New music to listen to in 2013

2013 is expected to provide many quality albums, especially in the rock genre, as new Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, Kings of Leon, Vampire Weekend and others are apparently releasing new albums. Dance and hip hop are still growing, with new, innovative artists making these two types of music even more popular in charts, for both customers and critics, and different mixes of genres are constantly surprising the audiences all over. Like it or not, you and me have to start listening to it, and more than that- I, for one, plan to give anyone (well, most of them) a shot, no matter the artist or genre.

Looking at the list of upcoming music albums, I would recommend, or better say, am willing to listen to the following:

*TBD- to be determined, release date unknown


Alunageorge- Body Music (June)
While compiling this list, I decided to finally give a listen to a band I've been hearing so much about, but never tried: Alunageorge. The duo's first single, released in 2011, You Know You Love It, is currently on repeat on my playlist and I am now eagerly anticipating their album in June. Their sound can be described as a mix of pop, with a little bit of R'n B, courtesy of the great vocals from Aluna, and some dance beats, made by George. Please give You Know You Love It a listen and decide for yourself if it's catchy or not and worth a listen in the future.

Arcade Fire- TBD
An indie favorite, Arcade Fire is apparently releasing a new album later this year and I can't wait for it. Previous favorites: Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) and The Suburbs

Arctic Monkeys- TBD
Considering they have already been announced to be headliners for at least two festivals this summer (Opener in Poland, and Benicassim in Spain), I think it's safe to say we can expect new material from them. Loved by many all around the world, but idolized in the UK, the band is sure to make their new album a no.1 and I am also eager to hear it. Never heard them and want to give it a try? Listen to "You look good on the dancefloor" and "R U mine?"

Bastille- Pompeii- 24th February
New on the UK indie market, this band is patiently ascending the charts, with their sensible and catchy tunes, a mix of dance and rock. Personal favorites: "Flaws", "Overjoyed", "Bad blood"

David Bowie- The Next Day (March)

The world exploded when mister Bowie announce, on his birthday in January, that he would be releasing new songs and an album soon. Most artists, as they grow old, they somehow loose their magic, so I am curious to hear his new record.  

Daughter- If you leave- 18th March
The British band is slowly conquering the music industry in UK with its haunting songs, and I am right there to support them. Give them a listen, they're quite interesting. 

HAIM- TBD (Spring)

A trio of sisters, playing 80s type of dance/alternative music with a trio of guitars. At first I thought they were too hipster for my taste, but I quite like them now. Try "Forever" and "Don't save me" before downloading the album

 

Kings of Leon- TBD
The "Sex on fire" band, just as Arctic Monkeys, is currently booked for several music festivals this summer, so new material is expected and I, the lover of "Use Somebody" and several others from the "Only by the night" album, will definitely give it a try. Will you?

Major Lazer- Free the universe- 19th of February
Ever since I heard their new single, Get Free, at the end of last year, I've been hooked on them. It's a cool mix of reggae, dance and something else, and their songs are quite different, not to mention the fact that it is a visual project, as well. Worth a listen, especially to Get Free, if you like soul, r'n b or reggae.

Noah & The whale- TBD (Spring)
I don't know much about this band, except a couple of songs, but it is catchy pop-indie, and I usually like to listen to stuff like this when I need a pick-me-up! I'll be checking out their new songs!

Tom Odell- Long way down- 15th April
Tom is pretty fresh out of the UK music scene, but he just won the Critics choice awards at the Brits and was nominated for the BBC sound of 2013, so I am expecting big things from him. The sweet and simple singer won my heart with "Another love" and for that song, I will definitely buy his album in April.

That's it from me for now!

What are you looking forward to listening to in 2013? Any favorites releasing an album? Let me know in the comments!

Submarine [2010]

Written and directed by Richard Ayoade, Submarine is a film based on a novel by Joe Dunthorne, about the trials and tribulations of a young man who has to deal with love and parental issues. It's a rather dark movie, that deals with depression, fear, death, separation and loneliness, but it somehow shines because of its actors' performance, the sweet, awkward vibe of it and the beautiful way it treats the delicate themes.

Oliver Tate, wonderfully played by Craig Roberts is a shy, introvert 15-year old who is in love with Jordana, a fellow classmate. After he finally conquers her heart and begins dating her, problems in the family start arising, as a former flame of his mother stirs up trouble in the couple's life. We witness a series of funny, but also sad and miserable scenes in which Oliver tries to cope and fix all of the problems the best way a young boy can. Split into three parts, the last one, representing the show down, is the most interesting one, as his desperation on New Year's Eve night to find his mother and "save her" shows us the most emotion we've ever seen him display, and it is moving and unsettling to see.

Although the overall feeling is a dark and deep one, there are several scenes that are awkwardly sweet and funny: the imagining of his funeral, the first conversation he has with his father about love and relationships, his preparation for Thursday night lovemaking, or his desperate act of revenge against the man. As dark and secluded Oliver is, we still care and sympathise with him, and so viewers are constantly rooting for his happiness and success in resolving his problems.

One of the things that made me love and fondly remember this movie are the characters, which are created and portrayed in such an unusual, yet very appealing and entertaining way: from his adorable mother played by the genius Sally Hawkins, to the crazy Graham Purvis (Paddy Considine, with the coolest haircut ever), and his often annoying, but in the end, sad and misunderstood girlfriend, Jordana, all have a certain something that distinguishes them from all typical characters you see in comedies or drama, and I really appreciated that.

Another strong point is the music, as all the song were written and performed by Alex Turner, of Arctic Monkeys fame. I think the soundtrack definitely improved the overall atmosphere and feel of the movie, especially in some parts, like the scene where Oliver reads Jordana's letter, puts his father cassette on and lies on the bed, as it crumbles, with the voice of Alex Turner on the background.

Submarine is a rather typical British movie- dramatic, sometimes a little bit bleak, but with a quirky sense of humour and mountains of talent and quality of filmmaking. Although it ended on a high note, I still found it to be at times depressing and dark. Still, Submarine is a good movie that I recommend!

P.S. If you liked Moonrise Kingdom and its style and humour, I think you will enjoy this, as well- I found a lot of similarities between these two, but maybe I'm wrong.

P.S.2. Ben Stiller, wtf?

Searching for Sugar Man [2012]

Yesterday, in an attempt to escape my overly quiet campus and the pending dissertation that is breathing down my neck, I went out in town for a coffee, some magazines and a movie. I saw Searching for Sugar Man, a documentary I've been meaning to see for a long time. I chose Curzon Soho because of its location, and it was a great experience, of high quality, but damn, was it expensive, I'm not going there anytime soon.

Anyway, the movie, written and directed by Malik Bendjelloul, tells the story of Rodriguez, an unknown Detroit artist who recorded two albums at the beginning of the 70s, that were basically invisible to the American industry, but had a huge success in South Africa. Two locals, intrigued by the mystery of a man who they knew nothing about, but loved his music, decide to solve the problem by tracking down the money and find out the real story of Sixto Rodriguez, the South African musical hero.

I won't spoil everything, but I will say it was a nice, but bittersweet journey. The whole movie takes you through a whirlwind of emotions and stories: from the beginning of his career, when producers would consider him to be a genius, to the inexplicable downfall, to his resurrection in the southern hemisphere, the inside view of a man who changed a nation without even knowing and the sad truth of music industry and where it can get you. It goes up, then down, it gives you goosebumps, it makes you smile, and it entertains you with a wonderful soundtrack.

This leads to a very important part of the documentary- the music. At a first listen, you immediately think "Bob Dylan" and the similarities are definitely there- same grave voice, some beautiful lyrics, same style, but Rodriguez shines somehow through his songs and their own simplicity and beauty, sometimes even better and commercial than the folk idol. I really do encourage you to give it a listen, even if you don't see the movie. Try "Sugar man", "I wonder" or "Can't get away"- very relaxing, smooth and rhythmic songs.

Searching for Sugar Man is one of the best documentaries I've seen recently- I recommend it to any music lovers out there. It has a perfect balance of emotion, passion and entertainment, mixed in a rather interesting way. You should see it if you have the chance!