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!

"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