Filed under: Music
At first I wasn’t sure about the third Leave Them All Behind. It didn’t seem to have the raw energy of the first one, the tracks seemed to merge. I wondered whether it may be not quite up to scratch of the second release even. But my fears have waned. A lot. It’s a fabulously mixed, bright and energetic selection of tracks that is bang up to date. It channels disco and Divine—the late star of several of John Waters’ films and accomplished pop star—the eighties and the seventies, it’s a bit pop and a little bit sleaze. It’s a floor stomper. Among the highlights are Den Haan’s Release the Beast, MGMT’s Of Moons, Birds and Monsters, One Day by the Juan Maclean—check out Happy House elsewhere—and Simian Mobile Disco’s Audacity of Huge. I want to throw a party and dance. Get it and get up.
Filed under: Screen
I’m three episodes into the first series of True Blood, Alan Ball’s take on the vampire craze. I have to admit that when my friend Kate mentioned it, I was dubious as I’m not really into gore or vampires. Of course, as soon as I saw that it was an Alan Ball production, I was hooked. Trademark opening credits, astounding shots, challenging scenes and intelligent, wryly observed dialogue was again available. It may come as no surprise that I am a great fan of the work of Alan Ball. American Beauty never lost my attention, its sheer elegance and edge was captivating from the opening scene. Equally Six Feet Under was a television masterpiece dealing with the subject we all wish we could ignore, mortality. I readily admit to tears while watching it, the pain endured the characters at various points in their life was so delicately handled, and as it is with life, problems and issues often went unresolved. The closing scene of Six Feet Under and the perfectly chosen track Breathe Me by Sia again bought tears of sadness and joy simultaneously. A truly glorious moment. Ball’s recent film Towelhead was also exquisite. Ball’s images fill my head, long after viewing. I’m so excited to be watching True Blood, thanks Kate.
Filed under: Screen
Starring Geena Davis, Accidents Happen is a dark—often humourous and sometimes sad—film experience. Tears welled in my eyes more than a few times at very small and beautiful moments. Sometimes the tears were of sheer joy, those tears that come with intense love for someone very special. Set in the 80s the story revolves around the mistakes and accidents that one family experiences. I’m sure it will get a general release, and when it does be sure to step out and see it.
