This film was alright, for an American rom-com. It was like an American attempt at Amelie. Basically, mainstream producers are finally acknowledging that there is a big ‘indie’ market to cater to out there; a 17 – 30something demographic that is too large to ignore and are no longer impressed with things that are not infused with the indie ethos / arthouse feel. Greedily, though, the producers still wanted the film to be mainstream enough for everyone to watch, hence the debatable cheese-factor of this film. Plot-wise it was like a super concentrated, more realistic version of He’s Just Not That Into You, where the female held the power in relationships and the audience were privy only to the thoughts and emotions of the male protagonist. It was another one of those, omg-so-love-isn’t-real(butitreallyis)!? films that I think are supposed to enlighten men and women across the world, giving them modern perspective on romance. Nevertheless, Zooey Deschanel is gorgeous and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is super adorable. Those are reasons enough for me.
She & Him is a folk band formed by Deschanel in collaboration with M. Ward. For those of you who are already familiar with Deschanel’s charms on screen, expect just as much from her song writing and singing in She & Him, complemented by M. Ward’s all encompassing greatness.
Django Django is a very, very new trio with only 3064 plays registered on Last.fm the last time I checked. Their mischievously fun and super catchy song Default has become a staple addition to my summertime playlist.
Braids is a Canadian experimental ensemble formerly named The Neighbourhood Council. My favourite track of theirs is Liver and Tan. It’s post-rock electronica at its very best. If you like Explosions in the Sky, you will Love Braids. (PS – yet ANOTHER amazing band with a token asian female member… what did I tell you?)
Wild Beasts are pure ear sex. Sorry, I can’t even describe with words how much I love this group. They played at Offset festival this weekend that just passed and I’m so gutted I missed them, I’m still mourning. They put Great Lake Swimmers, Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse (insert any other ‘good’ folktronica bands you know here) to utter shame, making you never want to listen to them ever again because you’ve found something way, way better.
The xx are the epitome of dark, emotive pop. Pop that doesn’t even sound like pop. The kind of pop you could listen to without getting hassled by your extremely anti-pop, indie post-punk group of hyper-chic friends. You can actually go to a social gathering and proudly say, hey guys, I’ve been listening to The xx, and expect warm pats of approval on your back.
MP3s (click on link to preview, right click save as to download)
1. She & Him – Why Do You Let Me Stay Here
2. Django Django – Default
3. Braids – Liver and Tan
4. Wild Beasts – Devil’s Crayon
5. The xx – Infinity
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