of some more education
tonight i'm gonna blow my cover
resurrect like some lost piece of art
every drink has a bitter taste
these promises won't make it through the night
this hole ain't deep enough for you and me
everything you say has a hangover
hurry home to a bed with one side
last call for any heartbeat in the house
there is always traffic in front of you
turning us on is enough to bore us
slow derail in every look you send
this home feels like a hotel
the kiss feels like murder but
you don't taste like the real thing
Monday, February 28, 2011
Essential February '11
Essential viewing this February:
- The past few years have seen the magnificent Coen brothers more creative than ever and even though they have always been a big hit with the critics it is only with their last handful of pictures they have started to reach a large audience as well. This month sees the release of their first western which is True Grit, based on the successful novel by Charles Portis. As confident as ever, directors Joel and Ethan take on a new genre with great style and vision. Their ever trusted photographer Roger Deakins makes the most out of every single frame and the film looks absolutely incredible. Leading men Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon play their parts with the skill and enthusiasm you would expect, but the highest praise has to go to newcomer Hailee Steinfeld. With a confidence and presence I have never before seen in a teenage actor, she is simply a revelation. The film is wonderfully put together, and accompanied by Carter Burwell’s soothing score, it is one of the finest westerns to come out of Hollywood since Costner’s Dances With Wolves (1990) or Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992).
- After a spell in Hollywood with 21 Grams (2003) and Babel (2006), Mexican born director Alejandro González Iñárritu heads to Spain and Barcelona with this months Biutiful. Featuring a powerhouse performance from Javier Bardem, it is a more delicate and somber film than Iñárritu’s previous outings. He relies much on Bardem, who delivers a nuanced and detailed performance which is both stirring and heartbreaking. The film takes its time, and the story is not short on heavy material or brutal reality so this is not for the faint hearted or impatient viewer. But if you are willing to take it all in and manage to stand alongside Bardem all the way through, you will realize that something has changed inside of you when the credits roll. Like a quiet drug, Iñárritu manages to pull off what every good film is supposed to; you will feel different when the lights come on.
- Another great film which makes a tremendous impact with fairly few means this month is Winter’s Bone. Only the second feature from director Debra Granik, this is a simple story told in a sober and honest fashion. Set in the bleak Ozark Mountains where nothing much changes but the seasons, the film is beautifully shot and features two stellar performances from Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes, who both rightfully got noticed by the Academy. This is a strong tale that does not shy away from confrontation, and the result is a realistic and impressive achievement which will be hard to shake.
Essential listening this February:
- Mogwai returns this month with their impressive seventh studio album. The wonderfully titled Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is a strong addition to their catalogue without challenging themselves too much perhaps. The format is still the same and the songs are as usual not the most accessible material you’ll come across, but the instrumental quality is never in doubt. The Scottish band delivers more great industrial rock, this time with heavier riffs and beautiful set-ups. The sound is epic without ever being pompous and there is an emotional core that is impossible to ignore. A solid release.
- Two years ago, Norwegian singer/songwriter Stein Torleif Bjella arrived from nowhere and received some of the strongest reviews of the year. But where his debut album came as a big surprise, the sequel Vonde Visu arrived this month to massive expectations. And it’s very nice to hear that it not only meets these, but also comes very close to matching his masterful debut. The approach is the same, the songs simply crafted but the true magic of Bjella lies in his lyrics. Moving from poetic to hilarious and downright heartbreaking, it is impossible to not be affected by his genuinely original voice. Vonde Visu will certainly stand as one of the finest albums to rise from these Nordic shores this year.
- After nearly a decade with mixed reviews and falling success, combined with the conflicts between its two main players, it seemed inevitable that Oasis would eventually split up. But when it happened, lead singer Liam Gallagher was quick to say that he would soon return and this month his new outfit Beady Eye release their first album. The title is Different Gear, Still Speeding and although it might vary a little too much in quality from song to song, there is enough in here to make it worth a listen. With the other members of the band also carrying a history from Oasis, it was never expected that this would stray too far away from that familiar recipe. With 13 tracks, the album may have benefitted from a little trimming but the final impression is still that this album has much to offer and will probably grow stronger through repeated visits.
And the cool and catchy first single, Bring The Light, represents the album well.
- The past few years have seen the magnificent Coen brothers more creative than ever and even though they have always been a big hit with the critics it is only with their last handful of pictures they have started to reach a large audience as well. This month sees the release of their first western which is True Grit, based on the successful novel by Charles Portis. As confident as ever, directors Joel and Ethan take on a new genre with great style and vision. Their ever trusted photographer Roger Deakins makes the most out of every single frame and the film looks absolutely incredible. Leading men Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon play their parts with the skill and enthusiasm you would expect, but the highest praise has to go to newcomer Hailee Steinfeld. With a confidence and presence I have never before seen in a teenage actor, she is simply a revelation. The film is wonderfully put together, and accompanied by Carter Burwell’s soothing score, it is one of the finest westerns to come out of Hollywood since Costner’s Dances With Wolves (1990) or Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992).
- After a spell in Hollywood with 21 Grams (2003) and Babel (2006), Mexican born director Alejandro González Iñárritu heads to Spain and Barcelona with this months Biutiful. Featuring a powerhouse performance from Javier Bardem, it is a more delicate and somber film than Iñárritu’s previous outings. He relies much on Bardem, who delivers a nuanced and detailed performance which is both stirring and heartbreaking. The film takes its time, and the story is not short on heavy material or brutal reality so this is not for the faint hearted or impatient viewer. But if you are willing to take it all in and manage to stand alongside Bardem all the way through, you will realize that something has changed inside of you when the credits roll. Like a quiet drug, Iñárritu manages to pull off what every good film is supposed to; you will feel different when the lights come on.
- Another great film which makes a tremendous impact with fairly few means this month is Winter’s Bone. Only the second feature from director Debra Granik, this is a simple story told in a sober and honest fashion. Set in the bleak Ozark Mountains where nothing much changes but the seasons, the film is beautifully shot and features two stellar performances from Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes, who both rightfully got noticed by the Academy. This is a strong tale that does not shy away from confrontation, and the result is a realistic and impressive achievement which will be hard to shake.
Essential listening this February:
- Mogwai returns this month with their impressive seventh studio album. The wonderfully titled Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is a strong addition to their catalogue without challenging themselves too much perhaps. The format is still the same and the songs are as usual not the most accessible material you’ll come across, but the instrumental quality is never in doubt. The Scottish band delivers more great industrial rock, this time with heavier riffs and beautiful set-ups. The sound is epic without ever being pompous and there is an emotional core that is impossible to ignore. A solid release.
- Two years ago, Norwegian singer/songwriter Stein Torleif Bjella arrived from nowhere and received some of the strongest reviews of the year. But where his debut album came as a big surprise, the sequel Vonde Visu arrived this month to massive expectations. And it’s very nice to hear that it not only meets these, but also comes very close to matching his masterful debut. The approach is the same, the songs simply crafted but the true magic of Bjella lies in his lyrics. Moving from poetic to hilarious and downright heartbreaking, it is impossible to not be affected by his genuinely original voice. Vonde Visu will certainly stand as one of the finest albums to rise from these Nordic shores this year.
- After nearly a decade with mixed reviews and falling success, combined with the conflicts between its two main players, it seemed inevitable that Oasis would eventually split up. But when it happened, lead singer Liam Gallagher was quick to say that he would soon return and this month his new outfit Beady Eye release their first album. The title is Different Gear, Still Speeding and although it might vary a little too much in quality from song to song, there is enough in here to make it worth a listen. With the other members of the band also carrying a history from Oasis, it was never expected that this would stray too far away from that familiar recipe. With 13 tracks, the album may have benefitted from a little trimming but the final impression is still that this album has much to offer and will probably grow stronger through repeated visits.
And the cool and catchy first single, Bring The Light, represents the album well.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Essential January '11
Essential viewing this January,
Tromsø International Film Festival edition:
- Exit Through The Gift Shop has through its run at festivals around the world almost become a big a phenomenon as its subject. Following an eccentric French filmmaker who sets out to make a documentary about street / graffiti artists, but instead gets the camera turned on himself. It is one of the funniest and most fascinating films of its genre for a long time. With great irony and sense of humor celebrated artist (and in the end the film’s director) Banksy is not afraid to make fun of himself or his mates, while also raising their middle finger at the hilarity of so called experts and collectors.
- One of the festival's most pleasant surprises was the indie flick LittleRock, only the second feature from director Mike Ott. Set in the smallest of small town America the film does a great job in telling a warm and moving story without the support of big names or budget. Featuring wonderful performances from newcomers Atsuko Okatuka (who also co-wrote the film with Ott) and Cory Zacharia, this is a superb achievement and should result in its talent finding more opportunities brought to them.
- Danny Boyle has been a frequent participant in the festival program over the years and this time it was his 127 Hours that got to close the festival. A very different stroke from his two previous flicks Slumdog Millionaire (2009) and Sunshine (2008), this could not be further away from the streets of Mumbai or outer space. But taking place mostly in a single location and actor James Franco as the only face to rest his lens on, one could say this is an even more challenging task. But Boyle makes it work and the film is both thrilling and interesting throughout, owing a great deal of gratitude to its leading man. It is a career best performance from Franco and even though you might not manage to keep your eyes open for its entire final act, this is a film that will stay in your head long after leaving the theatre. Another triumph for Boyle, who is becoming one in a very small group of directors who has yet to make a poor film.
Essential listening this January:
- American indie rockers Tapes ‘n Tapes return this month with their third album. Outside is the title and it is a strong return to form after their mildly unsatisfying second outing, Walk It Off (2008). This installment has more catchy riffs, cool build ups and clever lyrics. You’d wish for them to reach a larger audience, but the untraditional approach and collection of tracks, without any real attempts at making a hit or radio friendly song, makes the possibility of that doubtful. It doesn’t take away any of the collective quality though as this is a very strong and well executed record.
- Another indie outfit releasing their third album these days is Cold War Kids. After the success of their debut five years ago and previous album Loyalty to Loyalty (2008) the pressure is certainly on. Mine Is Yours might not give the same strong first impression, but this is another solid contribution to their ever growing resume. Mainly rock compositions but there are some attempts at experimenting with their fitting formula, which may cause one to draw parallels to the likes of Radiohead or even The Shins. Despite struggling with some well known “third album” hiccups, this is a lovely release that will probably only grow with repeated visits.
- The Decemberists have been around for a while now, but have never received more unanimous praise from critics as they have with this month’s The King Is Dead. A great collection of tracks, with country and Americana and thankfully the band do not seem worried to be perceived as a straight up pop act either. There is a wonderful flow to the album and every song does a great job in creating an overall atmosphere with a very suiting and playful feel. Fronted by the terrific single Down By The Water (performed below on Conan), this could easily be the bands finest hour.
Tromsø International Film Festival edition:
- Exit Through The Gift Shop has through its run at festivals around the world almost become a big a phenomenon as its subject. Following an eccentric French filmmaker who sets out to make a documentary about street / graffiti artists, but instead gets the camera turned on himself. It is one of the funniest and most fascinating films of its genre for a long time. With great irony and sense of humor celebrated artist (and in the end the film’s director) Banksy is not afraid to make fun of himself or his mates, while also raising their middle finger at the hilarity of so called experts and collectors.
- One of the festival's most pleasant surprises was the indie flick LittleRock, only the second feature from director Mike Ott. Set in the smallest of small town America the film does a great job in telling a warm and moving story without the support of big names or budget. Featuring wonderful performances from newcomers Atsuko Okatuka (who also co-wrote the film with Ott) and Cory Zacharia, this is a superb achievement and should result in its talent finding more opportunities brought to them.
- Danny Boyle has been a frequent participant in the festival program over the years and this time it was his 127 Hours that got to close the festival. A very different stroke from his two previous flicks Slumdog Millionaire (2009) and Sunshine (2008), this could not be further away from the streets of Mumbai or outer space. But taking place mostly in a single location and actor James Franco as the only face to rest his lens on, one could say this is an even more challenging task. But Boyle makes it work and the film is both thrilling and interesting throughout, owing a great deal of gratitude to its leading man. It is a career best performance from Franco and even though you might not manage to keep your eyes open for its entire final act, this is a film that will stay in your head long after leaving the theatre. Another triumph for Boyle, who is becoming one in a very small group of directors who has yet to make a poor film.
Essential listening this January:
- American indie rockers Tapes ‘n Tapes return this month with their third album. Outside is the title and it is a strong return to form after their mildly unsatisfying second outing, Walk It Off (2008). This installment has more catchy riffs, cool build ups and clever lyrics. You’d wish for them to reach a larger audience, but the untraditional approach and collection of tracks, without any real attempts at making a hit or radio friendly song, makes the possibility of that doubtful. It doesn’t take away any of the collective quality though as this is a very strong and well executed record.
- Another indie outfit releasing their third album these days is Cold War Kids. After the success of their debut five years ago and previous album Loyalty to Loyalty (2008) the pressure is certainly on. Mine Is Yours might not give the same strong first impression, but this is another solid contribution to their ever growing resume. Mainly rock compositions but there are some attempts at experimenting with their fitting formula, which may cause one to draw parallels to the likes of Radiohead or even The Shins. Despite struggling with some well known “third album” hiccups, this is a lovely release that will probably only grow with repeated visits.
- The Decemberists have been around for a while now, but have never received more unanimous praise from critics as they have with this month’s The King Is Dead. A great collection of tracks, with country and Americana and thankfully the band do not seem worried to be perceived as a straight up pop act either. There is a wonderful flow to the album and every song does a great job in creating an overall atmosphere with a very suiting and playful feel. Fronted by the terrific single Down By The Water (performed below on Conan), this could easily be the bands finest hour.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Michael Scott meets David Brent
It's still only January, but this just might be the television moment of the year.
Brilliant.
Brilliant.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
"Cold"
bright lights burning out
this train only stops at the major cities
take a picture while there’s still time
this heart opens when the bar closes
all is visible inside your room
what happened today won’t happen tomorrow
is this that arc they all talk about
two down but still one up on you
words that cut like fake glass
old photos in a forgotten drawer
frozen rails may slow us down, but
we don’t need a bridge to cross these waters
this train only stops at the major cities
take a picture while there’s still time
this heart opens when the bar closes
all is visible inside your room
what happened today won’t happen tomorrow
is this that arc they all talk about
two down but still one up on you
words that cut like fake glass
old photos in a forgotten drawer
frozen rails may slow us down, but
we don’t need a bridge to cross these waters
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