DVD | BEFORE THE RAIN
Milcho Manchevski / Criterion
The latest gem in Criterion’s crown is a lovely little film, despite the predictability, the clichés, and over-reliance on several well-worn tropes; there have been few other films that can display the same level of care, polish and studious craftsmanship as this one. The flick is divided into three parts, each of them focusing on tragic love affairs set against a backdrop of loss, desperation and seething violence, where torrid human emotions are splayed against a riot of brutal colors and settings. Do you hear me getting all flowery? I LOVE THIS FILM. Even if it is one of the most depressing movies ever. Seriously: the suicide-inclined should avoid this film like the plague.

DVD | YOU THINK YOU REALLY KNOW ME: THE GARY WILSON STORY
Michael Wolk / Plexifilm
Sometimes, truth is stranger—and sweeter—than fiction. In a lot of ways, this is a classic redemption tale, wherein a misunderstood artist is finally given the recognition he deserves years after the fact; but in other ways, this is merely a simple documentary about one man coming to terms with his life, as he travels from the West Coast back to his native New York. Words alone can’t do this doc justice; it really needs to be seen.

CD | MEO SUO I EYRUM VIO SPILUM ENDALAUST
SIGUR ROS / BEGGARS XL
Atli hét maður. Hann var sonur Arnviðar jarls úr Gautlandi hinu eystra. Hann var hermaður mikill og lá úti austur í Leginum. Hann hafði átta skip. Atli hélt liðinu úr Leginum út um Stokkssund og svo suður til Danmerkur og liggur úti í Eyrasundi. Hann var og útlagi bæði Danakonungs og Svíakonungs af ránum og manndrápum er hann hafði gert í hvorutveggja ríkinu. Oh, and yer mum is ugly, too.

CD | THE DEVIL, YOU + ME
The Notwist / Domino
Do you like The Postal Service? Well fuck you, because The Notwist were pushing atmospheric laptop-pop way before Gibbard and Tamborello decided to gag on each others’ nuts. Their latest deviates from 2002’s excellent Neon Golden by introducing more acoustic instrumentation and a lightly poignant folk sensibility. It’s not immediately ear-grabbing, but it makes an excellent soundtrack for your next vegan dinner party.

CD | WELCOME
James Pants / Stones Throw Records
Allow me the luxury of engaging in the laziest of critical pursuits: fantasy baby-making. Now, imagine if Prince, Juan Atkins and El-P all got together to engage in some funky, sweaty and oh-so-sweet man-lovin’ on top of a whole bunch of 808s and Juno synths. The misbegotten star child born from that unholy union would still only be one-tenth as awesome as James Pants. Seriously, guys. Seriously.