Hello Internet! This is the first post of my new blog thing. I'm not sure why I made this - does the world really need to know what I think of things? Probably not. However I will tell everyone anyway.
Albums I Have Put into My iTunes Library Recently and My Opinion of Them
In order, first to last, since 01/02/2010.
Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Long overdue, this is a brilliant album, it isn't just synthy-dancey stuff, there is some real heart there and it comes through in songs like "Everybody But Me" and "Little Bit". The only problem was that it took me this long to get it.
The XX - XX
What can be said that hasn't already been gone over a thousand times? One of the best albums in ages, deviously sparse but quite brilliant songs with real atmosphere. They sound quite different from anyone else, you just wonder why everyone isn't making music like this.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Can guitars be both fuzzy and jangly? There is something quite old school about this album, rock but with influences of The Smiths plain to see, it can get a little samey but the brilliance is in the details, you have to really listen carefully to catch how good this is.
Errors - It's Not Something But It Is Like Whatever
I have to admit: when I first heard this album I didn't think that much of it. It all seemed too similar for my liking. But subsequent listens have proved me wrong, glitchy, synthy, angular guitars, fantastic hooks. Those crazy Errors have made a superb album. And their follow-up is out now, and is supposed to be pretty good as well.
Passion Pit - Manners
I don't think there is much in the way of what I call "depth" in this band. But they will get you dancing around like an embarrassing uncle at a wedding disco. You can't deny the power of the likes of "Little Secrets" and "Sleepyhead" to get you moving.
Doves - The Last Broadcast
I've said it before - why aren't Doves the biggest band in the UK? This is a fantastic album, full of atmosphere and depth - and let's not forget great tunes. I'm going to see these guys live in May - and I cannot wait.
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
This was my first ever Animal Collective purchase so I was a little nervous. But who am I to ignore widespread critical acclaim? This album is absolutely cracking, it is so different to anything else I have on my iPod - if acapella electro is a genre these guys are the best band in it.
Doves - Kingdom of Rust
Another Doves album? Yes. And it is even better. "Winter Hill" might be my new favourite song right now, and to go from that straight to "10:03" is a one-two punch of great music. This is a stunning album, now I just need to buy their entire back-catalogue.
Fever Ray - Fever Ray
Another album unlike any other I have heard. This is very atmospheric indeed, there is a thorough richness that almost transcends the electro genre it probably will be put into. Weird but wonderful.
The Walkmen - Bows + Arrows
I had "You & Me" and thought it was a very good album. Most people said it was their best, and this was their second best. I disagree. This is the better album out of the two I have. I'll admit that these guys aren't getting the widespread attention they deserve, but for now they are ours, so let's just appreciate them while they belong to us.
That concludes that section. Now onto another section.
Films I Have Watched Recently and My Opinion of Them
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
I know that you are thinking. But this is actually a funny, very odd film. There is a sort of 70s vibe to it and an authentic quirkiness that is is very hard not to like.
Annie Hall
There is a lot of talk about this film, being a "classic" and so on. I thought it was funny and it was certainly a good film. I'm just not sure about it being a classic. I know this makes me an oaf in the eyes of movie buffs but I am sorry. Good but not brilliant.
The Hurt Locker
I was surprised it won an Oscar so I thought I might as well watch it. The story is a little bit clichéd - maverick bomb disposal expert who doesn't play by anybody's rules, but his own. But you will soon forget that as it is a very good film. It might not become a classic but it is still a good film.
Fantastic Mr Fox
Yes the animation style is very good. You have to say that. But it wasn't that funny, and otherwise it didn't have that much more going for it. It isn't a bad film by any means, I guess you could say it was "okay".
Amelie
I've been saving this one up. I think it might be the best film I have ever seen. Funny, irresistibly charming it is just a fantastic film. It spoke to me about certain things too, that sense of being afraid to strive for what you love. It leaves you with a warm feeling like anything is possible, and if you don't finish the film with an enormous smile on your face then there must be something seriously wrong with you.
Crazy Heart
The Bridgemeister could do with a role to make you forget he was The Dude. (Not that I hated that film, it's just he deserves something more substantial to go at the top of his CV) I think this was a very good film with some very good performances. It won't be a classic but it is well worth a watch.
The Men Who Stare at Goats
Yeah it was okay. Some respected actors get to ham it up a bit, otherwise it wasn't the funniest film I have ever seen, if you make an out-and-out comedy you don't leave much else for the audience to attach themselves to, this one was just okay, nothing special.
Micmacs
From the people behind Amelie, so there was some expectation there. It was funny and quirky - like I expected. However it can't reach the heights of Amelie. On the other hand it deals with some unsavoury topics in an approachable and funny way. I would say this is a good film and worth seeing.
Cemetery Junction
I knew before I went to this that it wouldn't be a riotous, all-out comedy. But I wasn't prepared for how good it was. It was charming and funny, I think it also struck a chord with me in the same way Amelie did. Trying to get away, finding yourself disillusioned with the cynical character of the culture around you. Simply put: watch it.
The Godfather
Another long-overdue watch I don't think I can add to the years of praise for this film. Just utterly fantastic. It has now been crossed off my list of films I need to see, and in case you were wondering yes this is a real list.
Goodfellas
A very good film indeed, again I don't think I can really add to the debate.
Casino
Another very good film. Is it me or is Joe Pesci always playing a violent bastard? Anyway a great film.
And finally my list of films I need to watch is along the side.
That's all for now, I'll think of other stuff later.
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