It is an amazing thing to watch a TV show that aired its first episode several years before you were even born. Saturday Night Live returns this month to its record-breaking 38th season. And two shows in, it is most satisfying to verify that the late night sketch show does not appear to be slowing down at all. With the departure of Kristen Wiig the show has lost one of its strongest key players, but there is no reason to think talents like Nasim Pedrad or Kate McKinnon can't pick up the glove and keep the showing moving forward. Highlights still include Seth Meyers' Weekend Update, and veterans like Bill Hader and Jason Sudeikis still seem to be enjoying themselves more than ever, with the new blood of Jay Pharoah and Taran Killam adding energy and fresh characters to the mix. Saturday Night Live still deserves to be among every viewers top picks of the week.
Staying in TV, this September sees Boardwalk Empire return for its third season. Also just two episodes in, it is reassuring to see that both the pace and elegance of the show remains intact. Creator Terence Winter left himself plenty of challenges with the way he ended their sophmore season, but everyone looks more than up to the task of ensuring this HBO show remains one of the top dramas on American screens for another year. A wildly exciting addition to the cast this year is Bobby Cannavale, who has managed to leave an unforgetable impression with only a handful of appearances so far. There should be plenty to come from this outstanding piece of quality drama.
Norwegian filmmakers Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg got the reputation of bringing Hollywood to their home country with their previous outing, World War II drama Max Manus (2008). This year they have gone even grander in scale, while staying within the Norwegian history books. Kon-Tiki is the story of Thor Heyerdahls legendary expedition across the Pacific on a balsa wood raft in 1947. The filmmakers obviously have a flare for the extravagant, and make no attempts to camouflage their love for grande American cinema. Kon-Tiki still manages to make an emotional impact as well, thanks to strong performances and a well written script by Petter Skavlan. It does get a bit carried away towards the end, mainly by being too melodramatic, but thankfully that does not damage an otherwise impressive achievement too much.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS SEPTEMBER:
London quartet Mumford & Sons release their second album this month. Babel is the follow up to 2009s celebrated Sigh No More. And their sophmore record is another impressive achievement. Twelve tracks of folk inspired indie alternative music that instantly makes you want to explore this lovely band even further. It comes with a positive sound, despite several of the lyrics being both dramatic and gritty. Even though the rock tracks make you want to bounce around, the band is at their most excellent when they tone it down to simple guitars and beautiful harmonies. With the single I Will Wait and the heartbreaking Below My Feet as standouts, Babel is a terrific album that is ready to surprise and persuade.
California rock outfit Rival Sons are not wasting any time, arriving with their third album in equally many years this month. Head Down is another record true to their original sound, with 70s inspired riffs, louder than life screams and a nostalgic sense of old school rock n' roll. It is shamelessly catchy, easy to enjoy and difficult to ignore. Yet, there is no questioning the quality of the craft and skills required to pull off such a well worn costume.
Charmer is the 8th studio album from Aimee Mann, who in spite of 20 plus years in the business (she fronted bands like The Young Snakes and 'Til Tuesday before going solo i 1993) still remains a bit of an underdog among American singer / songwriters. Her new album though is another verification that the now 42 year old singer is a force to be reckoned with. There may not be anything earthshattering about this, or any of her previous records for that matter, but once exposed to it every listener will find themselves intoxicated by her beautiful voice, charming performances and both witty and moving lyrics. The title track from this album is another great example. Truly a Charmer.
