Painted Palms Forever ??? Psych-pop Painted Palms is too high. But sometimes that can be okay, because the band is having fun with it. In their debut album, Forever, the duo of Reese Donohue and Chris Prudhomme float away in the breezy fields of psychedelic pop.
A little over a year ago, I composed a tweet that went something like, “few things are more intimate than the songs on one’s ‘workout’ playlist.”
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings Give the People What They Want ???? Soul In its new album, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings Give the People What They Want. The record brings back classic funk and soul formulas — everything from the short, articulate rhythms of funk to the powerful vocals of soul.
Damien Jurado Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son ???? Folk Damien Jurado is known for making unique records, and that trend continues on Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son. In his Johnny Cash-like voice, Jurado croons about the process of finding oneself.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty ???? While “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” storyline may be a simple one, director Ben Stiller created a light-hearted and inspiring picture that momentarily leads the viewer to forget that the same man directed films like “Zoolander” and “Tropic Thunder.”
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues ???1/2 Will Ferrell and his comedy gang have finally answered the call with “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” a sequel to the cult comedy “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” Much like its predecessor, the jokes are almost always random and meaningless but the sheer absurdity of them merits a laugh.
The Wolf of Wall Street ???? “The Wolf of Wall Street” is an intoxicating thrill ride of million dollar egos and unhinged debauchery.
American Hustle ?? Don’t be fooled. Just because a movie is nominated for seven Golden Globes and contains an all-star cast does not give it the right to pull the hood over audiences.
When Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald got the shivers, it was the warmth of maybe a half a drink more that they craved. But just what drink scared away the frost and melted the icy cold from their bones? Or — better yet — what beverage does it best?
Girls in oxfords and guys in black-rimmed frames greeted the freezing night air with more than ringing ears and sore feet after Kate Nash’s sold-out show on Nov. 12.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the holiday movie season is unofficially underway. This week, Dive staff writers highlight eight films sure to make waves this holiday season.
With its latest release Public Housing, Durham’s Gross Ghost offers a particularly scuzzy brand of indie rock. Building on the catchy guitar pop of last year’s Brer Rabbit, the record’s unvarnished production captures the band’s more aggressive leanings. Dive assistant editor Chris Powers caught up with frontman Mike Dillon to discuss the album’s recording process and the band’s release show Friday at Cat’s Cradle’s new Back Room.
The Letter Jackets is the rock side-project of Chandler Holt and John Teer of Chatham County Line. Teer wanted a rocking band and had been jamming with fellow Letter Jackets members Roger Gupton and Evans Nicholson when Holt asked to sit in on a session and bring in some songs he’d been working on.
All Is Lost ??1/2 “All Is Lost” is an ambitious piece of experimental filmmaking, but even uniqueness and a stunning performance from Robert Redford can’t save it from feeling repetitive and ultimately, boring.
Destroyer Five Spanish Songs EP ???? Pop rock Dan Bejar, the mastermind behind Destroyer, has made a career out of writing literate and dense lyrics filled with observant character study.
Death Grips Government Plates ???? Industrial hip hop Since last year’s wildly acclaimed The Money Store, Death Grips has gained more notoriety for no-shows at several concerts instead of its actual music. The band’s hard-hitting, experimental form of hip-hop returns to the forefront with the surprise release of its third studio album.
Cate Le Bon Mug Museum ?? Pop rock Since 2009, Cate Le Bon’s music has walked a fine line between pleasingly ghostly and distressingly dull. Her third album,Mug Museum, plunges headfirst into the second category, droning on without remorse.
Carbon Leaf Constellation Prize ???1/2 Rock Constellation Prize is Carbon Leaf’s contribution to the growing genre of Southern folk rock.
N.C. Music Love Army We Are Not For Sale ??? Protest songs In an angered response to legislation passed by North Carolina’s Republican-led government, several North Carolina musicians have joined together to create the N.C. Music Love Army.
Cian Nugent & The Cosmos Born With The Caul ????1/2 Psych-folk Irish guitarist Cian Nugent with backing band The Cosmos opens the gates in its latest release Born With the Caul to an orchestrated adventure that crosses progressive rock and traditional folk.
