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.

Another Year