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REVIEW
music review // SHEARWATER - 'THE GOLDEN Hollywood hits, indie flicks and everything in between. ARCHIPELAGO (MATADOR)
Shearwater, which was once was an offshoot Austin, Texas, band OKkervil River, is now on their sixth release, and second on Mataador. Jonathan Meiburg leads the group with an exemplary song writing reminiscent of Leonard Cohen.
Golden Archipelago possesses the elements that made the band's previous efforts great: Interesting yet simple song structure, captivating soundscapes and Meiburg's vocals that stand on their own. It's more operatic and ethereal than rocking, however, percussion is not forgotten.
The theme of this album is based on Meiburg's studies of island life, culture and nature. The first pressing of the album will ship with a 50-plus page booklet of his findings. Song topics include an air raid (the lead track), torture (a post-punk quickie) and complacency.
Though 2008's Rook is the pinnacle of their efforts so far, Shearwater puts together another quality album in Golden Archipelago. If you've heard of Okkervil River, but not Shearwater, take some time to give this a listen. It's their more cinematic project and it has many hidden treasures if you really dig into those headphones.
// MILESWHETSEL
Shearwater will be playing at the Bottleneck. 737 New Hampshire St., April 8.
Hollywood hits, indie flicks and everything in between.
movie review // 'THE LAST STATION'
Right now, members of the class of 2010 are applying for countless jobs and internships. Idealistic future grads are hoping to go out there and change the world, even though the world will probably end up changing them. It's hard to think of a better audience for The Last Station — a movie that strongly features themes of idealism, idolatry and coming-of-age. The Last Station is currently showing at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St.
The movie centers on Valentin (James McAvoy), a young man who lands a dream job as personal secretary to Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer). A member of the Tolstoyan movement. Valentin starts out as an eager apostle of the writer he idolizes. But his relationship with Tolstoy and his firey wife, Sofya, (Helen Mirren) makes him re-evaluate the motives of the movement and its coordinator (Paul Giamatti).
Helen Mirren has been receiving quite a bit of attention for her performance in the film (both she and Plummer are nominated for academy awards). But I found her a little too wild to enjoy. Mirren has Sofya flying into rages almost more often than she shares tender moments with her husband. The character is
written as a drama queen, which makes her hard to sympathize with at times.
The Last Station also lacks a certain amount of biting humor, but it's there in small doses. The movie is even better as a sharp satire than as what it is: A smart, sweet drama. It's a nice reminder about the importance of flexibility and love in a person's mission to improve the world. For anyone who's hoping to go out there and make a mark, these are good lessons to bear in mind.
★ ★ ★ // ABBY OLCESE
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