Lust For Youth: Compassion
File Audio Not intrested ★
Lust for Youth: Compassion
19 may 16
Hannes Norrvide is definitely skilled when it comes to the revival of dark-wave and synth-pop sounds that were typical of the eighties, which are the secret to the success of his project Lust For Youth. Genre enthusiasts and nostalgia lovers will surely appreciate this latest work, 'Compassion', which, as far as I'm concerned, adds nothing to a genre that I believe has been drained and exhausted for some time now.
Madruga Works: Planetbase
DVD Dati I have it ★★★★
Madruga Works: Planetbase
24 apr 16
Madrugada: Industrial Silence
File Audio I have it ★★★★★
Madrugada: Industrial Silence
25 jun 16
I didn't know this Norwegian band until I listened to this record here, 'Industrial Silence', released in 2000 via Virgin Records and produced by a big name like John Agnello. It's impossible not to think of Nick Cave while listening, due to the similarities in the vocal tone of frontman Sivert Hoyem with that of the Australian songwriter. However, their music doesn't hold the same fury as the Bad Seeds or bands like Gallon Drunk or Grinderman; rather, it has a different approach. There are suburban twilight atmospheres worthy of Afghan Whigs and a certain strain of American music from the seventies (I also think of the great Ry Cooder) here updated according to more modern aesthetic and musical standards. Really beautiful, a big surprise as far as I'm concerned. It gains points with every listen.
Mariama Bâ: Le chant écarlate
Cartaceo I have it ★★
Mariama Bâ: Le chant écarlate
21 jun 16
Mariama Ba was a political activist and one of the most prominent intellectual figures in the Senegalese cultural landscape of the last century. Always at the forefront, particularly in the battles for the emancipation of Senegalese women, in this small posthumous novel, she tells the story of an evidently impossible love affair between a black Senegalese man and a white French woman. While the story starts from positive premises where the meeting of the two cultures seems possible through love, the ending—so tragic and laden with despair (yet unexpected)—shatters this enchantment and brings the reader back to the harsh reality of the facts. Which is the harsh reality of the facts where each person fails to see beyond their own nose and to go beyond their own cultural and social limitations.
Mark Mylod: The Big White
File Video I lack ★★★
Mark Mylod: The Big White
12 may 16
A black comedy set in Alaska starring Robin Williams. A man in financial trouble, who also has a wife we might call completely crazy, decides to try and collect on his brother's life insurance, who has been missing for five years. He literally finds himself surrounded by two eccentric criminals, a stubborn insurance adjuster, and the same brother (as usual, a brilliant Woody Harrelson) who is completely out of his mind and reappears after reading in the newspaper about what was supposed to be his death. Definitely entertaining. A worthy mention goes to the music, which is by Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo.
Matthew Chapman: The Ledge
File Video I lack ★★
Matthew Chapman: The Ledge
21 jul 16
A man (Gavin) who lost his wife and daughter begins to meet Shana, a woman married to a fanatically religious Catholic who tries to introduce him and his friend Chris to the cult of God. Soon, Gavin and Shana's relationship is discovered, and circumstances lead to Gavin being thrown off the roof of a building in the center of the city. A policeman, Hollis, who is going through a rough patch in his life, attempts to stop him from ending it all. The two engage in a conversation, reflecting the lives of each other. Narrated through the flashbacks of the two main characters, 'The Ledge' is a dramatic film with didactic content that invites the audience to reflect on life, love, and the various kinds of relationships between people. Well directed, the plot works, but I guess there was probably an opportunity to push the boundaries more than what was actually done.
Michael Almereyda: Experimenter
File Video I lack ★★★
Michael Almereyda: Experimenter
9 may 16
I'm sorry, but I cannot access external websites. However, if you provide the text you'd like me to translate, I'll be happy to help!
Michael Gira: I Am Not This
File Audio I have it ★★★
Michael Gira: I Am Not This
21 apr 16
Limited edition disc released on the occasion of Gira's solo tour in 2016. It features some reinterpretations of his old songs (as a solo artist, or with Swans, Angels of Light...) and some live versions. More beautiful and meaningful than any greatest hits collection.
Michael Tolkin: Jerry Was A Man
File Video I lack ★★★★
Michael Tolkin: Jerry Was A Man
24 may 16
Based on a story by the gigantic Robert A. Heinlein and directed by Michael Tolkin, featuring a cast that includes Malcolm McDowell, Anne Heche, and Jason Diablo in the role of the android 'Jerry', this is undoubtedly the best among the episodes of the unfortunate 'Masters of Science Fiction' experience. The story revolves around the android Jerry. Born and constructed for military purposes as an 'anti-mine' puppet, he is saved from destruction by the wealthy and dissatisfied Martha Von Vogel in what will be an absurd process aimed at proving his humanity and independence as a sentient being. A sort of farce, bordering on the grotesque, at the end of which Jerry will indeed reveal himself to possess an humanity—in other words, the worst qualities of the human race.
Minor Victories: Minor Victories
File Audio I have it ★★
Minor Victories: Minor Victories
14 jun 16
First album of the supergroup composed of Rachel Goswell (Slowdive), Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai), and Justin Lockey of Editors, along with the latter's brother, filmmaker James Lockey, whose contribution as a musician will also involve giving a 'visual' aspect to the entire project. The album also features guests such as Mark Kozelek ('For You Always') and James Graham of Twilight Sad (Scattered Ashes - Song For Richard). The project clearly has some cinematic inspiration; the album opens with typically shoegaze sounds, then experiences a drop in tone and ultimately evolves into an emotional kind of soundtrack. I wasn't particularly thrilled by it, perhaps because it's too ethereal, but it's a well-made work and definitely more than listenable.
Mitchell Lichtenstein: Teeth
File Video I lack ★★
Mitchell Lichtenstein: Teeth
14 apr 16
A dark comedy, a horror film, a nightmare. A girl, the spokesperson for a sexual abstinence group, actually possesses what mythology would call 'vagina dentata' (how can one not think of Dr. Adder by K. W. Jeter). Between symbolism and black humor, reflections on matters of an ethical and religious nature, a film that should be taken seriously only to a certain extent to avoid succumbing to panic and castration complexes.
Mountains: Centralia
File Audio I have it ★★★★
Mountains: Centralia
20 may 16
Beautiful album of dronic and experimental electronic music released by the duo formed by Brendon Anderegg and Koen Holtkamp in 2013 via Thrill Jockey Records. I'm not usually a big fan of the genre, but I can't help but consider this album one of the best long sessions of ambient music I've ever listened to. Particularly inspired, the prolonged listening experience transports you to an ideal continental dimension between what could be the myth of Atlantis and the age of great explorations, before knowing every single square meter of our planet. A journey that you can practically undertake only inside your mind.
Mrs. Magician: Bermuda
File Audio Not intrested ★
Mrs. Magician: Bermuda
16 jun 16
Produced by John Reis, 'Bermuda' is the second LP by Mrs. Magician, a band from San Diego that deliberately draws inspiration from 1960s rock and roll, with some influence from 1980s power pop and hints of Elephant 6 sound in the more experimental and psychedelic passages. The album is definitely very listenable and filled with catchy riffs and garage and surf rock sounds. It's quite 'poppy' and at times reminds me of some bands from the so-called neo-wave and post-2000 UK garage/pop scene. Honestly, it didn't excite me much, but of course, we are also talking about my personal musical preferences in listening.
Mugstar / The Cosmic Dead: Split 12''
File Audio I have it ★★★
Mugstar / The Cosmic Dead: Split 12''
16 jun 16
Split released in 2014 on 12'' between two of the most esteemed heavy-psych bands in the UK music scene, namely Mugstar and The Cosmic Dead. A meeting of two bands that, after all, have a lot in common and here alternately showcase their skills in the realms of space music and kraut psychedelia. The cover is nice, paying homage to that of 'Goo' by Sonic Youth, the famous one created by Raymond Pettibon of Black Flag and inspired by a photo from 1966 depicting Maureen Hindley and David Smith driving to testify against Myra Hindley and Ian Brady, the two serial killers of the infamous 'Moor Murders'.
Neil Young: Harvest
File Audio I have it ★★★★
Neil Young: Harvest Moon
10 jul 16
Considered by many to be Neil Young's masterpiece and the pinnacle of his lengthy career. An album that is at times monumental in its tones and arrangements ('A Man Needs A Maid' and 'There's a World', both recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra) and full of famous collaborations, including the inevitable Crosby, Stills & Nash; James Taylor ('Old Man') and Linda Ronstadt. It features some of Young's most famous tracks, including 'Heart of Gold', the very 'Old Man', 'Alabama', and the title track 'Harvest'. The fact that my favorite track from the bunch, besides the opening track 'Out On the Weekend', is 'Words (Between The Lines of Age)' probably explains why it's not my favorite episode in his discography. This album here is a milestone, and that's fine, but I can really feel the lack of the wild and tempestuous power of 'the horse'.
Niccolò Fabi: Una somma di piccole cose
File Audio I have it ★★★★
Niccolò Fabi: Una somma di piccole cose
25 jun 16
I had never listened to any of his solo work, but I had always looked favorably on this singer-songwriter. I listened to this album more out of curiosity than anything else, and I was very positively impressed, to the point that I consider it one of the best albums of more or less recent Italian singer-songwriter music that I have listened to lately. Some tracks made me think of the best episodes of Perturbazione ('Ha perso la città', 'Facciamo finta', 'Una mano sugli occhi'), while others inevitably refer back to the Italian singer-songwriter tradition and fundamental authors like De Gregori (I think of 'Vince chi molla'), but in reality, it all primarily comes from his own creativity, from 'Una somma di piccole cose' to 'Le cose non si mettono bene', 'Le chiavi di casa', and it's a sign of an artistic maturity that I think is now widely recognized.
  • sotomayor
    25 jun 16
    @[SleepTwitch], I believe you reviewed it back in the day: well, I finally listened to it and I liked it. Thanks for the tip. ;)
  • SleepTwitch
    25 jun 16
    "You're welcome!" Italianizations aside, I'm glad! ;)
  • sotomayor
    25 jun 16
    What do you mean by "italianizzazioni a parte"? :) Anyway, I don't remember right now, but how would you consider this album within its discography? A kind of summary, or can I expect other equally positive things from other albums?
  • SleepTwitch
    25 jun 16
    "Sei il benvenuto" is the Italianization of "You are welcome" =) Anyway, I have never listened to whole albums by Fabi, except for this one, but I can say that in his early days his singles were much more radio-friendly and POPular. For example this: at the time blew my mind with the use of verbs, considering that in that year (2000) one of the best-selling singles was "Vamos a bailar" by Paola e Chiara!!! ;)
  • sotomayor
    25 jun 16
    Sorry, I didn't get the comment. ;) Well, yes, I do know that song you linked, in fact, like some of her other more famous singles starting from the song about hair, which might have been the cause of an irreparable break between me and him due to my already emerging baldness at the time. I'll do some research on the web anyway.

    By the way, just the memory of 'Vamos a bailar' provokes immediate erections in me. But for that, I'd refer you to the review on the homepage by @[minogue83].
  • SleepTwitch
    25 jun 16
    Ahahahah... I should also delve into Fabi from 2000 onwards... the fact that it didn’t get much radio play was perhaps a sign of higher quality? We’ll find out only by listening! You’re probably confusing it with "Kamasutra," but their vision doesn’t evoke anything in me!
  • sotomayor
    25 jun 16
    Well, I was mostly referring to the visual impact made by the two amazing artists Paola&Chiara. Of course, 'Kamasutra' also had its function during those adolescent years. Clearly. The fact that their vision doesn’t stir anything in you helps you avoid doubts about your sexuality, consider it a big deal, at least you have a fixed point to hold on to. ;)

    I couldn’t tell you about the radio airplay. In general, I listened to the radio a lot during those years, especially in the morning in the bathroom, trying futilely to wake up before going to school; late at night, when I had to study because I hadn’t done anything all day. In the end, they always played the same stuff, and I found it more interesting to listen to discussions on things like Radio Radicale or Radio Maria; they had more psychedelic content.

    Aside from that, in general, I don't know, I'm not very interested today in individual songs or something like music videos. If I can, I go straight for an entire album, but that’s also because I listen to a lot of stuff, and if I don’t engage in repeated listening, practically nothing stays with me. I’m quite insensitive to a first listen, let’s say. Which isn’t a great thing, obviously.
  • SleepTwitch
    25 jun 16
    Ahahahah!!! I understand you... the first listen is problematic for me too! ("with a few significant exceptions" quote)
  • sotomayor
    25 jun 16
    But the thing is, I practically never listen to music just for the sake of it. I always do something else in the meantime, so I think it’s inevitable that it ends up this way. I envy those who can sit down and just listen to music. Just like those who sit down and smoke a cigarette, just like that. Those are people who really know what it means to enjoy life. Not me. Oh well.
Nicholas Stoller: Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
File Video Not intrested ★
Nicholas Stoller: Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
2 jul 16
Seth Rogen is really likable to me, and his presence pushes me to watch movies that I know from the start are completely pointless, like this one. Which is basically the sequel to 'Bad Neighbors' and has practically the same plot, with the difference being that here, instead of a 'fraternity,' the Radner couple will deal with a 'sisterhood.' Once again, the cast includes Rose Byrne and Zac Efron, along with another star of Hollywood, the charming Chloe Grace Moretz. I don’t know, I’m not suggesting you watch it; I must admit there are definitely better ways to turn off your brain.
Nicolas Winding Refn: The Neon Demon
Nastro Video I lack ★★★★
Nicolas Winding Refn: The Neon Demon
20 jun 16
In my opinion, it is a sort of ideal sequel to 'Only God Forgives,' even though the stories are obviously different. Both films somehow deal with innocence and how violence and horror, in all their possible forms, follow it almost naturally and consequentially. As if the two were necessarily two sides of the same coin. A successful psychological thriller, filled with scenes rich in symbolism, featuring the ever-brighter star Elle Fanning (with Keanu Reeves in the cast) in the lead role, and the music by Cliff Martinez, which is much more than just a true soundtrack, but which, in its essence, contributes substantially to the visionary and hallucinatory content of the film.
Nima Nourizadeh: American Ultra
File Video Not intrested ★
Nima Nourizadeh: American Ultra
3 jul 16
Film by Nima Nourizadeh that fits into the action comedy genre, written by John Landis's son, Max. The protagonist is Jesse Eisenberg, presented as a slacker who turns out to be a sort of 'killing machine' crafted by a secret CIA plan, unbeknownst to him. At times, it's a rather likable film (the cast also includes the always excellent John Leguizamo alongside Bill Pullman), but frankly, I found it too confusing and poorly directed. Nonetheless, it will appeal to all fans of the comic book genre, from which it borrows some elements and atmospheres.
Nina Hagen Band: Unbehagen
File Audio I have it ★
Nina Hagen Band: Unbehagen
7 jun 16
Second album of the Nina Hagen Band. An undoubtedly eccentric and peculiar artist, perhaps even ahead of her time compared to the names that would become more well-known in the realm of punk, particularly regarding the developments of a certain wave music in the eighties. The sound reflects her look and a specific Berlin aesthetic in the alternative scenes of that era and beyond: aggressive and chaotic, theatrical yet decadent. It’s not my genre, but aficionados of a certain wave might definitely find this album something intriguing.
  • sotomayor
    7 jun 16
    @[Psychopathia], I can't definitely say that it drove me crazy, and perhaps not even that I liked the album. But I thank you nonetheless for the suggestion and for helping me fill this gap. I definitely found her to be an interesting and unique artist, and maybe it's worth exploring further for the historical and cultural context.
  • Psychopathia
    7 jun 16
    I respect your preferences, as we already discussed. For me, the rating would be 3.5. Not so much to disagree with you, but to clarify that in the end, Nina Hagen is neither essential nor genius. However, I love certain sounds, and in a way, I also feed off records that, while not changing much, bring me a bit of joy in listening :)
  • sotomayor
    7 jun 16
    Nothing to say. As usual, my vote is purely subjective. The reflections on what an artist's qualities might be are something that can go beyond my personal preference. It's not essential or genius, and I agree with you, but as I wrote, it is definitely in some way eccentric and possesses great personality, that is evident. Your dissent could well be, but at this point, I would prefer to call it a dialogue. ;)
Oliver Stone: Savages
File Video Not intrested ★
Oliver Stone: Savages
8 may 16
The latest (for now) work by Oliver Stone, based on a novel by Don Winslow (who also wrote the screenplay), tells the story of a trio of young marijuana dealers in a beautiful Californian setting, who come into conflict with one of the biggest drug cartels from neighboring Mexico. Stone aims to strike the viewer with what can be considered very strong scenes of violence, interspersed with an erotic interest in the triangle formed by the three protagonists, Chon, Ben, and the beautiful O, but neither aspect particularly works. Perhaps the most interesting part is the plots that, in some way, still hold together, and the seemingly modest performance of a superb John Travolta, which is anything but that.

#brillantina #savages #oliverstone #sessoatre #droga
  • dynamitelover85
    9 may 16
    to write the review directly...?
  • sotomayor
    9 may 16
    I have to say that it wasn't a film whose themes interested me enough to want to review it. So I limited myself to a few lines, if only to give an idea to the readers and also to remind myself what it's about, since I practically forget everything. :)
Ondi Timoner: Dig!
File Video I lack ★★★
Ondi Timoner: Dig!
13 may 16
Documentary film by Ondi Timoner (awarded at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004) that chronicles over the years the trajectory of the Dandy Warhols and the Brian Jonestown Massacre of Anton Newcombe. The former's rise and achievement of significant results in terms of albums sold and audience are documented, while the latter is mostly portrayed as an eccentric and decadent figure, extreme in his behavior and self-destructive. The documentary has helped to give some notoriety to Anton's group, but he has often referred to 'Dig!' as garbage because, in practice, the content of the documentary deviates from the main reason, which is the music, to become in some way 'fiction'. The viewing experience is still suggested: we are still talking about an hour and a half to two hours in the company of two of the biggest bands of the last twenty-thirty years.

#levitation
Os Mutantes: Mutantes
File Audio I have it ★★★
Os Mutantes: Mutantes
15 jul 16
Less influenced by British psychedelia than the first album, 'Mutantes' is, on the other hand, much more kaleidoscopic ('Dom Quixote', 'Dois mile e um') and tropicalist. Os Mutantes reinforce their humorous approach and continue experimenting and mixing different genres. A kind of psychedelic cabaret, a theatrical performance in sound where you might hear the echo of the lucid madness in the writing of an artist like Donovan ('Nao va se perder por ai'), some evocative episodes like 'Fuga No. II', and good pop ballads like 'Qualquer bobagem', 'Caminhante noturna'. There's also their own personal revisitation of the Italian pop song 'Tintarella di Luna'. In the end, you may consider that there are too many things in this record, but while listening to it, you won't care at all, and that's simply because it works. That's the magic of the sound of this band.
Os Mutantes: Jardim Elétrico
File Audio I have it ★★
Os Mutantes: Jardim elétrico
16 jul 16
When 'Jardim Elétrico' was released (1971), the music world was changing. The dreamy and experimental sixties psychedelia era had practically come to an end and so Os Mutantes changed and evolved their sound. The album is much less experimental and unpredictable than the previous releases, sounding in a way more 'institutional', placing it in what could actually be defined as a pop-rock seventies genre category. 'Tecnicolor', 'Benvinda', 'Lady, Lady' are probably the best tracks of the album. 'Virginia' still carries the influence of the Sgt Pepper's Beatles, while 'Saravà' and the title track are essentially episodes of acid progressive music. The tropicalist background of the band remains here and there, for example in 'Baby', but we’re far from the crazy and kaleidoscopic psychedelia of the first two albums.
Os Mutantes: Os Mutantes
File Audio I have it ★★★★
Os Mutantes: Os Mutantes
10 jul 16
First album by the most influential Brazilian rock psychedelic music group. Part of the 'Tropicalia' movement and initially formed by the Baptista brothers and the charismatic Rita Lee, the album is from the very first notes ('Panis et circenses', 'A minha menina') a kaleidoscopic explosion that blends the typical colors of Brazilian music with the British psychedelia of the sixties, marked by the Beatles and Pink Floyd. The album continues with tracks where the balance sometimes leans towards a more tropicalist orientation ('Adeus Maria Fulo', 'Premier bonheur du jour') and other times more British, as in 'Baby' or 'Ave Genghis Khan,' which at times seems to come straight out of 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn' by Barrett and company. They fill a significant gap for me regarding both Brazilian music and the psychedelic sounds of the sixties.
  • sotomayor
    10 jul 16
    Little by little, I’m going to knock them all out, dear @[lector]. What can I say? As you can read from these few lines, I was very positively impressed. I have to say that, in particular, the opening with the first two tracks just floored me: simply fantastic. I had promised you a nice chunk in private, and as my mentor in musical matters, it’s up to you to pull me out of the shit too. :) Jokes aside, I’ll write you a couple of lines later.
  • sotomayor
    10 jul 16
    Anyway, I'm also tracking down the other two LPs with Rita Lee. From what you mentioned and what I've read around, after her departure, the band took a progressive turn that I don't think should interest me too much.
  • lector
    10 jul 16
    Yes, the first three are the essential ones.
Paul Burch: Meridian Rising
File Audio Not intrested ★
Paul Burch: Meridian Rising
13 apr 16
The album (twenty tracks) is an imaginary autobiography of the legendary James Charles 'Jimmie' Rodgers, also known as 'The Singing Brakeman,' 'The Blue Yodeler,' and 'Father of Country Music.' A somewhat seminal figure in terms of country and country folk. However, Rodgers died in 1933, he was white, and his sound was inevitably influenced by the reality of his times, and Paul Burch's attempt, viewed also through the autobiographical lens mentioned, does nothing but make this work outdated, unbearable, even irritating.
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