Songs To Kick Off The New Year

Review By: Sean Kayden

Young The Giant – "Crystallized" – After three years, Southern California natives Young The Giant are returning with their sophomore effort, “Mind Over Matter.” The album will be released on January 21^st via Fueled By Ramen. One of the first singles is “Crystallized.” It packs delicate vocals, fervent melodies and huge hooks. The love song is the ideal summer night jam that just happens to be coming out in the winter. No matter what season it is, “Crystallized,” is sure to comfort anyone feeling lovesick.

Bad Suns – "Cardiac Arrest" – Another SoCal band making the list are Bad Suns. The group is preparing to release their first EP, “Transpose” later this month. “Cardiac Arrest” is pure fun from this new pop-rock bursting onto the scene. Frontman Christo Bowman sings with conviction and fervor. While “Cardiac Arrest” isn’t reinventing any genre, the song is incredibly catchy and infectiously addicting to keep on repeat. With bands like Capital Cities and Youngblood Hawke increasingly becoming popular, Bad Suns and their similar sound should be able to find much success with their 4-song EP. “Cardiac Arrest” is simply fun pop rock and sometimes simple and straightforward isn’t half bad. “Transpose EP” will be released on January 21^st through Vagrant Records.

New Desert Blues – "Zachary" – New Desert Blues is another newcomer hailing from the county of Whiteley located in Hampshire. The indie band evokes an American folk resonance. New Desert Blues actually dubbed themselves “noir Americana.” Whatever you want to call it, it’s great stuff.  “Zachary” is a subtle, alternative-rock-country track that is invigorating from a band from England. While most bands hailing from there these days sound exactly the same, New Desert Blues seemed to be more influenced with the western civilization. Their guitars soar, the harmonies are ethereal and the vocals shine throughout. Despite only releasing a 4-track EP entitled “Devil’s Rope” on January 21^st through Whiteley Records, the band’s potential will have everyone anticipating their full-length record.

The War on Drugs – "Red Eyes" – The most seasoned group on the list, The War On Drugs should have a huge year. Their fourth record, “Lost In the Dream” features “Red Eyes” a rolling rock gem that ignites the likes of Springsteen and company. This is good old fashion rock without the gimmicky electronics and tweaked vocals that’s all the rage these days.  It’s raw and serious. “Red Eyes” is just shy of five minutes, but it could have been longer and I wouldn’t have mind. It’s dreamy rock with the signature sound from The War On Drugs that I can stand behind. The band is one of the more original bands out there playing today. If “Red Eyes” is any indication of how the entire record may sound, we just might have an early contender for album of the year. “Lost In The Dream” hits shelves March 18^th via Secretly Canadian.

My Five Favorite Films of 2013

Review By: Sean Kayden

5. Fruitvale Station - On Jan 1^st, 2009, in the wee hours of the night, tragedy struck Oakland that would forever change a city. Oscar Grant, 22 year-old African American, was shamelessly shot and killed by a transit police officer at the BART train station. “Fruitvale Station” is the film based on the last day of Grant’s life. You already know the outcome, but “Fruitvale Station’s” retelling of an ordinary man trying to do well will move you and ultimately, leave you shattered. Actor Michael B. Jordan gives a subtle yet stirring performance as Oscar. The film follows Grant as he tries to navigate through his laborious day. Everyone who comes across Oscar’s radiant personality is somehow, some way moved by him. He isn’t a thug. He isn’t a bad human being. He’s made mistakes that he’s paid the price for. Oscar is genuinely trying to improve himself for those who continually lift him up. “Fruitvale Station” is an undeniably small movie that tells a larger story of a man’s life unexpectedly coming to an end for really no good reason other than the misguided intentions of particular police officers’ definition of “protect and serve.” Since the audience is already aware of what happens in the end, the results are a little less painful, but nonetheless heartrending. While the movie surely isn’t for everyone and doesn’t scream typical summer escapism, “Fruitvale Station” stands tall as the one of the most important films of 2013.

4. Dallas Buyers Club - McConaughey stars as Ron Woodruff, an electrician by day, a rodeo riding, drug taking, and woman loving homophobic man by night. Bigoted and selfish, Ron’s life takes a dark turn after he collapses one evening at home. Shocked to hear he’s been diagnosed with HIV and has a mere 30 days left to live, Ron doesn’t come to terms that he actually has the disease.  After a night of binge drinking and drug use, Ron doesn’t feel the same. He starts to look into the causes of HIV and discovers you can contract it from other things aside from homosexuality. His world turns upside. McConaughey, weighing in at 135lbs, gives what should be hailed as not only his finest performance, but also one of the best of the year. While the film could have easily been an utter downer, director Jean-Marc Vallée finds dynamic wit and humor in the grimmest situations. McConaughey gives a fearless performance and Jared Leto’s presentation, while subtle, is intriguing and delicate. “Dallas Buyers Club” hits you hard in some scenes, but it never desperately tries to tug on the strings of one’s heart. However, you will feel something though Woodruff’s plight. It’s refreshingly straightforward with a pair of brave, unconventional performances that place them among the very best of the year. What “Dallas Buyers Club” is sellin’ is worth buyin’.

3. The Spectacular Now - Writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber crafted a joyously heartfelt, wryly humorous, endearingly sweet coming of age tale that embodies the teenage human spirit. Director James Ponsoldt brings a deep sensitivity to the film. “The Spectacular Now” on the surface appears to be another coming of age, puppy love story, but it’s so much deeper than merely just that. In fact, it tackles a considerably darker theme that enfolds greatly in the third act. The film is a rare depiction on screen of two 18 year-old high school seniors that look and feel like real human beings. Sutter and Aimee’s relationship doesn’t seem manufactured. The mistakes they make feel authentic and they’re hell of a lot more confident on the outside than on the inside. Their story unfolds naturally and there’s so much beauty on display. It doesn’t rely on nostalgia or any artificial beats. This is a truly stunning portrait of what it’s like to be the youngest you’ll ever be. When you’re on the cusp of a new chapter in life, filled with both promise and uncertainty. “The Spectacular Now” will have you remembering what it was like to be young, free, and carrying much needed momentum. It also reassures you that all that can be gone in a heartbeat. Wherever you are in life, don’t forget that living in the now will prepare you in living for tomorrow, for better or worse that is.

2. The Wolf of Wall Street – Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese once again team up to make the most entertaining and high-energy film of the year. DiCaprio stars as real life stockbroker, Jordan Belfort, who ultimately throws away everything for his obsession with money, drugs, and power. The film, which is definitely a black comedy, is three hours of pure adrenaline. With a copious amount of drugs, sex, and money being thrown at you on screen, you almost need an intermission to catch your breath. Every second of this movie was spectacular. “The Wolf of Wall Street” has more energy and liveliness than other film released this year and it comes from a director who’s 71 years old. DiCaprio gives a brilliant, over-the-top performance and if this doesn’t earn him the Oscar this year, something just isn’t right. The film has a running time of 179 minutes, but never is there a monotonous moment to be found. It was one of the few films this year to have by undivided attention from beginning to an end. It’s riotously funny, wildly audacious, and undoubtedly the most fun you could have at the theater all year. This one actually deserves all the buzz and attention over the unwarranted acclaimed “American Hustle.”

1. Short Term 12 - “Short Term 12” is a moving drama about Grace (Brie Larson), a fierce yet fragile twenty-something year-old supervisor at a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers. In addition to navigating through the trouble waters at the group home, she is dealing with her own personal issues and difficult past. However, by her side is her long-term boyfriend and co-worker, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.). When a problematic teenage girl enters the facility, Grace is reminded of her past that she’s tried to put behind her. This leads to an electric connection between the two girls. With a subject matter that is often ominous and multifarious, “Short Term 12” easily finds the balance of drama and humor in the most unexpected scenarios. Destin Daniel Cretton’s second feature film (adapted from his own short film) supplies superb performances, razor-sharp writing, and stunning direction. “Short Term 12” is sincerely poignant and an exceptional movie going experience that should not be missed by film lovers of all ages. It’s a prime example of not only what independent filmmaking is truly all about, but also all cinema alike. It will move you, send chills down throughout your body, and may even have you shedding a tear or two. At the same token, it’ll toss a few laughs your way, inspire you, and have you leaving the theater with a smile. If that’s not a rare experience these days, I don’t know what it is. “Short Term 12” is the best American film of 2013.

*Note: At the time of writing this, I haven’t seen the following possible contenders from 2013: “Blue Jasmine,” “Gravity,” “Her,” “All is Lost,” “Nebraska,” and “Inside Lleywn Davis.”

AMERICAN HUSTLE - Review

Directed By: David O. Russell

Written By: Eric Singer and David O. Russell

Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual content and brief violence

Release Date: December 20^th, 2013

Review By: Sean Kayden

“American Hustle” has one of the best ensembles of the year. It has great acting, terrific wardrobe changes, and a spectacular soundtrack. It was all there, but just like any great con, in the end you’re left without all that much. That’s how I felt after viewing “American Hustle.” For a movie with such high caliber in front and behind the camera, I was left catastrophically disappointed with the end results. I wouldn’t however consider the film egregious by any stretch, but the film always seemed to be stuck in neutral. The first act is rather slow as we get to meet Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his own back-story in becoming the two-bit con artist he is in the present. Soon after navigating through his life, we find out how he meets his lover/con partner, Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams). She poses as a British aristocrat named "Lady Edith Greensly" as a way to attract investors, whose money Irving embezzles. Their little enterprise works flawlessly up until Irving meets Edith’s latest potential client Richard "Richie" DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) posing undercover as a prospective investor. In order for Edith to get out of jail Irving must work with DiMaso to take down a few more con artists. However, DiMaso starts to like Edith and therefore a love triangle between the three begins. To add to it, Irving’s first wife (still legally married to), Rosalyn Rosenfeld (Jennifer Lawrence) is crazy and manipulative in her own twisted ways.

All of the actors are terrific. Amy Adams pulls off what might be her best performance yet despite being from a movie that won’t be considered her best. “American Hustle” catches some heat in the second act once we get more into the relationships between the four characters. When the mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), comes into play there is some build up in the film, but it’s short lived. It feels as if there was so much emphasis on the characters and the way they looked than a much of a way of a coherent plot. The movie is widely sprawled out and some questionable filmmaking decisions were made that has “American Hustle” trying to con the viewer into thinking it’s smarter than what it actually appears to be. While I’m a fan of all the actors in the film, I never felt excited or enthralled by the film. It seemed rather consistent throughout and when I say consistent, I really mean utterly flat.

I don’t want to divulge into specific plot details, but the film closes out almost too neatly (and arguably unconvincingly). As it treads along at a moderate but sometimes brisk pace, I never found myself captivated by what was going on. It plugged along neither being surprisingly fascinating or down right engrossing. David O. Russell is however one of the best directors behind the camera. He keeps the camera alive with swift movements, close-ups, and panning shots. His last two films, “The Fighter” and “Silver Linings Playbook” were my favorites in each year they came out. However, with “American Hustle,” Russell paid too much attention to detail with characters and music choices rather than a rational, logical plot. In “American Hustle,” you get a little “Boogie Nights,” mixed with “Goodfellas” light. However, it can never match up to the mastery of those two classics and instead falling victim of being just a decent film rather one that should have been something much more.

Grade: 3 out of 5

OUT OF THE FURNACE - Review

Directed by: Scott Cooper

Written by: Brad Ingelsby, Scott Cooper

Rated R for strong violence, language and drug content

Release Date: December 6^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Writer/director Scott Cooper broke out onto the scene with his critically lauded film, “Crazy Heart” a few years ago. He’s returned with his follow-up, “Out of the Furnace,” that has one of the strongest acting ensembles of the year. With a cast of all-stars including, Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson and Casey Affleck with support from Willem Dafoe, Forest Whitaker, Sam Shepard and Zoe Saldana. Bale stars as Russell Baze, a mill worker in small town in Pennsylvania. Grueling hours and making ends meet, Baze hopes to start a family with his girlfriend played by Zoe Saldana. In the meantime, his brother, Rodney (Casey Affleck) returns home from the war looking for anyway to make a quick buck. In a cruel twist of fate, Russell lands himself in prison and Rodney gets involved with a brutal and sadistic crime ring up in the Northeast. Woody Harrelson plays a vicious villain who’s pitiless toward anyone who crosses his path. While it’s difficult to ignore the overwhelming talent on screen, it sort of baffles you how actors of this caliber are drawn to such an empty, hollow script. “Out of the Furnace” doesn’t say a whole lot about really anything. It attempts to be contemporary with a jab to the US military by a disgruntled marine and how the choices you may certainly may have dire circumstances. “Out of the Furnace” simply doesn’t have anything to offer other than feeling like a direct-to-DVD film that just happens to include an all-star cast attached to it.

            I was really hoping and even expecting to see a dynamite film here. However, the film is utterly straightforward in such an old school, traditional way. Often times, the reasons made by characters didn’t hold much merit. Not for a second did I believe Casey Affleck to be some tough guy marine who has served four tours of duty in Iraq. In addition, Bale’s character reasoning behind being locked up (never knowing how long it was for) just seemed derivative. Sam Shepard had no point in the film while Forest Whitaker once again shows up as a cop or some authority figure with little to offer. The only two guys who had anything going for them were Bale and Harrelson, but even their characters were very one-note. Harrelson plays a badass guy better than anyone else, but there wasn’t a whole lot of meat to his character for him to chew on. After Russell gets out of prison is when his brother, Rodney gets into deeper trouble than ever before. What doesn’t make sense is Rodney doing what he said he would do, but paying a price for it. It’s unclear why the fate of his character is met with unwarranted results. Then there’s the ending, which is almost laughable of how it all unfolds. No twists or turns, just baffling uncomplicated.

            Indeed Scott Cooper has suffered the sophomore slump with his second directorial effort. I almost can’t believe this film was released by big names such as Ridley Scott and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way company. It’s not as if “Out of the Furnace” is complete garbage, but there’s really nothing holding it together. No centerpiece, no message. It has a few good scenes amongst a plethora of scenes lacking any intrigue or interest. There are several faults and ill-conceived story decisions here that easily allow the viewer to pick it apart piece by piece. With a cast like this, a director coming off a big hit, you just have certain expectations that you hope are met. With “Out of the Furnace,” you get almost nothing in return for the price of admission. Perhaps this script should have been sent to the furnace before anyone was dumb enough for giving it the green light.

Grade: 1.5 out of 5

            

ABOUT TIME - Review

Written and Directed By: Richard Curtis

Rated: R for language and some sexual content

Release Date: November 8^th, 2013

Review By: Sean Kayden

“About Time” is the latest feature film from writer/director Richard Curtis (“Love Actually”). This romantic/faux sci-fi tale is about one young man’s desperate pursuit to find love with his newfound ability to travel back into time. Oddly enough, he finds it rather quickly. The movie was advertised as a romantic comedy but is only for the first half at that. It switches gears and is more about this young man and his ability to go back into a certain time of his life. At first glance it was to aid him in finding true love. Then it led to helping others like his sister, who dealt with her own relationship woes. It was also a link between Tim and his father to maintain a strong connection. The movie wants to be so many things and never really decides on which it will ultimately be. It’s a movie where there’s a lot of telling rather than showing. It is also very dialogue driven and the dilemmas never seem all too serious. At first it’s romantic and that sort of fades once love is secured. It has a few lighthearted moments, but a comedy it is not. The third act heads into more drama, but never does it feel utterly dramatic. “About Time” suffers from a gimmicky plot device that becomes more tedious than clever. It has sweet moments scattered throughout and has a trio of fine performances especially from the father character played by Bill Nighy. However, “About Time” is far too long for such a thin plot. It had the potential to be something far more superior with the time traveling element as a key component to the film’s story.           

Lead actor, Domhnall Gleeson is quite likeable as Tim. He’s endearing in a dorky, oblivious sort of way. The problem is how the film puts so much emphasis on how it seems like the end of the year not to find love at 21 years old. Not only does he marry the first girl that loves him, but also had another chance with his first love he hadn’t seen in a number of years. The movie also feels too long with how it’s over the span of many years. Rachel McAdams as the love interest is lovely as usual. However, she doesn’t have a whole lot to work with after the initial setup, eventually leading up to marrying the kind and perceptive Tim. McAdams’ character strangely takes a backseat as Tim focuses on helping his sister with her own complexities and unhealthy relationship (which is never shown only told through dialogue). After that small subplot is quickly resolved, the last part of act three is where Tim and his father connect. It almost feels as if it is a little too late. I wish the film expanded the father-son dynamics more. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still rather sensitive, but the murky plot device makes the film almost feel too phony. Luckily, when you have great actors like Bill Nighy, your material is elevated to greater heights more so than it should be with such shortcomings found in the screenplay.

            In the end, “About Time” is a fine film that’s simply too elongated. There’s quite a bit of filler to make it feel a bit overstuffed. Fine performances, a couple of tender moments and a few scattered laughs make “About Time” merely a Redbox rental/Netflix stream then a must-see love story in theaters. Unfortunately, when it finally ended, the only thing that came to mind was, “about time.”

Grade: 3 out of 5

Three Overlooked Records of 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Bear Ceuse – “Don Domestique” - Bear Ceuse is a four-piece indie rock act from NYC. Lead singer Cameron Matthews, originally from St. Louis, provides raspy but attractive vocals along side the whimsical and cacophonous guitar work of Chicago native Adam Horne. There’s definitely a 90s undertone presented on the tracks found on the album “Don Domestique.” The music bears a resemblance to acts like Dinosaur Jr. and Pavement. While Bear Ceuse’s resonance may echo the likes of alternative 90s rock, their signature sound for this decade is revitalizing.  The songs on the band’s debut album are quite disparate. Bear Ceuse is a multi-faceted band that can slow things down and turn it up in a blink of an eye. While they may be virtually unknown in a sea of indie rock bands today, their debut record brims with heartfelt lyrics and sweet melodies. The experience will captivate any listener with a deep uncertainty in the world around them.

Ski Lodge – “Big Heart” - Ski Lodge’s incredibly upbeat approach is simply indelible. With dark lyrics and sugary hooks, the combination is nearly faultless. Andrew Marr from NYC is a multi-instrumentalist. His affinity toward The Smiths is visibly noticeable. His debut record, “Big Heart” is aptly titled. Marr has his heart on his sleeve with his full time project. With lyrics that evoke the pains of isolation, strained father-son dynamics, and love, Ski Lodge is perfectly tender and warm. There is a dichotomy here as some tracks are utterly reflective and others are danceable. Marr is able to pull you in tight with his sensitive vocals, entrancing arrangements, and a deep sense of balance between the likes of sweetness and darkness. No matter which way you lean toward, there’s something here for you.

Young Man – “Beyond Was All Around Me” – The solo project of Chicago’s Colin Caulfield is known as Young Man. After receiving much acclaim a few years back with a plethora of covers of modern indie rock acts and classic rockers, he set forth on creating a trilogy of records. His latest endeavor and finest one to date, “Beyond Was All Around Me,” is dreamy bedroom rock heaven. It’s very ambient driven and his method in attempting to achieve perfection is commendable. While it’s far from the best album of the year, it’s definitely a strong demonstration of an artist evolving. There is an incredible amount of emotion and passion perched on Caulfield’s third record. “In Time” floats on into Pink Floyd territory half way though. It puts you in a complete trance, for better or worse. “Beyond Was All Around Me” is devastatingly personal and completely soulful. Caulfield may be a young man, but he sings and plays music like a hardened veteran.

Anthony Green - "Young Legs"

Artist: Anthony Green

Album: Young Legs

Label: Self-Release

Release Date: November 11^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

The third studio solo album from Anthony Green entitled, “Young Legs,” is brimming with grace and luminousness. The thematic “Young Legs” explores love and disenchantment. It also covers existentialism, as Green has become a father again. Green conveys a much tranquil vibe here as opposed to his previous solo endeavors and the material from his full-time band, Circa Survive. The eleven tracks are pleasant and soothing. The arrangements, backed by fellow Philadelphia natives, Good Old War, are calming and atmospheric. Green’s first two albums were mostly reflective on his own marriage and then his first-born, respectively. This time the lyrics are a bit distant and more about others around him than merely just himself. Evidently we are led to Green’s deep understanding the world isn’t solely about one’s self, but those who you surround yourself with. Never are the lyrics all that intricate but still deeply personal and transparent. However, not all the tracks work perfectly since some seem repetitive in nature. The ones that do stand out are heartfelt and striking.

“Breaker” kicks off the album in stellar fashion. It’s one of the more complex tracks found on “Young Legs.” Dazzling guitars come into play during the choruses. Green’s saccharine vocals are light and tender as usual. “100 Steps” is another gorgeous tune that is sweet and tranquil. Green’s vocals can get a bit overly sentimental, but it’s always sincere. The delivery is nearly exceptional. The songs here range from barebones acoustics to fully expanded sounds. “Anytime” is honest and utterly touching. Green’s passionate lyrics are easily applicable for any listener dealing with love or lost. “I’ll Miss You” is another sensitive, thoughtful tune. Green’s perspective on this record is about those around him or ones he lost. The songs aren’t selfish or self-absorbed but rather compassionate and empathetic. “Shine” has striking harmonies and astounding guitar arrangements. With ethereal vibes and comforting vocals, “Young Legs” definitely shines in most areas. In other areas, he loses his way trying to set out to be too intricate.

Sad and cordial, “Young Legs” cuts deep. However, it stumbles along the way. The less than two minutes tracks, “Too Little, Too Late” and “Stolen” are nothing more than filler. They feel like uncompleted tracks that either should have been reworked or never should have made the final cut. There’s a lot to enjoy with “Young Legs.” It’s a considerably meaningful record overflowing with beautiful melodies and earnest lyrics. Most of the songs will ruminate within the mind and soul and permeate through the heart. I wouldn’t consider it one of the best albums of the year, but another big step forward for a singer/songwriter that has so much drive and passion. That alone is admirable, but I still wish there was something more here to put “Young Legs” into a league of its own. For now, it fits decently well with other good folk/acoustic rock albums of the last few years.

Grade 7.7 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Breaker,” “100 Steps,” “Anytime,” “I’ll Miss You,” “Shine”

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB - Review

Directed by: Jean-Marc Vallée

Written by: Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack

Rated Rated R for pervasive language, some strong sexual content, nudity and drug use

Release Date: November 3^rd, 2013 (limited release)

Review by: Sean Kayden

What’s there to say about the career reinvention of Matthew McConaughey? Over the past few years, he’s made a bold statement in starring in smaller films like “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “Killer Joe,” and this year’s “Mud,” as opposed to the fluff he did for over the past decade. He’s transformed from a romantic comedy movie star to a bona-fide actor’s actor. In his latest venture, “Dallas Buyers Club,” McConaughey stars as Ron Woodruff, an electrician by day, a rodeo riding, drug taking, and woman loving homophobic man by night. Bigoted and selfish, Ron’s life takes a dark turn after he collapses one evening at home. Shocked to hear he’s been diagnosed with HIV and has a mere 30 days left to live, Ron doesn’t come to terms that he actually has the disease.  After a night of binge drinking and drug use, Ron doesn’t feel the same. He starts to look into the causes of HIV and discovers you can contract it from other things aside from homosexuality. His world turns upside. McConaughey, weighing in at 135lbs, gives what should be hailed as not only his finest performance, but also one of the best of the year.

There are no huge moments in “Dallas Buyers Club,” but very small significant ones that truly make it one of the superb films of the year. Woodruff’s willingness to survive and not lose sight of what’s important is quite remarkable and uplifting. Despite not being a considerably decent human being, one who’s really difficult to root for, he somehow makes the transition from lowlife to hero very compelling. His character starts taking the FDA approved AZT, the only legal drug available in the U.S, which brings him to the edge of death. After learning from an unconventional doctor in México that AZT is toxic, Woodruff has a whole new perspective on the world around him. He has a grasp on how the US is not really helping people with the disease in the way they could and should. Alternative remedies illegal in the US have been found to be more beneficial to the illness than anything else the FDA has approved. The FDA and pharmaceutical companies do everything in their power to stop Woodruff. He continues to take them on because he knows they’re just a business and don’t care about the wellness of the people in need of real help.

The film also raises the question, without being preachy, why can’t Americans take non-FDA approved drugs if they’re on the path to imminent death?  Woodruff realizes he could make money by smuggling these non-toxic, anti-viral medications and selling them in the U.S. This leads Woodruff in opening up an unofficial buyers’ club. He is not only helping himself but also the likes of those he would have never imagined to associate himself with. This includes Jared Leto’s portrayal of Rayon, a transvestite, who has the HIV virus. He definitely shines in this tragic and heartbreaking role. Ron and Rayon form this unlikely friendship in which is genuine and sincere. They may be polar opposites, but Ron finds himself caring for Rayon, something he would have never done otherwise in a different scenario. Both best actor and supporting actor nominations are warranted.

While the film could have easily been an utter downer, director Jean-Marc Vallée finds dynamic wit and humor in the grimmest situations.  Jennifer Garner plays a doctor in the film, but her character is a little one-note. She’s fine, but the real stars are McConaughey and Leto. McConaughey gives a fearless performance and Leto’s presentation, while subtle, is intriguing and delicate. “Dallas Buyers Club” hits you hard in some scenes, but it never desperately tries to tug on the strings of one’s heart. However, you will feel something though Woodruff’s plight. It’s refreshingly straightforward with a pair of brave, unconventional performances that place them among the very best of the year. What “Dallas Buyers Club” is sellin’ is worth buyin’.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5

Los Campesinos! - "No Blues"

Artist: Los Campesinos!

Album: No Blues

Label: Wichita Recordings

Release Date: October 29^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

“No Blues,” is Los Campesinos! fifth studio album. The band from Wales continues their streak of solid albums. This time around they’ve crafted their finest one to date. Known for their raucous arrangements, outlandishly self-aware lyrics, and big hooks, Los Campesinos! changes gears with “No Blues.” It’s a more mature outing from the six-piece outfit. With each reocurring listen, you’ll find something you didn’t pick up on from the previous run through. Frontman Gareth Paisey sings with such passion and pathos as he navigates through themes of unsuccessful love, lost, life and death in this incredibly enjoyable record. The erratic melodies are still present, but “No Blues,” while not all doom and gloom is more focused, direct, and straightforward than their past outings.

Los Campesinos!’s music has been described as twee-pop. Their sound is very vivacious, packed with lively melodies and impassioned vocals. With “No Blues,” they carry on the tradition, but everything feels more heartfelt. As the band grows older, they’ve actually become wiser. They’ve always had incredible wit when it came to their lyrical choices. This latest album is very melodic and while being earnestly heartfelt, it’s rather uplifting as well. “No Blues” navigates the terrains of misguided love and sadness, but never does it come across as too sentimental or crestfallen. Instead, there is a youthful sound attached to it. “No Blues” is comprised with a joyous assortment of songs that make up for one unforgettable listening experience. In the world of Los Campesinos!, “No Blues,” is their most superb record yet and one that should be heard by anyone dealing with their own melancholy.  

“No Blues” consists of 10 gloriously melodious tracks. It’s their most complete sounding record. While other albums were good in their own right, they were more rambunctious. With this effort, it’s their most consistent sounding album. Paisey still packs on the self-deprecating and bleakly humorous lyrics with much passion and vigor. LC! are undoubtedly making some of the best indie pop music today. “No Blues” is a near faultless pop record that has astonishing replay value with finely crafted melodies, multi-layered guitars, and deeply ardent signing. No matter what, there’s a little something for everyone in “No Blues.” And frankly, it may be the answer for your own blues.

Grade: 8.8 out of 10

Key Tracks: “For Flotsam,” “Cemetery Gaits,” “As Lucerne/The Low,” “Selling Rope (Swan Dive To Estuary)”