Ahh…the Sight and Sound list of greatest films. I’m glad I don’t take those things seriously anymore. I do appreciate seeing the variety of critics’ lists because it challenges me to see movies I may not have come across on my own. Finally saw Vigo’s last film, L’Atalante, which I had confused with von Sternberg’s The Docks of New York. It’s hard to believe Vigo made a few masterpieces and was gone by 29.
Another one from the Sight and Sound list that I had been meaning to watch for years. Beautifully tragic love story in a style reminiscent of the big literary romances.
One of my favorite full-length poetry debuts this year. Frequently circles around ideas and images of family, loss, borders, violence, and love. It often reads like the persona is fractured or we’re getting a view like a compound eye or broken mirror that tells multiple sides at once. That’s an overall impression, the poems are not experimental in that way. Some evocative lines and images.
Horror Noire is one of my favorite documentaries and I was excited about checking out the author’s new work. I was expecting something academic, and this can be, but more than that–it’s hilarious. The humor threw me off at first because so much dialogue about race is serious and angry. Once I settled into the voice of the book, I could acknowledge the serious arguments they were making, while also cracking me up.
Chris Hendrix, an Alabama underground legend, just released a set of acoustic recordings made on a boom box. Great stuff. He looks at love and life and loss with a very pointed sense of humor.
Mississippi bizarro black metal from Vampiric Coffin.
A few folks had asked about some listening recommendations, so I started building some playlists as a way to do that and to keep listening to new music.
Check them out! Or not!
Yeah, these are on Tidal, which may be a nuisance for some, but they have a better record for paying artists. As always, it’s best to see live music and get some merch from the musicians or order from them directly.
Musicalia #1: Goodbye Bad Angel
I’m going on the naughty list with your Christmas Bonus this year. Some bad, maybe offensive, yuletide cheer. Obviously this list is not for everyone.
Musicalia #2: Season’s Beatings
Stephen McClurg 