Guest Post: Camera Obscura

Thank you Chris, for inviting me (Bonjour Tristesse) to post about one of my favorite bands.

I'm terrible with Top 10 lists, so I won't exactly be doing that. Instead, this will be an introductory sampler consisting of two of my favorite highlights from each of Camera Obscura's five studio albums:



Album: Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi (2001)

Eighties Fan - The first track I ever heard from Camera Obscura. It was produced by Stuart Murdoch from Belle and Sebastian, and if you've heard any of their stuff, the influence here is obvious. However, the band still manages to break out with an unique lush retro-inspired and folk colored sound. Hearing it for the fist time, I fell instantly in love with lead singer Tracyanne Campbell's sweetly delicate vocals.

Double Feature - A beautiful track with a clever arrangement, and lyrics that are bound to please movie buffs: "We'll see a Catherine Deneuve double feature". There's a great duelling guitar intro that slowly gives way to a stormy drum beat in the first verse. Then in the second half, there are lovely instrumental sections that flank choruses where the two singers sing overlapping melodies.





Album: Underachievers Please Try Harder (2003)

Their second album and last to feature vocalist/percussionist John Henderson. It's almost a shame, because I think there was something special about the male/female harmonies and vocal interplay between John and Tracyanne in this and the previous album. But as it turns out, the change was a catalyst that would propel the band to another level from this point forward.

Keep it Clean - My instrument of choice is the guitar, but I absolutely love the keyboards on this track. Also, how about the way she cheekily sings the hook? "I don't want to be part of your scene, I'll stay with him and keep my nose, clean".

Before You Cry - This album is full of other catchier songs like the aforementioned "Keep it Clean", as well as "A Sisters Social Agony" and "Teenager", but there's something about this country inspired duet that gets me every time. Might be the cool trading off of piano and guitar riffs, the shifting of time, or the gorgeous pedal steel. Most likely it's that little melody at the end shamelessly borrowed from Rod Stewart's version of "Some Guys Have All The Luck" (a song the band can be heard covering here)





Album: Let's Get Out of this Country (2006)

Their third studio album (and my favorite to date) saw the band leave their comfort zone, traveling from their home of Glasgow to record in Sweden with the help of producer Jari Haapalainen. This was a creative decision that gave the album its title, and produced some amazing results.

Country Mile - The sparse arrangement here contrasts and gives a moment of relief from the bombast of the 'wall of sound' production technique heard on the rest of the album. Most importantly, this gives an opportunity for Tracyanne's vocals to stand on their own, and the bittersweet lyrics never fail to hit home with an intense feeling of melancholy and nostalgia.

Razzle Dazzle Rose - We all have songs that for one reason or another are forever anchored to a certain moment in your life. For me, this is one of those special songs. But I think even without that personal significance, I would still find it one of the most beautiful compositions in the world. It starts off slow, as a crescendo builds, one lush layer after another. First the rhythm and hi-hat, then the bass, the lead, the horns, and the ever atmospheric keys. It gradually gets more and more intense. Until Tracyanne's simple yet ethereal vocals lead us blissfully into a shimmering sonic dreamscape. It continues like this for awhile, but always somehow never long enough, then it all comes to a climax with a glorious trumpet solo backed by furiously crashing cymbals. For their past three tours, this is what the band has used as their set closer, and I couldn't think of a better way for them to end a show or album than this song.





Album: My Maudlin Career (2009)

For their fourth album, the band now signed to legendary UK indie label 4AD, once again went to Sweden to record with Jari Haapalainen, trying to recapture the magic of Let's Get out of this Country. The results turn out just as sonically pleasing, but with that, there's a little bit of a feeling that the band are now just covering the same ground as before.

Swans - A fantastic song, brimming with lots of great little parts. That fantastic opening riff, the clap clap percussion, the way the guitar provides an exclamation point for every line, and best of all, the witty lyrics and the breezy way she delivers that repeating phrase at the end of each verse.

Honey in the Sun - Another winning album closer, and it might just be the most upbeat, energetic and fun sounding song the band has ever written. Most of their songs make you want to cry, this one makes you want to get up and dance while singing at the top of your lungs.





Album: Desire Lines (2013)

It took four long years for the band to return with their fifth studio album. During this time they overcame various personal and medical issues to record in Portland, USA with acclaimed indie producer Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket, Spoon). The result is a warmer and evidently more stripped down sound than their previous two albums. Here each of the band members get an opportunity to shine without always being drowned in the mix. It's not their best work but it's a strong and worthy addition to the catalog and it's encouraging that after all this time the band is still experimenting with their sound.

Every Weekday - Although I think she's at her very best when she's singing about heartbreak and anguish. This beautiful ode from Tracyanne to her band shows she's just as good without the 'tristesse'. The icing on the cake is the guest appearance on background vocals by Neko Case.

Desire Lines - A stunningly elegant composition. Once again they've chosen just the right track to close out an album. Steel guitar may be a country music cliche but I'm a total sucker for it every time, and I'd like to believe she's referring to the film when she sings 'Desire lines sent me to Badlands'.


As always, comments are welcome. The next two weekends, I (Chris) will share my favorites from Camera Obscura.

Halloween Countdown: horror mini-reviews (part 2)

I watched a few of these earlier in the year. Have been saving the reviews for October. As always, my ratings are what I think the films should be rated on IMDb.




The Wicker Man (1973)
Rewatch. Often cited as a cult horror film, controversial at the time. I remember thinking it was a bit overrated, when I first saw it as a teenager. This time, I appreciated the layers of the film a bit more, and was surprised that it was almost like a musical, especially the first half of the film. The final scene is iconic, and I got the eerie feeling that this island scenario could actually take place for real(at least in those days when there were no mobile phones). It has a narrative that rewards a rewatch(events seem pre-planned), and as with many cult films, it exists in several versions.
You could say the film was partly aimed at the counter culture of the 1960s, wanting to rebel from the norm, with its depiction of a group taking law and order into their own hands. Also about religion and the dangers of brainwashing.
Cristi B at To The Movies and Back, shared one of the most haunting songs from the soundtrack, Willow's Song by Rachel Verney & Paul Giovanni
Rating 7.7





Rosemary's Baby (1968)
The ending, performances, and the bizarre dream sequences are what stayed with me. A bit overlong, yet the sense of unease throughout the film keeps you on edge. Pretty spooky to watch, if you live in an apartment. Every horror fan should see it.
Rating 7.8





Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Rewatch. Was a big deal when it premiered that year, not least because the Anne Rice books the film is based on are popular, and Tom Cruise, the world’s biggest movie star, played against type as a vampire.
I hadn’t seen it since the 90s, so my memory of it had faded. It’s not a film that is talked much about anymore.
It looks great, recapturing the past, especially the sets, the scene burning the mansion down was impressive. Surprisingly tongue-in-cheek, I didn’t remember it was campy.
The only complaint is the story could do with bit more variation, does repeat itself a bit, going from one kill to the next, and from one fire to another.
The interesting thing about vampires is the guilt issue of having to kill to survive, which encourages a selfish lifestyle, and this story is about that. Killing animals as the second option might be pointing a finger at the meat industry, how animals are killed for our consumption.
You could also look at the meat industry not just as food, but as the pursuit of aimless sexual conquests in the movie. But if it goes on forever, what is the point of living? There has to be meaning beyond these physical needs. Should you follow your nature, if it causes suffering to others? That is the big question for Louis (Brad Pitt).
Rating 7.9






From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Rewatch. A highly quotable horror/comedy, with violent moments. Screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, who also has a supporting role. Considered by many to be among Robert Rodriguez’s best films.
Salma Hayek as the dancer might just be the scene stealer. She was never more attractive than in that bikini outfit. Best to go in to this movie knowing as little as possible.
Rating 7.5





Rebecca (1940)
Based on the classic Daphne du Maurier novel. I liked the film, didn’t love it. It’s a bit of a stretch to call it horror, a different kind of horror I suppose. A film of its time in regards to the acting style and music score. I haven't read the book, but the blossoming romance didn't feel particularly romantic. From my perspective, Maxim de Winter is not especially likeable, yet due to circumstance Rebecca is naively drawn to him. Perhaps she is in love with being in love.
Favorite quote: “Beauty wit and intelligence, all the things that are so important in a woman. You have qualities that are just as important, more important if I may say so, kindness, sincerity, and if you forgive me, modesty. Mean more to a husband than all the wit and beauty in the world.”
Rating 7.3






Village of the damned (1960)
Feels like a long version of a twilight zone episode. I liked it, and the children sure are creepy.
Considering it was 1960, the special effects to make their eyes glow was impressive.
Rating 7.7






The Phantom Carriage (1921)
Early Swedish horror silent. Intent on telling its story through visuals and flash backs. It took a second viewing of several scenes, and a look at Wikipedia, to better understand the narrative whole. Maybe due to I’m not used to watching silent films, or maybe because I sometimes have trouble telling faces apart.
Deserves respect for the special effects, which are amazing for a movie of its time.
I suppose the message is the good old, don’t be a drunkard.
Rating 7.5





The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
A ghost with a sense-of-humor, he is like an imaginary friend for a grown-up. The film was later turned into a tv-series (1968-1970).
I really enjoyed it, and cared about what would happen to the characters. Thanks for the recommendation, Delving Eye.
Favorite quote: “If you insist on haunting me, you might at least be more agreeable about it!”
“Hard to imagine you being an ordinary anything”
Rating 7.8






The Mummy (1932)
The story is a bit far-fetched and tough to take seriously, about a man laughing himself crazy, a mummy rising from the dead, people becoming cursed, and the like. Boris Karloff’s performance is the stand-out, but it’s not a particularly memorable film.
Rating 7.0






Zombie (1979)
Also known as Zombi, a cult horror film by Italian director Lucio Fulci. Set on an island, the zombies are presumed to have been infected by voodoo and witch doctors. For me, most impressive is the underwater scene. Not as gory as I expected. Brilliant main theme
Rating 7.5






City of the Living Dead (1980)
Gore horror, the first installment of Lucio Fulci’s atmospheric Gates of Hell trilogy. (the sequel The Beyond (1981), I watched last October).
The woman waking up in the coffin, and the other woman who pukes her own guts, were the stand-out scenes. Don’t know how they did that drill scene, looks very realistic. The storm of maggots was also creepy.
The special effects during the ending looked a bit cheap, though.
Favorite quote: “I don’t see why people hate him so? His mother is what you would call a woman of easy virtue. No husband, no morals. Here in Dunwich anyone like that is also branded a witch”
Rating 7.3






The House by the Cemetery (1981)
Third installement of Lucio Fulci’s Gates of Hell trilogy. For me the weakest of the three films. There’s a scene with a bat, which is quite scary. However it bothered me the characters behave in a stupid way by continuously venturing down into the basement.
A particular scene where Lucy walks in on the babysitter cleaning a load of blood off the floor, and doesn't comment on it, makes no sense. But most of the time does a fine job of concealing the unknown entity in the house, though a little silly towards the end, once the evil is revealed.
I recommend watching The Beyond (1981) instead, which is regarded as the best of the trilogy.
Rating 6.2


Agree or disagree? Have you watched any of the above? Which horror films do you plan to watch this October?
Next week, I'll blog about horror again, Sisters (1973), Child’s Play (1988), Tremors (1990), The Fog (1980), and others, stay tuned!

Review of e-book Spook Secrets (2013)

I was kindly given a review copy of the e-book, SPOOK SECRETS: How Much Do You Really Know About Classic Sci-Fi/Horror? Written by Zach Zito, Mike Lederman and Christopher Meali.

It’s essentially 300 trivia questions about horror and sci-fi movies, mostly horror from what I can tell. Contains over 1000 photographs. Each page contains four images, and a question. You guess, and the answer is on the next page. There were questions I knew the answer to, mainly the recent movies, and then there were questions which only die hard geeks could answer. The kind of book you don’t need to read in chronological order, and can browse through at your leisure.
You could also use the book as a reference guide I could imagine, as to which horror films you want to explore, because it features 100s of films, well-known and obscure. If you want to increase your knowledge, or simply test your existing knowledge, this is a good place to start.
Primarily of interest to horror enthusiasts I would say. Reading the e-book, I realized I’m still a beginner in terms of my insight of the horror/monster/sci-fi movie genres. The guys who wrote the questions have a vast knowledge of all things spooky.
The e-book was released on October 1, and is available for purchase online at all major retailers, including Amazon (US and UK). Part two is scheduled for October 2014.

2013 tracks I'm listening to

Shaker Aamer - PJ Harvey
(A protest song to draw attention to the last remaining British resident in the US prison at Guantanamo Bay)


I’ll See You in My Dreams – The National
(Boardwalk Empire Volume 2: Music From The HBO Original Series)


Change of Coast - Neon Indian
(Grand Theft Auto 5 soundtrack)


Bling Ring Suite - Brian Reitzell and Daniel Lopatin
(The Bling Ring: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)


Melody Calling – The Vaccines
(Melody Calling EP)



Taken a liking to any of these recent tracks? Any thoughts on the albums? Share your opinions in the comments.

Halloween Countdown: horror mini-reviews

Have been saving a few mini-reviews for October, didn't watch all of these this month. In this post, I'll focus on recent horror films




The Conjuring (2013)
By James Wan, the director of Saw (2004) and Insidious (2010).
For me, The Conjuring is an overrated, moderately entertaining horror film. In terms of scaring me, it failed. Perhaps the fault of the movie was to explain what we are supposed to be frightened of in the intro.
The male(Patrick Wilson) and female(Vera Farmiga) paranormal investigators reminded me of Mulder and Scully from The X-Files.
If you’ve seen Insidious (2010), which I also had a lukewarm reaction to, The Conjuring is more of the same, with jump scares in a haunted house.
There’s nothing much new here, that you haven’t already seen in other horror movies.
Lili Taylor's performance was the stand-out for me, and the end credits the scariest section of the film.
Rating 6.2






Warm Bodies (2013)
I liked it, even though the leading lady looks like a blond wannabe Kristin Stewart, I read someone call her a Manic Pixie Dream Girl (MPDG). It's not perfect, but the strength of the film is the humor, and how the story depicts the struggle to connect. The soundtrack is very entertaining too.
But I did wonder, how does the main character satisfy his hunger, if he stops eating?
I think there’s some social commentary there, about yearning to be alive again, but often falling victim to habits. Plus that being in love, makes us feel more human, and can change how we perceive the world.
To me, the intro of the film is pointing a finger at detached zombie-like behavior today, when people listen to their iPods, and look at mobile phones, barely acknowledging people around them.
Rating 7.5






Byzantium (2012)
Surprised this vampire movie is getting mixed reviews. Really liked it, I can see it featuring on my year-end top 10. It goes for emotion, and tones down the blood. I agree with Adam Cook that it deserves a place on his reappraisal misunderstood modern classics list.
Maybe a weakness is, that the two main characters are similar to Neil Jordan's previous vampire film, Interview With The Vampire (1994), the promiscuous one (Tom Cruise/Gemma Arterton), and the sensitive one (Brad Pitt/Saoirse Roman). I watched both those Jordan movies within the same week, and that didn't bother me.
Getting back to Byzantium, I liked Gemma Arterton’s performance the most. Admittedly, Saoirse Roman’s character was a bit dull(LOL takes 52 minutes before her facial expression changes). Though the atmosphere deserves praise, and the story and characters I cared about.
Favorite quotes: “Don’t you sometimes crave to tell the truth? There is a code that we survive by, Eleanor, keep it”
“A pearl stays pure forever, while the oysters flesh rots around it”
Rating 7.8






Frankenweenie (2012)
The animation was decent, although I thought the Gollum character in The Hobbit was better able to express facial emotions than Burton's characters. A bit too contrived that Victor suddenly had all that equipment in the loft, and that the lightning struck exactly when they needed it to. Would be interesting to know how much of the story is based on Tim Burton's own childhood.
I recommend watching Burton’s 1984 short, it’s better than this overlong animation.
Favorite quote: "Well, sometimes knowing too much is the problem"
Rating 6.0






Antiviral (2012)
Directed/written by Brandon Cronenberg, son of David Cronenberg. I liked the idea, but couldn’t help thinking it was a story more suited for a short film. Most of the running time the protagonist wanders around sick, which is quite painful to watch.
Rating 6.0





The House of the Devil (2009)
Lesser-known horror film, really surprised how good this one was! Stars Greta Gerwig and a few unknowns. Feels very 80s, the characters, and what sounds like an instrumental version of The Cars song Moving In Stereo. Exceeded my expectations, and managed to scare me.
Rating 7.5






The Loved Ones (2009)
Australian horror. Impressive performance by Robin McLeavy as the vicious daughter of the messed-up family. As the poster suggests, it’s violent, with torture scenes, so not for everyone. I could imagine people turning it off. It doesn’t give an explanation for the bizarre happenings.
A difficult film to know how to react to, because at times it was painful viewing, and at other moments, the tone was comedy. The heavy metal bits annoyed me, and the soundtrack was not really my thing. Goes to show that people can be totally different at home and at school. The haunting end credits sequence fits the mood of the film.
Rating 7.2






Thirst (2009)
South Korean horror. The first section of the movie is amazing but tricky to keep up with, a lot of info is passed to the viewer. I watched the opening 35 minutes twice.
Interesting how the vampire element is used as an allegory for illness, being afraid of that illness, yet turning into a vampire also is perceived as a cure for other illnesses.
Less violent than Oldboy, I wasn’t expecting Thirst to be erotic and romantic.
The most memorable thing about it was the scene by the lake, and the visual repercussions of that. There is beauty in the concluding ocean scene, but I mostly disliked how the last 15-20 minutes played out. Beautiful main theme, going to listen to the score again in its entirety.
Favorite quotes: “Nobody blames those, who are hurt in an accident. Nobody is criticized, because they have cancer.” Don’t play human, you are not human anymore” “Does the fox sin, when he eats the hen?”
Rating 7.7






I Saw The Devil (2010)
A South Korean revenge/horror thriller. You could say the film realistically should have ended at about the 55 minute mark, but movies being movies, it goes on. Pretty violent, so not for everyone.
Rating 7.7






A Field in England (2013)
Black-and-white historical drama, with elements of horror. Has unique moments, and was quite unpredictable. The scene when the guy goes deaf, when he screams and emerges from the tent, and when he becomes swallowed up by the field, were stand-outs for me. I guess it is an impressive technical achievement considering the budget.
But overall, it was just too slow for my taste, and I didn’t care if the characters lived or died. I actually found it difficult to decipher one actor from another, as several of them had similar appearance.
It was a bit tricky to follow what was going on, so as Thomas4cinema did, I too decided to experience it with the guts rather than with the brain.
Favorite quote: “You’ve not only kept yourself a stranger from the world, but to yourself, it seems”
Rating 6.5






Martyrs (2008)
French horror. I didn’t know whether to give this the lowest possible rating, or a 4 out of 5 on letterboxd. I just don’t know what to rate extreme and cruel horror like this or Eden Lake (2008). I feel bad recommending them. Is it a masterpiece by how terrifying and unforgettable the events are, or is it a nasty film that should never have been made?
The first part of Martyrs is wild and unpredictable. The last 30 minutes are borderline unwatchable and torture to sit through. You have been warned! Uncomfortable and painful viewing, rather than scary. Who ever wrote the script was a sick person. The ending I thought was a bit of a cop out, but I guess the only way to finish it.
Rating 7.6






Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Worth watching, for those who enjoyed the wacky inventions and adventures from their beloved short films. While the animation is top-notch, that said, the story is honestly quite far-fetched and ludicrous. It does recapture the atmosphere of the short films, especially the humor. Not just for children, adults can watch this too.
Plenty of blink-and-you’ll-miss-them details. Love the books he has on his shelf: Waiting For Gouda, Fromage To Eternity, Grated Expectations, East of Edam, Swiss Cheese Family Robinson, Brie Encounter, How Green Was My Cheese.
Favorite quote: “Not a single one harmed! The old BV6000 mam, capable of 125 RPM, that’s 125 rabbits per minute.”
Rating 7.5


Agree or disagree? Have you watched any of the above? Which horror films do you plan to watch this October?
Next week, I'll blog about some classic horror films, Rosemary's Baby, The Wicker Man, and others, stay tuned!