By: Zack
Although the blistering heat might’ve destroyed any urge to finally canoe the Potomac or get in that trip to Roosevelt’s Island, there’s still some fun to be had in the district this weekend that doesn’t involve staying out in the sun.
First off, the Sundance award winner and critically adored flick Beasts of the Southern Wild makes it’s way to the capitol with showings at the E Street Cinema and Bethesda Row. This highly original fantasy drama revolves around the six-year-old Hushpuppy as she tries to survive a coming apocalypse with the help of her dad Wink. They live in “the Bathtub,” a imaginary southern town reminiscent of post-Katrina New Orleans that lies on the edge of the earth.
It’s all very odd and possibly off-putting to some, but the film’s been getting almost unanimous raves and early Oscar buzz. The only way to really judge is to see it for yourself though, so whether the idea of an end of days Terrence Malick inspired flick delights or terrifies you, head out this weekend and get in the conversation. Check out the trailer here.
Another great way to beat the heat is to stay inside and relax to some of the great new music that’s dropped recently. But what should you be playing at this very moment? Well here’s a few picks that run the gambit. Also, be sure to click on the title of any of the albums and they’ll open right up in Spotify.
The Ty Segall Band just released their new album Slaughterhouse and as expected it’s a hard-hitting but fun garage rock album brimming with energy. Segall might be a lot to handle, but his serious volume and guitar prowess have converted many listeners into fans.
There’s No Leaving Now by The Tallest Man on Earth takes a complete opposite approach, excelling in soft and layered folk that’s quiet but
never forgettable. This is singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson’s third album and although he doesn’t mix up the formula too much, adding strings to his trademark guitar and deepening his lyrics are enough of a change to make it worth a listen.
Fiona Apple’s The Idler Wheel Is Wiser… (the full name is 23 words long) provides a nice middle ground between the two, with angry and energized lyrics accompanied by softer piano and light percussion. Apple has made an album that’s both shockingly easy to listen to and filled with dark, depressing, and sometimes even disturbing lyrics. At least she sticks in two happy songs at the end for people wishing she would just lighten up.
So there you go, a movie and three albums to fill up your fully air-conditioned weekend. Enjoy!
