Right Side of the Brian…
"I have less gray on this side."Check out “We Need To Talk About Kevin”…
Based on the bestselling book by Lionel Shriver, Lynne Ramsay’s “We Need To Talk About Kevin” is a psychological thriller of the worst kind as it explores the tenuous relationship between a mother and her son.
Tilda Swinton, in what’s being called her bravest performance yet, plays Kevin’s mother, contending with 15 years of increasing malevolence from her first-born child, Kevin. Played by the frighteningly psychotic Ezra Miller, the films explores the sweeping concept of nature vs. nurture as a mother’s own blame is measured against a son’s innate evilness.
All of which leads up to a horrifying school massacre that occurs by Kevin’s hand…
Uncomfortable. Thought-provoking. Frightening.
“We Need To Talk About Kevin” is in select theaters now…
-B
Rejoice! Goldfrapp is releasing a singles collection… and a few new singles!
Back in early December, Alison Goldfrapp sent the Twitterverse into a frenzy by announcing the release of a singles collection, which would include two new songs. That same week, they released the new single “Yellow Halo” and the homemade video, completely shot on an iPhone:
It’s a solid track, pulsing and ethereal, but unfortunately, ultimately forgettable. This week, a second track, “Melancholy Sky” was released and it is everything you’d wish for in a Goldfrapp single. A slow-burning, somewhat abstract song that builds on itself with each verse. A fitting homage to everything that’s come before — most reminiscent of “Felt Mountain” and “Seventh Tree“.
Here, have a listen:
The Singles Collection comes out on the 6th of February and features the following tracks:
- “Ooh La La”
- “Number 1″
- “Strict Machine” (Single Mix)
- “Lovely Head”
- “Utopia (Genetically Enriched)”
- “A&E”
- “Happiness”
- “Train”
- “Ride a White Horse” (Single Version)
- “Rocket”
- “Believer”
- “Black Cherry”
- “Yellow Halo”
- “Melancholy Sky”
A very nice look back at their amazing career thus far, and the range of musical styles they’ve explored…
-B
NEW MOVIE ALERT: “One For The Money”
In theaters this weekend, “One For The Money” is going to be a light and frothy detective comedy based on the bestselling mystery series by Janet Evanovich.
(Imagine Erin Brockovich as a crime-fighting detective.)
Check it out…
-B
17 minutes of unadulterated bliss featuring Kylie Minogue…
Speaking of anniversaries, let’s talk a little about this piece of genius celebrating 25 years of Kylie Minogue’s greatest video moments. The first eight minutes are quite dodgy as Kylie tries to figure herself out; the next seven and a half are like a magnificent pop explosion as she really hits her stride; and disappointingly, the last minute and a half is a senseless add-on of side projects that shouldn’t have been mentioned.
All in all, this just makes me want to fall into some sort of shame spiral that involves listening to all her albums 24/7…
So, 25 years of Kylie, huh?
That sure is a lot of pop music. To officially celebrate all that amazingness, Miss Minogue is currently putting the finishing touches on a new compilation album that features re-worked versions of hits to coincide with the anniversary of the release of her debut single “Loco-Motion“. As a teaser, she has released this video for “Finer Feelings”, recorded at Abbey Road Studios at the end of 2011.
Details are sparse on the release of the album, so keep watch for future updates. For now, enjoy this fun retrospective and try not to spend the entire weekend in a Kylie-induced musical coma…
-B
Happy second anniversary RSotB!
Photo © Jeff Dean
As it happens, the 25th of January marks the second anniversary of Right Side of the Brian.
Happy Anniversary, you old cow…
Just two short years ago, I posted my first official piece; thoughts on a day spent at the movies. One of the films I saw that day, “A Single Man” starring Colin Firth, was the catalyst for this blogosphere adventure. And just a year later, I saw another film starring Firth – ”King’s Speech” — which I subsequently recorded my thoughts on as well. At the time, I joked that I hoped Mr. Firth would have a new movie for me to review within the next year.
So as I close in on this second anniversary, I have to laugh to myself because as luck would have it, my “wish” has come true. With this anniversary post, I have some thoughts to share with you on Firth’s latest turn as a man of mystery in “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy“.
Simply put — it’s an utterly fantastic movie. And although Colin Firth isn’t the leading man this time around, for the third year in a row, I have him around to celebrate the anniversary with.
Well, at least here in the blogosphere… 
-B
NEW ARTIST ALERT: Ed Sheeran presents “+”…
Ed Sheeran. The UK’s answer to Jason Mraz, just not as hippy-drippy and annoying.
The 20 year-old beat-boxing wunderkind certainly knows his way around a big pop hook. His songwriting skills are a bit sharper than Mraz‘s, although his acoustic, earthy sound isn’t anything you haven’t heard before. Mr. Clever recently landed Rupert Grint himself to play Sheeran in his latest video, “Lego House“, which ends up being… well, pretty cleverly done.
Have a look.
Not too bad, right? ”+” is out now, available digitally and on disc.
Check him out…
-B
NEW MOVIE ALERT: “Friends With Kids”…
Recognize these familiar faces? Yeah I did too because it’s practically the cast of “Bridesmaids“. But who cares, this looks hilarious.
Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive, so sign me up…
“Friends With Kids” is in theaters on the 9th of March.
-B
The lost art of judging someone else’s grammar usage…
In this age of texting, emailing and smiley faces, this book celebrates the lost art of proper grammar — and judging those who use it incorrectly. I spotted this over the holiday season and found myself huddled in the corner of my local independent bookstore laughing myself silly.
If you like a good laugh over someone else’s mistake, have a look at Sharon Eliza Nichols’ hilarious photo collection “I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar“.
Amazing…
-B
NEW ARTIST ALERT: Prepare yourself for Azealia Banks…
This woman is CRAZY.
No, seriously.
After showing up on almost every “new sound of 2012″ list possibly known to man (or wo-man), Azealia Banks is most likely going to be everywhere this year. By mixing together the pluck and fire of Nicki Minaj, the infectious playfulness of Rihanna, and a healthy dose of ironic hipster tendencies, you find yourself with the very volatile combination of an up-and-coming artist…
Just don’t look this one right in the eye.
While we all eagerly await her debut album, chew on her first single, “212“. Warning: This is not for the faint of heart…
-B
R.I.P. Miss Etta James…
January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012
There was no like her.
And there never will be again.
-B
Check out Steven Soderbergh’s “Haywire” this weekend…
Well, it’s slim pickins’ at the movies this weekend. Not a lot of big openings, with the exception of Steven Soderbergh‘s action-thriller “Haywire“. Currently has 82% freshness on Rotten Tomatoes, so it can’t be all that bad…
If you’re looking for something to see over the weekend, check this one out.
-B
NEW MOVIE ALERT: “Prometheus”
…and queue the summer blockbluster trailers.
Check out the new sci-fi action thriller “Prometheus” from acclaimed “Aliens” director Ridley Scott:
Whoa. In theaters on the 8th of June…
-B
Totally stuck on KIMBRA…
One of my dearest friends (and music simpatico), MikulaThanYou recommended KIMBRA to me last week and I’ve been bordering on obsessed ever since. Her three singles have been in HEAVY rotation, so I feel compelled to share them with you now:
The pulsing “Settle Down”…
…the playful “Cameo Lover”…
…and the slow-burning “Good Intent”.
Hailing from New Zealand, KIMBRA is clearly adept at creating both evocative music and eye-popping visuals, as her debut album, “Vows” is a genre-bending affair. The infectious nature of each song makes it hard to resist as she effectively moves from bubblegum pop to doo-wop to soulful lounge lizard. All the while, a definitive thread of quirkiness is woven throughout the entire album, making it just left of the mainstream market — a place I have an unquenchable fondness for.
When pushed, I’d say she’s a cozy combination of Sia, Róisín Murphy, and Robyn. Instead of trying to mentally visualize that, just watch her videos. And proceed to fall hopelessly in love with her as I have!
“Vows” is available now in New Zealand and her EP “Settle Down“ has just been released here stateside. Check her out…
-B
February’s Book Discussion Pick
Personally, I’ve always felt that Patti Smith sounded like a dying horse when she sang. But as an artist, poet and lyricist, I’ve always had respect for her ability to turn a phrase or cut to the heart of the matter with her words. When a friend picked her biography, “Just Kids” for our book discussion next month, I was excited to delve into her early life and relationship with controversial photographer, Robert Mapplethorpe.
I’m a few pages into it and I can feel myself falling into the story already…
I’ll let you know how it all turns out. In the meantime, if you’re interested in reading along this month, I’d highly recommend that you add this to your queue.
-B
NEW MOVIE ALERT: Murakami’s “Norwegian Wood”
I love reading the epic, yet very strange novels of Haruki Murakami. They tend to read like trippy and sophisticated movies in my head. Now acclaimed filmmaker, Tran Anh Hung has brought Murakami’s bestselling “Norwegian Wood” to the big screen. Set primarily in the 1960′s, the story revolves around Toru Watanabe as he develops relationships with his best friend who eventually commits suicide, and the two women he falls in love with after that.
Have a look at the trailer.
Love, loss and nostalgia — three words I hear associated with this story quite often. Powerful.
The film is in select theaters now. Check it out…
-B
Rumer’s “Seasons of My Soul”
I’ll be totally upfront with you — I’ve completely fallen in love with Rumer.
Easy, soft, and so melodic — an air of Karen Carpenter mixed with Burt Bachurach. Her lazy-day vocals are refreshingly clear in an industry filled with so much noise. Have a listen to her first single, “Slow“…
Who doesn’t want to sing about love after listening to that?
Her album “Seasons of My Soul” is out now, available on CD or digitally.
Check her out…
-B
NEW DVD ALERT: The first season of “Boardwalk Empire”…
The first season of HBO’s hit “Boardwalk Empire” is out now. Available on DVD or digitally. Definitely recommend this one…
-B
Gather around folks because “The Hobbit” trailer has arrived…
I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to take a trip to the Misty Mountains now! J.R.R. Tolkein‘s prelude to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy will arrive in theaters next December. Directed by Peter Jackson and featuring faces new and old, this is sure to be an epic adventure…
-B
This week’s “Friday Five”…
Here are five songs that I’m really loving this week…
1. Coldplay – “Paradise” (from “Mylo Oxyloto“)
2. Jessie J. – “Domino” (from “Who You Are“)
3. Bon Iver – Holocene (from “Bon Iver“)
4. Amy Winehouse – “Like Smoke” (from “Lioness“)
5. Rihanna – “We Found Love” (from “Talk That Talk“)
A mix for the weekend. Enjoy…
-B
Brian Gibstein
Margot Appleton
Lizzy Mayhem
dagor23
