5 Songs Whirring Round My Head This Week

I've had an Indie week and below are the 5 laid back songs that have been my most played this week.

Foals with 'Hummer'
Anyone who has read this blog in any depth will know that I am fan of Foals unique brand of 'antipop' and this week I acquired their first album and one of the tracks that stood out from the Oxford quintets fantastic début (which I highly recommend as well as their most recent record)  is their first single 'Hummer' which was released in 2007. Quirky and unashamedly different; a great track.



Florence + The Machine with 'Drumming'
Not surprisingly led by the throbbing and hypnotic drums representing the inescapable pull love can have on you and accompanied by Florence Welch's powerful and recognisable voice singing beautiful lyrics, both in this song and on her whole Brit winning album it's simply a brilliant song.



Band Of Skulls with 'Patterns'
An unusual fairly unknown band, who as I've said previously sound most like a combination of White Stripes and Kings Of Leon, I also recently got their album 'Baby Darling Doll Face Honey'. It's a genius record and this song combines brilliant performances form both singers voices and some great riffs.



Bombay Bicycle Club with 'Always Like This'
This is their first single off their 2009 album 'I Had The Blues But I shook Them Lose' and this song is a sweet tender track from a laid back band. The video below is also brilliant.



Friendly Fires with 'Kiss Of Life'
'Kiss Of Life' is a feel good song which combines traditional samba drums mixed with electronic undertones and is a song that surprises you with how much you like it. The video also has some amazing dancing.

The Green Hornet Film Review

The Green Hornet, originally from a 1930's radio series, is a action/comedy from comic geniuses and serial collaborators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, who've also made such incredible films as Superbad and Pineapple Express. Surely this would be another great to add to the treasure trove of their films, especially as they've been making this film for so long and it's now in futuristic 3-D?

 However, and I hate to have say it because I usually love any Seth/Evan film, this film was somewhat of a disappointment.
The plot took just that bit too long to take off and when it did was not original enough because from the first rambling scene where the protagonist introduces the idea of fighting crime by impersonating criminals you know exactly what would happen and then it unfolds exactly as you expected it to.
I concede that films can still be good without an amazing plot as many superhero films have a similar plot but a this coupled with undeveloped characters and not enough of the wit and humour of previous work left me rather nonplussed.
The 3-D was nothing special and I soon forgot about it because there wasn't enough of it; it felt distinctly like a 2-D film which had later been made into 3-D to attract more attention.  So if you were going to see it to watch a feast of 3-D action maybe chose a different film.

Conversely though this film was far from bad. There were indeed a few truly brilliant comedic moments, although not nearly enough, and some good comedic performances especially form the surprise star of it; Jay Chou as Kato the martial arts expert and coffee maker. His dry witty one liners expertly acted for me made the film. Also Christoph Waltz's portrayal of LA's criminal ruler Chudnofsky later turned Bloodnofsky was genius.
I think the main problem with this film was my expectations of it because essentially it's not bad and is fairly good but when compared to their other work and recent superhero films, such as the gritty yet immensely funny Kickass, it just doesn't stand up. I wouldn't I recommend this film, not for the cinema at least, but would definitely recommend it for an entertaining way to pass a few hours on a lazy weekend.

Black Swan Film Review

Black Swan is psychological thriller which has had much hype and critical acclaim recently but does the film live up to the sparkling reviews?
This film revolves around one woman's torment and stress of getting her dream role in her dance company's production of The Swan Lake and her inability to embody both the sweet, pure white swan as well as the sensual, seductive black sawn. We see as she gradually loses her grip on reality and plummets into the depths of her troubled mind with fatal consequences. It's not a new concept and follows the same path as any other portrayal of a total mental breakdown but it's the way that it's been made that makes this film so mesmerising. It's shot perfectly with almost all of the shots incredibly tight to the protagonist creating a claustrophobic and stifling atmosphere which draws you in and traps you in the tale. Full of beautiful dancing, people, costumes it's visually magnificent.

Also it's two seemingly contrived subject matters; that of the beauty of the ballet juxtaposed with  the gritty realism of how ballerinas force their bodies to their limits and the extent of madness contrast brilliantly and symbolise eloquently the fracture through her mind. For example the gore and terror within her delusions, which sufficiently spook the audience, emphasise the destructiveness of her obsession for perfection that eventually swallows her whole.
However is this film really as monumental as everyone is making it out to be? Yes it's beautiful and brilliantly acted but it is still just a thriller about someone who is so highly and tightly strung it was really only a matter of time until they lost control and with some huge plot problems such as her ability to dance whilst mortally injured for two whole acts. But for it's merit whilst watching it you are so immersed and mesmerised by the protagonist you don't even acknowledge it's flaws until later on when you re-emerge from it's dark world. For it's genre this film is incredible and definitely one the best but when compared to the whole spectrum of great films it doesn't stand up.   
However I would recommend it because it is the best made and most lavish thriller I've ever seen.

Youtubers Worth Watching

One of the least celebrated of all mediums is youtube. It muddles along minding it's own business whilst simultaneously producing some of the most creative and independent work available to a large audience which I think is a true travesty so in this series of posts I'll celebrate different channels on youtube and hopefully introduce you to some things that you might like. 

Smosh
Starting this series of posts is Smosh. Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla started posting videos on youtube in 2005 and started with the lowly yet brilliant origins of their infamous pokemon theme song lip sync. Broadening their horizons with comedic sketches and songs instead of just lip syncing Smosh have been hugely successful with them being the most subscribed channel on youtube until 2008. With over 2 million subscribers they're obviously doing something right. I think what makes them so entertaining to watch is their refreshing uncaring attitudes to what they look like and the often idiotic things they do but take so seriously and it's that juxtaposition of the idiotic taken seriously that makes them so funny. Their videos are expertly made, inventive and hilarious. Their blog called Smoshpit is also perfect if you want a laugh and I'll put the link at the bottom of this post.
Below is their first video and then their parody of it which they made recently as the original was ridiculously removed due to copyright infringement.






http://www.smosh.com/smosh-pit

5 Songs Whirring Round My Head This Week

'Trickster' Radiohead
A track of their EP My Iron Lung it's one of their slightly rockier songs which is lead by their high pitched guitar and Yorke's distinctive yet slightly muffled voice. With inventive and layered riffs this song has some of my favourite guitar ever. A genius song from a genius band.



'Twenty Twenty Surgery' Taking Back Sunday
Another atypical rock song with a slightly too repetitive beat, improved with some unexpected twists, it's nevertheless still a good song. You'll find yourself quickly singing along to the self involved lyrics and vocal style of Adam Lazzara which sounds like he is singing call and response with himself. An energetic and immersing song.



'E.S.T.' White Lies
Off their first album this song opens with very Joy Division like drums and ominous tones then creates a juxtaposed feel with the rhythmic bass. Full of cheery lyrics like "I leave my memoirs on the floor of my fears" and "fate always loses hope" it's an emotive song with a distinctly eighties vibe.



'Crying Lightening' Arctic Monkeys
The first single of their revolutionary third album where they seemed to completely reinvent themselves from the no nonsense Sheffield  boys into the more serious indie band and this song reflects that shift from the more obscure lyrics to the fuzzy sounding guitar.



'Pretty Handsome Awkward' The Used
This is a fairly unknown American rock band which also happens to be my best friends all time favourite band which is how I got into them. This song is an anthem; it's catchy and interesting to listen to. It's a beast of a song from a very beastly looking man. A real rock song.

5 Album Releases To Look Forward To In 2011

2011 is set to be a great year judging by the bands that are set to release new albums, so below I've listed some of the most anticipated albums.

Radiohead
Everyone has one band that means the most to them and will always value above everything else and for me that band is Radiohead; their music makes me blissfully happy. It's been three years since they last released an album with 'In Rainbows' in 2008 but they are set to release a new one this year. They are rock royalty who have made monumental records such as 'Ok Computer', The Bends' and 'Hail To The Thief' and are not afraid to develop and experiment which means that each album is a piece of art. I'm looking forward to nothing more than a new album from them.




The Strokes
Newly reformed and with more buzz than ever with reports of excellant new songs their set to release a new album on March 22nd. Let's hope they deliver more amazing tunes such as 'Last Nite' and 'Reptillica'.



Foo Fighters
Taylor Hawkins has announced that the band are releasing a new album this year which will be their 7th studio album. Another iconic band who also make absolutely astounding albums. Definitely something to look forward to for any head bangers.



Franz Ferdinand
From the band who have released 'Take Me Out', 'Ulysses' and 'You Girls' they will hopefully release some more feel good songs.



White Lies
With their début album released last year this is a dark band which made a huge impact on the music scene and now all those who like the macabre and depressive wait eagerly, well as eagerly as goths can be, for their new album set for release this month. Below is their new single.

5 Songs Whirring Round My Head This Week

'Dancing Shoes' By Arctic Monkeys
Off their monumental first album this song is simple powered by one repeated riff with the occasional crass of chords. The real brilliance of it however is Alex Turner's clever lyrics which fit fantastically with the music and create a heartfelt pouring of Northern adolescent angst and expression. A great song of a great album.



You Me At Six with 'Jealous Minds Think Alike'
This is a rock song that'll get you happily head banging along singing the accessible tune which has led to the band often being negatively branded as pop rock but accessibility doesn't detract form how good the song is.



'Cave' Muse
Off their first album before everything got as excessive and theatrical as their last one was this song is brimming with excellent riffs increased greatly with the piano and is as self involved as any good rock song. Also with some amazing vocals from Matt which resonate with the emotions he's singing about perfectly.  



'She's Lost Control' Joy Division
The bass in this song is simply incredible and combines brilliantly with Ian's doomsday voice and raw guitar. A song you can really lose yourself in.



'Joy. Discovery. Invention.' Biffy Clyro
First track of their first album it's tender and offbeat and oh so catchy. A slower song with a soft melody which is then subverted  where they retreat to their more comfortable heavier style then back again with Simon's lovely vocals.

127 Hours-Film Review

So two years after the release of the legendary Slumdog Millionaire Boyle is back, this time with a tale of a different type; a gritty true survival story.
A far cry from the love story he portrayed in Slumdog, or is it? Common themes within Danny Boyle's work is the human aspect of them and survival. He expertly and delicately depicts people where all of the narrative revolves around them and their circumstances which leads to their actions whilst simultaneously portraying their survival,with the survival of three orphans from the slums, the survival of love through everything and survival through drug addiction. Surely then it's not too big a leap to make a film about one man surviving a horrific ordeal. However saying that, this film is simply the tale of one man trapped in one crevice for over five days, doesn't really lend itself to the big screen does it? We all know Danny Boyle is a film genius but could even he pull of the seemingly impossible feat of capturing and holding a cinema full of people's attention with a 94 minute film of a man in a crevice?
To put it as plainly as possible, yes. Opening with the thrumming beats chosen by A. R. Rahman, who also worked with Boyle on Slumdog, this film starts with the vitality and freedom of life before running head first into the deepest, darkest fears that we as a species collectively share. Fear of isolation, fear of dying alone, fear of your own mortality, fear of never seeing your loved ones again and the uncaring truth of our capabilities. Boyle knows that the shocking aspects of this story is the incentive to go and see it and plays with this dramatic irony as we all know what's about to unfold and the gruesome climatic end to his experience so instead of simply showing us it he experiments with his usual stunning cinematography and explores what it is that really drives us to keep living. Yes, most of the film is shot in the one crevice with the odd hallucination or flashback but it's so beautifully shot and breathtakingly performed that it doesn't feel like that. You are engrossed in the story and care so much about the fallen climber that it doesn't matter and it's that which makes this film so great.

As I've said this film is breathtakingly performed by the talented James Franco but I have to reiterate that; he literally carries the whole film. There has been much buzz about his performance with many people saying that he deserves an Oscar for it and I completely agree, he portrays every aspect of his character completely, showing realistically what it was that drove Aron Ralston to amputate his own arm. However that's not really what this film is about; it's about what we really live for. According to the film we live for our loved ones and for our children, or rather the chance to have them as he didn't back then, but it was a so called 'premonition' of the child he would have that proved to be the final factor that gave him the strength to hack his arm off with a blunt knife with obvious links to Darwinism and the need to procreate and pass on our genes. During that uncomfortable and in parts unwatchable scene and in many others as well you really feel the depth of his desperation to not die there.
It's an ultimately feel good beautifully made film that makes you evaluate what and who you personally live for. I recommend any one to watch this. It's incredible.

5 Indie Films Worth Watching

The Darjeeling Limited
This is a 2007 film by Wes Anderson and I love pretty much all of his films. Characterised by his methodical cinematography, dry quirky humour, use of primary colours, unusual soundtracks, flawed portrayal of characters and use of the same group of actors his films create a sort of surreal realism. He celebrates people's individuality by showing characters who are believable but wonderfully eccentric which is refreshing as so many films portray what we're meant to be like. This film stars, as per usual Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Angelica Huston and Jason Schwartzman with Adrian Brody as well and is about three estranged brothers taking a spiritual journey across India to find their also estranged mother and come to terms with their fathers death that happened a year prior to the trip.
 It's full of quirkiness and charm and makes for an interesting watch where there seems to be no definite plot but rather simply the meanderings of the characters which is oddly captivating enough.



Slumdog Millionaire
This is a true Cinderella story both on and off screen. Originally intended to go straight to DVD release this film was so good that word spread like wild fire of it's greatness and made it a huge hit at cinemas and got it 8 academy awards. It's a testament to how good Indie films can be. Beautifully made from one of the greatest directors around it's the best and most powerful feel good film I've ever seen and if you haven't yet seen it you definitely should.



Donnie Darko
This is a cult classic made in 2001 written and directed by Richard Kelly starring Jake Gyllenhaal. It's about the lead character trying to understand the apocalyptic visions he's being shown by a 6ft rabbit called Frank as well as comprehending the world around him and the human condition which are confusing and threatening to his troubled mind. It's an incredibly surreal film that leaves you more confused at the end than at the beginning but in a good way where you're left to ponder it and reach you're own conclusions. Full of strong performances especially from Jake Gyllenhaal it's a great film that really should be seen by more people.



Napoleon Dymanite
One of the most bizarre but brilliant comedies I've seen. Set in the small town of Preston it's about the sub-culture of a rural town that feels like it's stuck in the 80's that's developed due to boredom and isolation focused on the uber nerd and how he exists. Now also a cult classic this film is fantastic, again slow and seemingly without a plot but nonetheless laugh out loud funny with some of the best dance moves I have ever seen!



Away We Go
Away We Go is a comedy-drama about an eccentric couple who find out that they're expecting a child and take a road trip around America of self discovery to find they're 'home'. With some really effective and beautiful cinematography and amazingly well developed characters this film is full of heart. It's one of the sweetest and most tender films I've seen and is just lovely.