Essential 2014

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS YEAR:
1. Boyhood
Richard Linklater’s heartfelt story about a six year old boy who grows up in front of you. Ambitious, original and utterly unforgettable. A genuine masterpiece twelve years in the making, and the standout and best picture of the year by far.

2. The Grand Budapest Hotel
The funniest and most lovable piece of storytelling this year. Arguably Wes Anderson’s finest work to date, with a tremendous and surprising central performance from Ralph Fiennes. A classic piece of imaginative entertainment.

3. The Wolf of Wall Street
The craziest movie of the year. Martin Scorsese goes full throttle in a three hour cinematic party that still leaves you dying for more! Leo DiCaprio gives the performance of his career; compelling, ecstatic and completely unafraid.

4. Interstellar
The best science fiction drama since Danny Boyle’s Sunshine (2007) and one of the greatest visual achievements in cinema history. Christopher Nolan’s most ambitious project to date is a thrilling, engaging and emotional ride that will leave you in awe.

5. Calvary
The second feature film from John Michael McDonagh is an absolute treasure with one of the year’s best performances from veteran character actor Brendan Gleeson. A drama infused with some excellent comedy, deliciously delivered from one of the best screenplays of the year.

Top three runners-up: Locke (Steven Knight) – Joe (David Gordon Green) – Filth (Jon S. Baird)


ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS YEAR:
1. Interpol – El Pintor
The fifth studio album from this inspiring and experienced outfit is perhaps their finest to date. Playing on all their strengths and trademark sound, it is ten tracks of indie rock energy that never stops for breath. A milestone in their already impressive catalogue.

2. Ray LaMontagne – Supernova
This laid back - but never casual - voice from the northeast coast just gets better with age. After his stellar fourth album God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise (2010) he ups the ante even more with a touch of psychedelic rock, courtesy of producer Dan Auerbach. A triumphant record that elevates him to the elite of American singer / songwriters.

3. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Days of Abandon
The third album from these New York indie darlings should be another step towards superstardom. Their noisy and energetic indie pop is a perfect blend of melancholy, heartache and romance that suits any mood or season.

4. Dry the River – Alarms in the Heart
The sophomore album from this London quartet is a satisfying confirmation that their shattering debut Shallow Bed (2012) was not a fluke. Their alternative rock tunes carry both a touch of folk and pop can instantly connects with its listener. Featuring one of the most original vocalists in front man Peter Liddle this is a band that deserves to be discovered by an even bigger audience.

5. Broken Bells – After the Disco
Four years after their self-titled debut Brian Burton (better known as Danger Mouse) and The Shins vocalist James Mercer come together for another compilation of delicious pop and rock tracks. Mixing big arrangements with a stripped down attitude towards songwriting the album is a skillful and well composed collection of tunes that shines both technically and lyrically.

Top three runners-up: Damien Rice – My Favourite Faded Fantasy, Bruce Springsteen – High Hopes, Foo Fighters – Sonic Highways

2015 has got work to do.