Essential August '16

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:

After the third installment of the Bourne-series - The Bourne Ultimatum in 2007 - it was said that this would be the final outing for leading man Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass, who directed part two and three of the series. The franchise would go on with Tony Gilroy’s The Bourne Legacy in 2012, with Jeremy Renner in the leading role. It failed dramatically and many considered the series to be officially dead. That was, until Greengrass and Damon started picking up its scent once again. This month Bourne is back, in the simply titled JASON BOURNE. No doubt, it has lost some of its original impact and momentum, but regardless of its origin this is a spectacular action thriller as you’re likely to see. No one handles this style of action set pieces like Greengrass, and Damon (with the least amount of dialogue so far in the series) is as convincing as ever. It does feel a bit repetitive, which one can suppose is impossible not to, but still – this is terrific entertainment and thrill-ridden fun that will probably be enough to ensure another installment of some kind is bound to find its way to the screen soon enough.

One of the most fun and original movies you’ll see this season is ELVIS & NIXON. Liza Johnson’s true – believe it or not – story about the time Elvis himself decided to visit President Nixon at the White House to enquiry about the possibility of him becoming an undercover agent. It’s insane premise only works on account of the photograph that proves the story’s authenticity, and once you settle in for it you’re set for a galore of treats. Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey are absolutely perfect in the titular roles, and play off each other wonderfully. It’s strange and quirky, but also filled with heart and soul – much thanks to Shannon’s understated and clever take on the iconic character.

Michael Shannon is also featured in another treat to arrive this month. MIDNIGHT SPECIAL is the fourth feature film from acclaimed director Jeff Nichols – and Shannon has been in all so far. This however is something very different than the gritty and realistic dramas the pair have delivered previously. A raw and poetic sci-fi tale of a father on the run with his son, a boy with special powers so strong they have attracted the attention of both a cult and a fearful government. Shannon is surrounded by a terrific ensemble, with Joel Edgerton and Kirsten Dunst providing solid support. But ultimately, this is a wonderful and exotic story about family and love, and the sacrifices one has to make in order to ensure the safety of those closest to you. The best sci-fi film of the year.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:

After serving nearly half a century as one of Norway’s finest troubadours and songwriters, veteran performer OLE PAUS announced in 2013 that his triple album Avslutningen would be his final release of new music. However, he didn’t say anything about releasing old material and this month sees the arrival of SANGER FRA GUTTEROMMET, a fun and playful collection of tunes recorded with and by his old musical companion Kjetil Bjørnstad in 1972. Some of the songs found life on later releases, but these versions are stripped down and in an obvious demo shape, accompanied by some delightful loose chitchat between the players in between songs. It is possible that this album will only please and serve no one but the die hard fans of either musician. But it is still a lovely and curious release that in time surely will find its place somewhere among the vast and impressive discography belong to both Paus and Bjørnstad.

For someone who has not even turned thirty yet, American singer / songwriter ANGEL OLSEN sings with a heavy pathos and confidence, that many more experienced performers probably would envy her. Still, under the slightly intimidating surface there is a vulnerability and clever showmanship on display that makes each of her songs explode in a ton of emotion each time. After a variety of different releases (singels, vinyl LP’s and even cassette tapes) she arrives with a delicious album release this month. MY WOMAN is a great collection of folk and indie rock tunes, delivered with range and conviction. It kicks off in a seductive and playful way before moving into a clever and eclectic style of rock that fits her voice and tune to perfection.

This writer first discovered LISA HANNIGAN through her appearances on Damien Rice’s album O more than ten years ago. She has since featured on more of his work, as well as toured with him. But the Irish singer and songwriter has also been making albums of her own. Her debut Sea Sew (2008) and Passenger (2011) arrived with great critical acclaim, but failed to make an impact on the charts. Her third record AT SWIM might change that. Her beautiful voice alone is worth the price of admission, but there is also much to enjoy here in terms of lyrics and production. Aaron Dessner, of indie darlings The National, produces the album and serves Hannigan as a precious singer but there is also a very poetic touch, with terrific lyrics and a lovely tone. The album arrives at a perfect time, as days shorten and the dark of evenings approaches, you won’t find better accompaniment than this.

Enjoy the single Fall, which also comes with a lovely music video.

Essential July '16

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:

After the tremendous success of his previous film Boyhood two years ago, writer and director Richard Linklater has returned to his more informal and lighthearted roots with his new film EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! A wonderfully charming and fun story about a group of baseball players getting ready for college, while fighting of the temptations that campus life has to offer. Centered around newcomer Blake Jenner, and featuring one of the most loveable ensembles of the year with all unknown actors, it is as simple as it is brilliant. Playing on little else than the magic of the years in between being teenagers and adults, it is filled with endless amounts of heart and soul – and a refreshingly somber and delightful energy.

The story of Tarzan has proven a tricky pony to successfully handle by Hollywood. From the early days of Johnny Weissmuller in the 30s to Disney’s animated attempt in the late 90s, none of the films about the lord of the apes has proven as classic as the tale itself. This might hopefully change with THE LEGEND OF TARZAN which hit theatres this month. Directed by David Yates, last seen helming the final three installments in the Harry Potter saga, it is a delightfully fun ride that does not take itself too serious, without taking anything away from its epic scale and set pieces. Alexander Skarsgård is not only physically impressive in the title role, but also carries the action and dramatic scenes well. He also creates one of the summer’s most surprising and enjoyable onscreen duos alongside Samuel L. Jackson, while Christoph Waltz provides fine support as his villainous self. Quite surprising, this might turn out to be the blockbuster hit of the summer.

Since ending the run of her majorly successful show 30 Rock three years ago Tina Fey has participated in a handful of movies, as well as co-creating the Netflix show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, but her biggest and most personal move since then has to be WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT. Based on the book The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Kim Baker (who Fey plays) and adapted by her 30 Rock associate Robert Carlock. Fey also produces, so it is clear that this is a story she’s been wanting to tell. Baker is one of a few female journalists doing wartime coverage in Afghanistan, making the dangers of the conflict itself just one of the challenges she has to overcome to make herself noted. Thankfully the film is rated R and comes packed with not only a realistic take on the war, but also the matter of sexism, delivered without holding anything back. Directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Bad Santa, I Love You Phillip Morris) prove excellent choices to helm this, making it a memorable and very entertaining movie that sadly did not find the audience it deserves in the theatres.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:

It’s always exciting to hear a soundtrack before you actually see the film. Jeff and Michael Zimbalist’s PELÉ: BIRTH OF A LEGEND has yet to find distribution in these parts, but the soundtrack from composer A.R. RAHMAN is already available. Having first discovered Rahman when he provided the score for Slumdog Millionaire in 2008, it’s been a treat to take in his film music work over the past years, including 127 Hours (2010) and Million Dollar Arm (2014) to name a few. His latest soundtrack is filled with more exciting tunes stuffed with energy, emotion and elegance. A story such as this seems a perfect fit for his style of composing, and if the film itself can carry the joy and beauty of Rahman’s music it should be an equally exciting treat.

A lot can be said about NEIL YOUNG’s releases over the past decade. While some have been worthwhile and further proof of the man’s brilliance, some have been utter pointless and completely irrelevant to his impressive discography. It’s difficult just yet to decide where his latest release lands, this month’s EARTH. It’s a compilation record, a live album featuring thirteen songs from previous albums. The connection is that all the tracks are, as Young himself puts it, “songs about living here on our planet together”. This means you get the odd nature sound, rainstorm or bird chirp. An important antidote to a world gone mad, or itself madness? Decide for yourself, but with hard-hitting and glorious live versions of After the Gold Rush, Western Hero and Vampire Blues to name a few, it’s hard to turn down.

After steadily releasing a new album almost every year since his debut twenty years ago, LARS WINNERBÄCK has slowed down his impressive production rate over the past years. This month’s GRANIT OCH MÖRAN is his first album in three years – following his acclaimed Hosianna from 2013. Lately, Winnerbäck has slowly stepped out of his comfortable singer/songwriter and quiet pop alibi and created several tunes that could easily have filled the set list of any big stadium show from the likes of Springsteen or Fogerty. However, the core of the songs has always had a melancholic touch, but this has changed a bit with his new album. This seems to be a happier, more lighthearted singer who churns out tunes with confidence and great vigor. It suits him, and should fall in good grace with this fans when he takes to the stage for another upcoming tour this fall.
Enjoy the title track, and its lyric video here.

Essential June '16

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:

After David Letterman retired last year his long serving staff were forced to find work elsewhere. For longtime producer Rob Burnett, his next move would be THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CARING which arrived exclusively on Netflix this month. Based on the novel by Jonathan Evison (Burnett adapted it himself), it follows a caregiver played by Paul Rudd who after a tragic personal loss takes on the demanding duties of patient Trevor, played by Craig Roberts. Together they create a fine onscreen duo, funny and engaging and playing well off each other. The story is told with a lot of heart, but does not pull any punches and also has a delightfully surprising raunchy edge. One of the best feel good films of the summer.

Since his debut Insomnia in 1997 director Erik Skjoldbjærg has gone on to prove himself as one of Norway’s most accomplished and exciting filmmakers in the thriller genre. His new film PYROMANEN is based on the award winning book Før jeg brenner ned by Gaute Heivoll, and it is another triumph for Skjoldbjærg. An atmospheric and almost claustrophobic tale of a pyromaniac terrorizing his own small native town. Gorgeously photographed by Gösta Reiland it is by far one of the most visually impressive films of the year, and it is played out wonderfully by a committed and talented cast. This is a film that is likely to keep on rewarding you upon several viewings, but its initial impact is still strong enough to call it the best Norwegian film of the year so far.

Another treat to come out of Scandinavia this month is the Danish film KOLLEKTIVET by director Thomas Vinterberg. Co-written by Tobias Lindholm (who was nominated for the Best Foreign Language film Oscar last year for A War) it is a story about a group of liberal souls who house up together in 1970s Copenhagen. It’s an entertaining piece, filled with humor and great characters, but it also deals with serious themes such as mental health and the consequences of a broken home life. Veteran actors Trine Dyrholm and Ulrich Thomsen are both sensational in the leads, in particular Dyrholm who steals most of it with her unbalanced and vulnerable Anna. It’s a tremendous performance that should earn her many accolades come award season. The film stumbles a bit in its final act, but is still an engaging journey not only to a fascinating century and way of life, but to a time when relationships where not so easily defined by the people around them.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:

Norwegian indie darlings HIGHASAKITE return this month with their third album. CAMP ECHO is another solid collection of pop songs, with a modern touch and high production value. The band’s sound is still vivid and emotional and the lyrics from leading lady Ingrid Helene Håvik are both poetic and personal. Having now firmly established themselves in their native country long ago one would hope that this terrific album will help them find a global audience that will ensure that they get all the positive attention that they deserve.

California rock outfit RIVAL SONS have received honorable mention on this site before and it’s time for more praise this month as they release their fifth studio album HOLLOW BONES. After the breakthrough that was their second album Pressure & Time in 2011, and the continued success of the third Head Down the following year, it seemed things came to a bit of a halt with their previous album Great Western Valkyrie in 2014. Their new record is still not as strong as their best outings, but still a comforting step up from their most recent. Their landscape is still set in the hot deserts of rock and roll greats, with recognizable nods to heroes such as Led Zeppelin and even The Doors. The album has a modest nine tracks (including a peculiar choice cover of Ike Turner’s Black Coffee) and rolls along quite nicely. This should put their fans at ease, but from a neutral point of view one can’t help feeling that their next album needs to offer a little more than this to return to past glories.

Ten years after their impressive debut album Everything All The Time, American folkrockers BAND OF HORSES put out their fifth studio album this month. The wonderfully titled YRUOK contains twelve tracks, and despite the quality varies a little too much from tune to tune, as a compiled record it is another strong outing. Their sound and character is still in familiar territory of melodic rock and soft folk tracks, with the firm and comfortable vocals of founder and front man Ben Bridwell at center stage. After the band’s previous album, the disappointing and forgettable Mirage Rock (2012) this is a reassuring return to form that they hopefully are able to build on.
Enjoy one of the finer tracks on the album, Solemn Oath, which also comes with a delightful lyric video.

Essential May '16

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:

Iceland is not a place that comes up often in conversations about film, in particular when it comes to quirky comedies or heartfelt dramas. That should change this month with the arrival of festival favorite FÚSI. Written and directed by Dagur Kári, it is a heartbreaking and amusing tale about the good in people – a feat that perhaps is overlooked too often. Set in the brutal Icelandic wintertime it is a warm and engaging story, that is held together masterfully by its lead performance. Gunnar Jónsson is an absolute gem in the title role, delivering his few and simple lines with the weight of a mountain and the calm of a breeze. He communicates in volumes by a simple look or gesture, all the while never becoming a victim or the obvious «loser». It truly is a study in character acting. One of the season’s finest treats – do not miss it.

The story of jazz music legend Miles Davis was for a long time deemed impossible to film by Hollywood. It would take something – or someone – special to bring a modern version of it to the big screen. That thing – or one – turned out to be Don Cheadle. The acclaimed actor makes his directorial debut with MILES AHEAD, where he also produces, co-wrote the script and stars as Davis himself. A project Cheadle spent years getting off the ground – which is a satisfying thing in itself to finally see – that wears its heart on its sleeve. Instead of going the traditional biopic route, Cheadle opts to draw inspiration from the man himself, and the music genre he helped define. Filled with jump cuts, playing with its chronology, stopping for set pieces and the occasional out of place action sequence it truly comes across as a piece of jazz itself – caught on film. Cheadle is excellent in front of camera too, pulling out perhaps his finest performance to date in a playful but deeply heartfelt portrayal of the iconic musician. Ewan McGregor and Michael Stuhlbarg among others provide fine support, but this is Cheadle’s show and it is one that deserves to find both a large audience, and a major award or two.

One of the finest horror films of the year has to be THE WITCH. The feature film debut by writer and director Robert Eggers is a chilling and gut-wrenching experience from start to finish, that will be haunting you for weeks. Set in 1630s New England it tales the tale of a family torn apart by evil forces of the forest, in the forms of witchcraft and possession. With a modest budget of just $ 3 ½ million (it has currently made ten times that back at the box office, despite only having a very limited release) it is simple and efficient in its spooks, playing on the audiences own fears more than anything. Slowly building itself up to a climactic finale that is more terrifying than anything Wes Craven or Eli Roth could ever have imagined.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:

Despite never being an established fan of THE GRATEFUL DEAD I was curious to the news of DAY OF THE DEAD, a 5-disc tribute release set, due to the involvement of this writer’s favorite band The National. And what a tribute it is. Featuring nothing short of 59 tracks, from such various contributors as Kurt Vile, The War on Drugs, Bonnie Prince Billy, The Walkmen and Wilco – as well as several tracks from The National themselves. It is a widespread and powerful homage to the great California kings of psychedelic rock and eclectic country and folk music that should bring tears to the eyes of their proper fans. Every act involved bring their own energy and take to the table, making this a marathon release that is playful and full of surprises.

Considering that the one and only problem this writer had with legendary Norwegian rock band Ricochets was a childish hang-up with its lead singer TROND ANDREASSEN’s horrible English language, the news that he has now turned to his native tongue for his new solo album is both exciting and a relief at the same time. Regardless of all this, one thing that has never been an issue is Andreassen’s unquestionable skills as a songwriter and performer. INGENTING HELE TIDEN could easily have passed as an English language release still as its inspirations and sound is still wildly American, based around gritty rock and blues tunes that are belted out with passion and ambition. It moves up and down a little too often, making it a little difficult to take in through one sitting, but that may change over time as this is bound to receive plenty of playing time in both this writer’s and the armada of old fans’ ears.

The release of a new RADIOHEAD album has always been a big deal, in the music press particularly as the English rock band often seem as interested in how to release as to what to release. Thankfully, the arrival of their new album A MOON SHAPED POOL happened without too much fuss (some online teasing and website play aside) and the focus could be had mainly on the tracks on the album. And their ninth studio record is a comprehensive package, featuring eleven new songs that span from hard-hitting rock tunes to the more poetic and whispering electric ballads front man Thom Yorke seems to be more interested in at the moment. However, it is a solid album that has already hit home with its loyal fans (the record is only available digitally for now, but will be out on traditional formats later in June), but is doubtful to collect any new supporters from anywhere. Which is probably not a major motive anyway.

Burn the Witch, the opening track, sets the tone of the album up nicely and also comes with a rather terrific video directed by Chris Hopewell.

Love's Lonely Rover

I made a music video for my friends in The Northern Lies, a band from my hometown. The track is called Love's Lonely Rover and is taken from the band's second album White Desert Blues - which is out now.

The video was made with no budget or additional crew. I shot it with a Sony PXW-X70 camera (thanks Arthur Arnesen at Sikt Media for lending it to me!) as an experiment to see how big a story I could tell with one actor in just one location, without any accesories at all.

The video features the incredible Julia Bache-Wiig and you can check it out here!

The Northern Lies are:

Henry Johnsen - vocals, acoustic guitar

Håvard Stangnes - electric guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar

Ida Karoline Nordgård - vocals, bass

Mikael Pedersen Jacobsen - vocals, drums, percussion 

Erik Nilsson - piano

You can find out more about the band via their Facebook page, and do follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @thenorthernlies

Essential April '16

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:

One of the most beloved children’s books is Rudyard Kipling’s THE JUNGLE BOOK. Published more than a hundred years ago, it still stands as one of the most popular of its kind. That is guaranteed to continue with the film adaptation from Jon Favreau which arrives this month. After a few independent films the director cut his blockbuster teeth with the first two Iron Man films, and his newest adventure is a delightful treat that feels like a heartfelt combination of both his previous genres. Shot entirely on green screen – in many ways a gutsy choice based on the nostalgic source material – it asks its audience to suspend all disbelief early on, but that should not be a problem considering the amount of fun entertainment on display here. The animation and live action flow together quite seamlessly, with a pitch perfect cast voicing the impressive characters created from scratch. It’s a wonderful cinematic adventure, with spotless heart and commitment that is bound to stand out as the family’s hit of the season.

The biggest surprise of the year so far is THE TRUST, a low budget film closer to a B-movie than an independent starring Nicolas Cage and Elijah Wood – perhaps the most odd on-screen partnership ever. The pair plays two cops who accidentally stumble across a mysterious vault where the temptation of riches becomes too big to ignore. The film starts out as a loose and quirky buddy-movie that later turns darker and more dramatic, but up until a slightly disappointing third act this is tremendously enjoyable stuff. Written by Benjamin Brewer (who also co-directs with his brother Alex) and Adam Hirsch, it is a terrific script filled with small gems, snappy one-liners and memorable characters. The atmospheric Las Vegas outskirts serve the story well, wonderfully shot by photographer Sean Porter. Don’t let the awful poster and its very limited release fool you, this is not just another Nicolas Cage dud that has flooded the market recently, but a thrilling and hilarious caper that deservers to find a proper audience.

The new series in FX’s acclaimed American Crime Story is THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON. It premiered in February and wrapped up a 10 episode run this month, to rave reviews and terrific ratings stateside. And rightly so, as this is the standout television drama of the year so far. Starting on the night of the murders of Simpsons ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and waiter Ronald Lyle Goodman it follows the chase, capture and trial of O.J. Simpson that spanned from June 1994 to October 1995. The show is refreshing in the sense that it is not afraid to mix its historical facts with wonderful elements of entertainment, making the most out both its now twenty year old setting in Los Angeles as well as the media-created frenzy surrounding all key players in the trial and case. Cuba Gooding Jr. is terrific as Simpson, but the finest moments are produced by Sarah Poulson as lead prosecutor Marcia Clark and Simpson’s table of attorneys featuring John Travolta, Nathan Lane, David Scwimmer and a career-high performance from Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran. Now that the show has finished, it offers you the possibility to binge in – which is good as this is television entertainment that is bound to get you hooked in from its very opening shot.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:

M83 announced its new album JUNK on March 1st and just a month later it was out in stores. It is the outfits seventh studio album, and first without longtime vocalist Morgan Kibby. However, founder Anthony Gonzalez has managed to keep things tight, with a strong rhythmic authority and fresh takes on his almost custom-fitted genre. The album is rich, and might have benefitted from a cut or two out of its generous fifteen track listing. The single Do It, Try It start things off right and from then on Gonzalez never stops or looks back. Because of its vastness the album might be better served in selections, but that does not mean the quality of its full scope is not great. The orchestrations are massive and there are plenty of beats to please its listeners, in particular for its fitting springtime release.

For her fifth solo release Norwegian singer / songwriter MARIT LARSEN decided to take all aspects of her music into her own hands, producing the record herself and releasing it on her very own label Håndbrygg Records. It is not a full album, but a five track EP that perhaps serves more of a taste of things to come than a complete addition to her discography. Entitled JONI WAS RIGHT – a heartfelt nod to one of her greatest inspirations Joni Mitchell – it is a lovely compilation of tunes dedicated to the firm pop beat and delicate sounding vocals of its leading lady. The songs play off each other well and the EP flies by in an instant, making it an obvious possibility that one will find more to enjoy the second or third time around it. Either way, this is another impressive and recommendable effort from a songwriter in her right element, who hopefully will treat us to a full album of equal quality the next time around.

The post-rock outfit EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY has been mentioned on this site before, and this month there is another reason to celebrate them as they release their seventh studio album THE WILDERNESS. It’s been five years since their previous outing Take Care, Take Care, Take Care and despite taking their time between each release one does not have to fear that they have taken it upon themselves to re-invent their genre or sound. This is still hard-hitting guitar rock with an emotional core. The tunes are performed with intensity and vigor, as they blast through 45 minutes’ worth in just nine tracks. The arrangements are rich with detail, in particular during their most aggressive and almost violent riffs. There is a lot of wealth buried in these sounds that makes the entire album endlessly rewarding upon its every visit. Check out Tangle Formations, the third track off the album.

Essential March '16

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:

After the array of combing forces from Marvel Studios’ comic books, it was only a matter of time before their fiercest competitor DC Comics did the same. This month the highly anticipated BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE arrives, with Henry Cavill reprising his role as the Man of Steel and Ben Affleck taking on the dark bat of Gotham. The ladder casting choice caused quite a stir in the comments section of fan sites, but Affleck comes away from this with his honor intact as he provides a sober, firm and modern take on both Bruce Wayne and Batman. This will hopefully put to rest the memory of his previous comic book outing of Daredevil back in 2003. With Man of Steel (2013) director Zach Snyder created a mixture of the previous take on the superhero genre, with part fantasy from the first Superman series and part reality from Christopher Nolan’s more recent Dark Knight trilogy (Nolan still serves as executive producer on BvS). With this follow-up he continues to mix it up, but leaning more towards the fantasy route – in particular with the introduction of Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman. The result is a great piece of blockbuster entertainment that stays loyal to its source (and their fans) while also pushing it to a new level in respect of technology and effects.

Ryan Reynolds worked for nearly a decade to get DEADPOOL his own franchise. This month his labor of love hit the screenings, becoming a smash hit and recently taking the throne of the highest grossing R-rated film of all time. It is easy to see why. Reynolds is simply irresistible, both as the light hearted Wade and then later as the title character. His style of humor combined with his impressive physicality and action abilities puts him up there as one of the most entertaining comic book characters of all time. The decision to “go meta”, breaking the fourth wall and allowing the audience in on the jokes that Deadpool knows he’s in a movie – and being played by Reynolds. The leading man is not afraid to laugh at himself – a feat not often found among actors taking on superhero roles. Director Tim Miller keeps it light and on a modest budget, he’s managed to pull of impressive action scenes and set-pieces, without a chip on his shoulder but instead with a smile on his face and well timed nods to other inspirations. This is a refreshing and tremendously entertaining addition to the ocean of superhero movies out there that is likely to be enjoyed just as much upon repeated viewings.

One of the most fascinating documentaries to arrive in a while is LISTEN TO ME MARLON, a modern and unique look at one of the all-time acting greats – Marlon Brando. Made in large parts with the use of Brando’s own audio tapes, where he talks about his life and craft, with all achievements and mistakes included. It makes for compelling viewing, with director Stevan Riley re-creating Brando’s profile in a mesmerizing experimental effect that allows the legendary actor to communicate beyond the grave and taking the audience onto a journey that transcends both dimension and time.  It is really quite something. In addition there is plenty of previously unseen footage, both from Brando’s personal life and the many film sets he appeared on – always taking center stage and impossible to ignore. Regardless of your feelings of him, as an actor or otherwise, this is simply must-see documentary filmmaking that will surely stand as the ultimate portrait of film acting’s most influential player.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:

The announcement of a new album from IGGY POP came as a big surprise earlier this year. In January Pop and album producer Josh Homme appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and revealed that the record would arrive in March. POST POP DEPRESSION is the seventeenth studio album from Iggy Pop. In addition to handling the production Homme also plays on the album alongside fellow Queens of the Stone Age alumni Dean Fertita and Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders. It’s an interesting group, performing together nicely with a balanced mixture of energy and nostalgia. Pop has stated that the album is about legacy and realizing you’re coming to an end creatively. If so it is only natural that the soon to turn sixty-nine year old musician has decided to slow things down. The album contains a modest nine tracks, mainly featuring slow, but hard hitting rock tunes that arguably focuses more on lyrics than Pop’s previous solo albums. It won’t knock any doors down or establish Pop with a new set of potential fans, but it is a timely and appropriate addition to the discography of the second half of his career.

After achieving great critical acclaim as well as a decent amount of commercial success with his band Grant Lee Buffalo in the 1990s, lead singer and songwriter GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS has gone on to release twice as many albums as a solo artist since the turn of the millennium. They have varied quite heavily in quality and their resulting success. This month his eight studio album THE NARROWS arrive. Produced by Phillips himself it is an ambitious and wide stretching album with a generous number of thirteen tracks. The new record explores his interest in folk music to a more open level than before, despite always being a background element on his albums. The Narrows takes its time and goes through each track with diligence and attention to detail, making it a more compelling experience the second or third time around. It would have benefitted from a slightly tighter format, with one or two tracks from its middle section getting the boot, but this is still collectively a strong and enjoyable album that is arguably his finest outing since 2004’s Virginia Creeper.

After steadily releasing an album every other year since their establishment in 2006 The Gaslight Anthem announced last summer that they would go on an indefinite hiatus. Front man and main songwriter in the Group BRIAN FALLON shortly later announced that he had started work on his first solo album. It arrives this month in the form of PAINKILLERS. Fallon is responsible for every tune on the album, with the occasional co-writing credit from friends in the studio. It’s a comprehensive package with twelve songs that still clocks in just shy over forty minutes. Meaning that these are songs designed for – and inspired by – the radio. Fallon is a nostalgic who wears his heroes on his sleeves, with the likes of Springsteen, Petty or Fogerty echoing throughout, as it usually also did on his band’s albums. It is still a refreshingly honest and straightforward record, committed to the formula of the classic rock and pop tune. Fallon’s trademark hoarse and weary voice is still his most prominent feature, carrying each song with passion and intent. The album is a love letter to American music and its key players from the past five decades. If you’re looking for experimental or cutting edge tunes you should turn elsewhere, but if you enjoy well-crafted and traditional rock anthems performed with heart and soul this album is a terrific treat.
Check out Red Lights, this writer's favorite track on the album.

Essential February '16

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:

After a strong spell of adaptations in the 90s, Shakespeare has not really featured as the inspiration for many films over the past decade or so. So it is quite refreshing to see director Justin Kurzel take on MACBETH, arguably Shakespeare’s grittiest and darkest play. Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard star as the Lord and Lady and what a tremendous bit of casting it is. Fassbender, coming of an incredible year with Steve Jobs, Slow West and now this, is a force to be reckoned with – absolutely fearless and frightening, but also composed and layered. Cotillard is emotionally strong as always, demanding an overwhelming presence in every scene. The two play brilliantly off each other and pull out a pair of terrific performances. Kurzel gets a bit indulgent, but never too much. The battle scenes are a spectacle to behold, driven by brutal realism while the chamber set pieces are engrossing and wonderfully constructed around the written word.

THE LOBSTER didn’t get a theatrical Norwegian release but arrives On Demand this month. Yorgos Lanthimos, who achieved great critical acclaim for previous outings Dogtooth (2009) and Alps (2011), has created one of the most bizarre, yet mystifyingly moving pictures in years. Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz sboth shine, playing against type and delivering two beautifully crafted performances. There is also great support to be found in the likes of John C. Reilly, Ben Whishaw and in particular Olivia Colman. The film is a wonderful depiction of the surreal and often mindboggling lengths humans go to in order to feel connected, loved and seen. There are moments that hit you with resounding relevance while also transporting you into a delightfully absurd universe, where all the madness suddenly makes sense. The Lobster is a tiny miracle, destined to live on while hopefully finding even larger audiences.

Louis C.K. has been mentioned on this site before several times, both for this television series and stand-up comedy. This month he arrived – out of the blue – with a brand new series entitled HORACE AND PETE. Shot entirely on a theater stage, with no live audience it is a bit of a departure in every sense. Not just for the amount of drama, which plays a larger part than usual for C.K., but also in approach and presentation. The show is written, acted and shot as a play – making it feel incredibly intimate and alive on screen. It is by far the darkest thing C.K. has ever written, with deep and disturbing drama at times, but there is also warmth to it. Much thanks to a superb cast, featuring Steve Buscemi, Jessica Lange, Edie Falco and in particular Alan Alda who delivers an incredible performance that is sure to stand as milestone this late in his amazing career. It is also worth mentioning how refreshing Louis C.K.'s distribution of this show is. It arrives with no previous promotion or advertisement, it can only be purchased via his website for a small fee of $3 an episode and there is no set format to running time or genre, as well as knowledge for how long it shall run, which makes it even more important to cherish.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:

Legendary R&B and gospel singer MAVIS STAPLES will turn seventy-seven this year, but is still active as an activist and musician. The ladder sees her release a brand new album this month. The optimistic and affirmatively titled LIVIN' ON A HIGH NOTE is her fourteenth album, arriving forty-seven years after her debut in 1969. It’s a rich and eventful record, featuring brand new music written specifically for Staples by such various great artists as Nick Cave, Neko Case, Justin Vernon and Jon Baptiste (who became a household name in America last year as the band leader for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The album is produced by M. Ward (who also contributes as a songwriter) and goes by a fittingly old school production, with clear cut tracks and arrangements. It has a mellow tone and feel, perhaps forced by the age of Staples, but regardless it suits both her voice and the sound of the album. A great treat for fans and a wonderful introduction to her vast catalog for those unfamiliar.

DEATH BY UNGA BUNGA is a Norwegian garage rock band that have been around for almost ten years now, slowly working their way into the mainstream’s attention and up the album charts. This month they arrive with their fourth studio album PINEAPPLE PIZZA. Their recipe (no pun intended) and approach hasn’t really changed much since their debut. It’s still about energetic and playful rock music, most often easy on the arrangements and heavy on the beat. Their new album does a familiar job of putting you in a good mood, but also displays the bands technical abilities more than ever. They’re sounding tighter than ever before, and even though all tracks remain light on their feet there is still a deep commitment to their music that comes across very well, probably making this their most accomplished album yet.

It’s always a bit scary to check out new bands made up by members of other bands that you already enjoy. Often referred to as “supergroups”, they have a tendency to just be an outlet for music that didn’t really fit in their already existing outfits – often for a good reason. LNZNDRF perhaps does not strike enough familiar chords to be called super-anything, but thankfully they are an exception to the rule. Featuring brothers Bryan and Scott Devendorf from The National and Ben Lanz from Beirut, they are a modest trio performing alternative and progressive rock music. Their self-titled debut album features eight tracks that become easier on the ear by each listen. It is a mix of genres indeed, but the root of the album is a delicious box of heavy instrumental music, almost orchestral, that manage to be both emotionally engaging as well as hard hitting. Difficult to describe - easy to enjoy.
Check out Beneath the Black Sea to give you an idea.

Essential January '16

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:

When one sees what is considered a lot of films, the best feeling is always to be pleasantly surprised. That is certainly the case with this writer and this month’s CREED. By too many considered “just another Rocky movie”, which could not be further from the truth. This is the work of 29 year old writer / director Ryan Coogler, who have taken the Stallone’s legacy to a new level – and inspired the finest performance of the entire series from the man himself. Shot with a steady hand (particularly impressive in the boxing scenes within the ring) from a well-balanced and modern script, it comes with sharp dialogue and a natural finesse. Ahead of Stallone, Michael B. Jordan delivers a great performance in what will surely stand as a milestone in his career. This film is moving, entertaining and triumphant in every way – especially the ones you did not see coming.

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu is looking to surpass the tremendous success – measured in both ticket sales and awards – of last year’s incredible Birdman with this month’s THE REVENANT. A revenge drama set in the wilderness in the 1820s, where Leo Di Caprio sets out to seek justice from his hunting party who leave him for dead after he is nearly killed by a bear. The bear attack itself will without a doubt stand out as the scene of the year, a brutally impressive demonstration of state of the art CGI and live action that will leave you shaking. You have never seen anything quite like it or the rest of this film in fact. Infused by the cold elements and merciless realities of both Mother Nature and the nature of man, it is a cinematic experience that makes the most of every possibility in the art of filmmaking. It’s a fierce piece of entertainment and simple storytelling that absolutely holds no bar to what can and can’t be done on film.

Charlie Kaufman has established himself as one – if not the – most original filmmaker working in America today. His award-winning screenplays for Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Adaptation alone are worthy the status of modern classics while his directorial debut Synecdoche, New York was both inspired and frustrating at the same time, but nevertheless utterly compelling. This month sees the release of another masterpiece from the now nearly sixty year old filmmaker. ANOMALISA is animation unlike anything you’ve seen before, but regardless of the genre or shape of its characters it is simply a brilliant piece of storytelling that demonstrates a genius at work. When it comes to character development and dialogue this surely already has to be the best film of the year. Featuring tremendous performances from David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tom Noonan (the fact that you only hear their voices simply underlines the impact of their work) and a haunting soundtrack by Carter Burwell. It is another stroke of genius from Kaufman, nothing less.

Note: the month of January – being in the midst of award season – often comes with plenty of American quality so if there ever was a time for honorable mentions within the same month it would be here. So do also check out ROOM, SPOTLIGHT, THE BIG SHORT and THE HATEFUL EIGHT in particular.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:

It would be impossible to write a post about music in January 2016 without including DAVID BOWIE. His latest and final album BLACKSTAR might not have found its way onto the majority of people’s lists of essential releases this month had it not been for the sad and surprising news of his death on January 10th. But then again, it might have. Released just two days before his death it has inevitably now become a musical last will and testament and the content of the album - lyrically in particular - now comes with a major level of melancholy. But to the album itself, this is still unmistakably the Bowie we’ve come to expect over the past few decades. It’s a balanced and controlled album, performed with precision and experience. A modest eight tracks make each song valuable and meaningful, with Lazarus and the title single as the standouts. It’s a strong album that is remarkably simple, considering it came from one of the most complicated and multi talented artists of this past century. A worthy swansong, filled with emotion and final proof of Bowie’s abilities.

Madrugada dominated the Norwegian rock scene - as well as becoming a well-known and respected band throughout Europe – in the millennium’s first decade until they dissolved in late 2008. Lead singer SIVERT HØYEM has gone on to establish himself as a strong solo artist since then and have shaken the framework of his former band a long time ago. His new album that arrives this month can still be seen as a kind of fork in the road as it is his sixth release, spanning over a twelve year solo career meaning he has now been more productive on his own than back in his Madrugada days – records wise. LIONESS is another great album from the charming singer & songwriter that marks a bit of change in both pace and mood from his previous outings. After his darkest album – in both sound and lyrics – Long Slow Distance (2011) and the strong, but almost mechanical Endless Love (2014) this should easily be considered a more accessible album – and not in a bad way. It would be a stretch to call it a circular positive album, but it does seem like Høyem has cut himself a bit more lose and allowed for a slightly brighter touch. The fact that the veteran singer is now a father of three and turned forty just a week prior to the record’s release might have something to do with it. But regardless the reason, it is an outfit of a lighter color that suits him well and allows for a more laidback approach to the listener.

This writer ranked London trio DAUGHTER’s debut album If You Leave the third best to come out in 2013. So it is with great anticipation – and not without fear of disappointment – that we this month welcome their follow-up NOT TO DISAPPEAR. Thankfully, it is a strong and efficient sophomore record that not only reminds you of the band’s potential, but their already well established delicious sound. It would be unfair to compare it to their debut after just a couple of weeks’ exposure, but even though it does not already have the immediate impact of its predecessor it is a delicate and soulful collection of tunes. Founder and singer Elena Tonra still has the ability to tear your heart to shreds with just a few bars and her haunting voice is the key element carrying every track on the album. It comes with great arrangements as well, and there is an even smoother production value to the full record – without compromising the bands original raw and emotional sound that really made their first EPs such an overwhelming experience.

Check out the single Doing the Right Thing, which comes with a gorgeous video from Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, the directors of last year’s Nick Cave documentary 20,000 Days on Earth.