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!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
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