The Filtered Excellence: April 11, 2013

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Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Here are this weeks picks of what to WATCH, what to DO what to TRY what to READ what to LISTEN TO and more:

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WATCH THIS:

To The Wonder.   Written and directed by Terrence Malick, it expands on themes that are constant in his films: the search for happiness, the meaning of life and, of course, love. Ben Affleck, Olga Kurylenko and Javier Bardem lead a solid cast and, as with every Malick film, To The Wonder looks absolutely stunning. After taking up to 20 years between films, Malick seems to be hell bent on making up for lost time: This is 2nd film in less than two years. Let’s hope this creative burst continues. A much welcome diversion from the onslaught of CGI-driven flicks. To The Wonder opens this Friday.

Which Way is the Frontline From Here: The Life and Times of Tim Hetherington.  Directed by Sebastian Junger. Shortly after the release of his documentary Restrepo, photographer Tim Hetherington was killed in Libya. Colleague and filmmaker Sebastian Junger traces Hetherington’s work across the world’s battlefields. It’s an incredible story, a deeply personal journey and an absolute must see. Debuts on HBO on Thursday April 18th at 8pm.

Louie CK: Oh My God. Louis CK comes back for his fourth HBO comedy special. We love Louie, and with his FX show on a break, the timing is perfect. The Grammy and 3 time Emmy winner taped the new special with a live audience in Phoenix, Arizona. Watch Saturday April 13th at 10pm or on HBO On Demand starting April 14th.

No Place on Earth, a documentary by Janet Tobias. In October 1942, Esther Stermer, the matriarch of a Jewish family in the Ukraine, leads her family underground to hide from the pursuing Nazis – and stays nearly a year and a half. Their harrowing story of survival living in near total darkness in two cold, damp caves is one like no other ever told. We haven’t seen this one yet, but it’s on our short list of movies to check out this week.

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LISTEN TO THIS:

The Terror, by The Flaming Lips.   Throughout their log and storied career, the Flaming Lips have always felt comfortable experimenting with their sound. As a result, styles and subject matter vary wildly from release to release. At best these experiments breed masterworks (The Soft Bulletin, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots) or challenge the way we listen to music (1997’s Zaireeka was a 4 CD set in which all four discs were intended to be played simultaneously). At worst, they are at least very compelling and interesting (the 24 hour song and last year’s collaborative Heady Fwends release). Early word on the Lips’ latest The Terror was that the band had changed directions again and were releasing a set of songs that were the bleakest of their career. Whether this turned out to be another noble experiment or something more remained to be seen. Having heard it now, it’s no exaggeration to call this album bleak. It’s also, droning, haunting, machine-like and hypnotic. At least partially fueled by frontman Wayne Coyne’s split with his longtime companion, It could very well serve as the soundtrack for cinematic post-apocalyptic world. And yeah, it’s pretty good too. If you go into it expecting something that sounds like something the Lips have already done, you’ll be disappointed. It’s a difficult record. to be sure, but if you give it the effort and take it all in, you’ll be rewarded.

Nomad by Bombino. Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys produced this killer set by this internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter-guitarist from Agadez, Niger. While the music of his native land dominate, Western influences (he was heavily inspired by Hendrix and Mark Knopfler) can clearly be heard as well. Lyrically, Bombino addresses the constant tensions that run through the regions adding a sense of urgency that hasn’t been heard in any form of music for quite some time. Auerbach – who is making quite the name for himself as a producer – keeps the production crisp and sharp with an emphasis on Bombino’s crisp guitar work and vocals. Solid album all around. Nomad by Bombino is available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major music outlets.

Inspiration Information/Wings Of Love by Shuggie Otis. Shuggie Otis is one of the greatest enigmas in music. The son of legendary musician/bandleader Johnny Otis, Shuggie played in his dad’s band, jammed with Frank Zappa, and released two albums before he was old enough to vote. Shuggie also received serious offers from The Stones, Bowie, Buddy Miles, and Blood, Sweat & Tears, to join their bands. Shuggie also wrote ‘Strawberry Letter 23’, which became a huge hit for The Brothers Johnson, was featured in the film, Jackie Brown, and sampled on a number of hip hop and R&B jams. His third album, Inspiration Information was not a hit upon its release, but with its dreamlike lyrics and D.I.Y production inspired a legion of musicians including Prince and Lenny Kravitz. With the exception of a 2002 reissue by David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label, Inspiration Information has been sought after by collectors for years. Sony/Legacy has re-issued Inspiration Information, complete with bonus tracks, extensive production and liner notes. As a bonus, there’s a second disc, called Wings Of Love, which includes nearly an hour’s worth of unreleased material that the reclusive musician recorded between 1975 and 2000. Both discs are extraordinary and puts Shuggie Otis in his proper place as one of the most talented musicians of all time. Inspiration Information/Wings Of Love will be released on Amazon, Itunes and all music digital outlets on April 16th.

Wakin on a Pretty Daze, the new album by Kurt Vile (released April 9, 2013).  Philadelphia’s own Kurt Vile’s fifth release is perfectly named. The new album’s title and opening title track, Wakin on a Pretty Daze, is so reflective of the mood of the entire work: fuzzy, dreamy, thoughtful. It’s just the kind of record to put on, lying in bed watching dust particles floating in beams of light. Maybe you’re baked, who knows. This would be a good time for it- Vile’s follow-up to 2011’s well-received Smoke Ring for My Halo is eleven tracks of introspective, poetic lyrics, guitar and melody. Wakin on a Pretty Daze showcases some of his best to date.

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DO THIS:

New York City, New York: Buster Poindexter @ The Cutting Room. The martini drinking alter ego of David Johansen makes his return after an extended hiatus. Expect a heavy mix of old school R&B, jazz, lounge, calypso, jump blues, and re-worked Johansen originals. In other words, get ready to party! Buster Poindexter will be at The Cutting Room every Tuesday night from 4/16 through May 7th.

New York City, New York:  Midnight Moment: The Power of Words – Nelson Mandela Tribute. “The Power of Words” presentation in Times Square is a tribute to the words of Nelson Mandela in honor of his 95th birthday. The visual presentation plays on 16 giant screens in the Crossroads to the World every night starting at 11:57 for 3 minutes until midnight.  Nelson Mandela’s speeches and quotes explode across the screens in a dazzling display in this short film tribute.   Now through the end of April, every night at 11:57pm.

Los Angeles, California: Light Up The Blues Concert: An Evening of Music to Benefit Autism Speaks. It’s an all-star night of music to benefit Autism Speaks. The evening is headlined by Crosby, Stills and Nash and includes performances by Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, Rickie Lee Jones, Don Felder, Chris Stills, The Miracle Project Fly Singers plus other surprise guests. The night will be emceed by Jack Black. Tickets are still available. Saturday, April 13th – 7:30pm start. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Boston: Galatic Funk.  Brassy, dirty, energetic Galactic is a New Orleans based funk band at heart. Ceaselessly exploring the interconnections of NOLA music they’ll be touring against their latest album Carnivale Electricos which continues this tradition to find where Carnivale and Mardi Gras meet. Only for their northeast dates this Friday and Saturday in Boston and New York City they will be joined by Toots and The Maytals.

 

The Editor

The Editor