Music and Movie Talk #7
We’re on the verge of a slew of anticipated films getting their theatrical release, and I can’t wait. The spring hasn’t been as packed as I initially thought, but with June around the corner, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Side note, I’m disappointed the new Indiana Jones is getting lousy reviews–I’m a fan of the franchise and thought James Mangold would be a good fit. Regardless, we’re here to talk music and movies, so here are a few records and films I recommend.
Music
There have been a few records on my radar that I’ve been meaning to check out and haven’t had the time to give a proper listen. I suppose that’s a good thing instead of waiting around hoping for an excellent record (though that never happens, there are always good tunes).
Susanne Sundfør - Blómi
Genre - Singer-Songwriter
Release Date - 2023
Listen Here
I came across Blómi by Susanne Sundfør the other day, and my god, it’s a brilliant record. With Blómi, Sundfør effortlessly navigates different styles and emotions while maintaining her distinct artistic identity and weaving them into cohesive projects. Each track exudes a unique and powerful emotional essence that sets her apart from other folk and singer-songwriters.
I’m not super acquainted with Sundfør’s catalog, so I’m unsure if her records are this eclectic while containing some familiarity. It always amazes me when artists are this varied on a ten-track album. Regardless, Blómi has an overall bitter-sweet tone, crossing the threshes of optimism and peace.
I also love how the record begins with orð vǫlu, a surreptitiously recorded track that dives into the profound depths of existence, posing fundamental questions and thought-provoking answers. Whole record rocks. Check it out!
Bill Evans - Symbiosis
Genre - Jazz
Release Date - 1974
Listen Here
Bill Evans is up there for me on Mount Rushmore of jazz musicians. If you don’t know, Evans was an esteemed jazz pianist and composer renowned for his role as the leader of his own trio (listen to Portrait in Jazz).
His distinct style encompassed impressionist harmony, innovative interpretations of traditional jazz compositions, skillful implementation of block chords, and his trademark rhythmically independent and melodically expressive lines.
In Symbiosis—a much more challenging and dense listen than Evans's previous efforts—Evans features an orchestra arranged and conducted by Claus Ogerman. Marking the third orchestral album from the pair, the record is a remarkable equilibrium between meticulous composition and spontaneous improvisation, seamlessly blending the two elements.
Movies
There isn’t enough time to watch as many movies as I’d like. Hopefully, that’ll change sooner or later, with so many movies on my radar coming out soon.
Intimidation (1960)
Genre - Crime/Thriller
Director - Koreyoshi Kurahara
Writers - Osamu Kawase, Kyô Takigawa
Starring - Kô Nishimura, Nobuo Kaneko, Mari Shiraki
About - A bank manager is blackmailed into robbing his own bank.
Why You Should Watch
I was looking for a quick and easy film the other day, and Koreyoshi Kurahara’s 65-minute Noir Intimidation was right up my alley. It didn’t disappoint and was conveniently my first from Kurahara.
The film explores the interwoven destinies of a desperate bank manager, ensnared in a blackmail scheme due to his fraudulent activities, and his resentful yet timid subordinate, who was overlooked for a promotion.
This pocket-sized crime drama oozes a marvelous sense of moodiness and is stripped down to its core elements and meticulously paced for maximum impact. While it takes a bit to get going, it’s straight to the point and ends up being a good watch.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Genre - Comedy/Drama
Director - Amy Heckerling
Writer - Cameron Crowe
Starring - Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold
About - A group of Southern California high school students are enjoying their most important subjects: sex, drugs, and rock n' roll.
Why You Should Watch
Sometimes you have to turn your brain off and throw on a comedy you haven’t seen for whatever reason. I’ve meant to see Fast Times at Ridgemont High for years and finally had the chance the other night, and it rocked!
Fast Times at Ridgemont High focuses on a high school year experienced by Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner and their older friends Linda Barrett and Mike Damone. Other B-plots include the perpetual stoner surfer, Jeff Spicoli, as he clashes with his history teacher, Mr. Hand, and Stacy's older brother, Brad, a senior who works entry-level jobs to support his car and contemplates ending his two-year relationship with his girlfriend, Lisa.
It’s one of those films that’s great to look back on since it launched so many careers–Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Forest Whitaker, Nicolas Cage, and so many others.
Obviously, don’t go into the film expecting a dense character analysis or a more profound meaning other than goofy coming-of-age characters. If you can do that, you’ll have a blast.