Gettin' My Foreign Film On

Recently, I've been making a solid effort to watch more foreign films. I mean, the U.S. can't be the only one who makes good films right? Does the U.S. even make good films? Just kidding. Some of my recent views include Ladri Di Biciclette, Paris Je T'aime, Outpost, Amelie and Russian Dolls. I also revisited some favorites like L'Auberge Espagnole, Let the Right One In, and Haute Tension.

Fortunately, Netflix is making it easy to feed this habit. Many of the popular foreign films are on instant watch. Most of them show the Criterion Collection insignia on the cover art. Netflix must have some sort of deal with Criterion because they have so many. I just keep finding more that I know I need to see. It's frustrating to know that there are so many good films out there that I haven't seen yet!

Must sees that I need to tackle ASAP include: The Virgin Spring, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Amorres Perros, Le Samourai, Roshomon, Seven Samurai, Band of Outsiders, The 400 Blows, The Seventh Seal, Cinema Paradiso and the list goes on and on and on.

I don't really know why I have a penchant for these films. I think, for the most part, foreign films are about people's lives and American films are about ending them. This is a generality of course. The Virgin Spring and Haute Tension aren't exactly uplifting. I just think these films focus on the right things. There are American films that do this. Some that come to mind include High Fidelity, Away We Go, 500 Days of Summer, etc. Maybe I'm just trying to expand my tastes.

Heard the following track in Paris Je T'aime and really liked it...

The Futura

There are many reasons that I am looking forward to the spring right now. I finish my certificate program, search for a new opportunity, bask in warmer weather, and peruse for new music. Like this new track from that Scandinavian country that consistently produces superb tunes. I have to say that I am very excited for the new album by The Radio Dept. With tracks this good, there will definitely be a spring in my step. Yes, cheesy pun intended.

On a side note, futura is quickly becoming my favorite font of the moment. Original? Probably not, but who cares?

Alt-Country

For some reason, I've been on a huge alt-country music kick. Maybe not just alt-country, but folksy acoustic driven songs in general. I think it may be because these remind me of the road trip a few months back. All of these songs make me think of driving through this vast and open country.

1. Guster - Two of Us


2. Ray LaMontagne - Hannah


3. Ryan Bingham - Weary Kind


4. The Shins - Gone for Good


5. Wilco - When the Roses Bloom Again


6. West Coast Grand - West Coast Grand


7. Billy Bragg & Wilco - Remember the Mountain Bed


8. Jeremy Fisher - Cigarette


9. Wilco - When You Wake Up Feeling Old


10. Lucero - All the Same to Me


11. Billy Bragg & Wilco - Secret of the Sea


12. Ryan Adams - Gonna Make You Love Me


13. Ray LaMontagne - Within You


14. Ryan Adams - Dance All Night


15. Wilco - Either Way


16. Laura Marling - The Captain and the Hourglass


17. Pete Yorn - Life On A Chain


18. Billy Bragg & Wilco - California Stars

New Year

2009 was a great year for me. I became an Uncle, went on a 7500 + mile road trip around the continental U.S., ran a marathon, and left my job in search of something else. What does 2010 have in store? I really don't know, but every January brings a sense of optimism to my spirits. I'd like to wish everyone all the best in 2010.

An upbeat track which I found very late, but enjoy very much. Soooo hipster.