Album #1 Artist Kendrick Lamar Album To Pimp A Butterfly Reviewer Alasdair McClintock Rating In a world where future generations are going to struggle to write anything over 140 characters or express their feelings without emoji, it is not unreasonable to think that rap albums will become the new novel. With that in mind, at least we have Kendrick. How many rappers have ever said their album was inspired by Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird’? Not too many, I would wager. As far as I can tell most prefer to gain inspiration from big bottoms and bling - nothing wrong with that; we all love a big bottom. But a big bottom protruding below a well read mind? Well, I've got to say that's just bloody fantastic.
Album #2 Artist Sufjan Stevens Album Carrie & Lowell Reviewer Alasdair McClintock Rating
DVD Review Title Infinitely Polar Bear Genre Comedy Drama Reviewer Linda Heller-Salvador Infinitely Polar Bear is a humourous and heartwarming autobiographical story about the life, loves, tears and frustrations screenwriter Maya Forbes (Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Monsters vs. Aliens) experienced during her unconventional childhood due to her father’s bipolar episodes. Cameron Stuart (Mark Ruffalo) was a quirky, fun-loving guy when he attended university in the heady days of 1967, which was when he met, fell in love with and married Maggie (Zoe Saldana). Fast-forward to 1978 and things are not going so well for Cameron. Recently diagnosed with bipolar, he loses his job and suffers a nervous breakdown, which lands him in a mental hospital. When Cameron is released and subsequently left in charge of his two young, animated children - Amelia (Imogene Wolodarsky) and Faith (Ashley Aufderheide) - a rollercoaster of manic chaos quickly ensues, which in turn changes the family dynamics. With its comic playfulness and an upbeat soundtrack by Theodore Shapiro compensating for the film’s unpredictably dark tones, Infinitely Polar Bear will definitely leave you emotionally uplifted, despite its serious subject matter.
86 The Beast | May 2015
If you have lost a loved one recently, maybe don't listen to this album too closely while other people are around. Instead, pour yourself a hefty glass of wine, chuck the headphones on and get ready for a face drenching weep. Written as a tribute to his recently passed mother, Sufjan really pulls at the heartstrings on this one and drops some pretty dark truth bombs in the process. Low-key acoustic strumming, whispery vocals and more than an air of Elliot Smith and Simon and Garfunkel; it is a truly beautiful album sure to leave even the staunchest of us with a quivering lip.
Album #3 Artist Alison Wonderland Album Run Reviewer Alasdair McClintock Rating I am hardly an electro connoisseur. In fact, I feel about as comfortable in dance clubs as a teenager hiding an inopportune erection during assembly. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the odd lounge room rave, and local DJ Alison Wonderland has ensured the full spectrum of emotion will be enjoyed next time I stay up past my bedtime and try not to annoy the neighbours. With some proper 'doof-doof' and the odd bit of refreshing introspection (plus a nice reference to Mugatu), you certainly don't have to be mashed to enjoy these bangers.