Searching for and listening to movie soundtrack music for the year is an active quest of curiosity, discovery, and collage. For those fatigued and pushing through the chilliest season, I hope this mix can provide both energy and warmth, as it did to me in making it.Trends in film music over the last decade are continuing strong in 2023, particularly in the ambition of independent auteurs using complex and unusual scoring. The foundation for this mix is Angela Schanelec's beautiful and aptly titled Music, which provides both diegetic and non-diegetic moments to guide us. Samples range from The Old Oak, in which classical choral choir meets Syrian guitar and words of hope that now hit harder than ever, to a mix of sentimental strings courtesy of the legendary Joe Hisaishi. Abstract experimental sounds by two completely different kinds of artists—Harmony Korine and Thomas Newman—are mixed with sliced...
- 1/4/2024
- MUBI
As Martin Scorsese once said, “Music and cinema fit together naturally. Because there’s a kind of intrinsic musicality to the way moving images work when they’re put together. It’s been said that cinema and music are very close as art forms, and I think that’s true.” Indeed, the right piece of music––whether it’s an original score or a carefully selected song––can do wonders for a sequence, and today we’re looking at the 20 films that best expressed that notion in 2023.
From seasoned composers to accomplished musicians, as well as a smattering of soundtracks, each perfectly transported us. Check out our rundown of the top 20, which includes streams to each soundtrack in full where available.
20. Infinity Pool (Tim Hecker)
19. Knock at the Cabin (Herdís Stefánsdóttir)
18. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (Lorne Balfe)
17. Passages (Various Artists)
16. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Daniel Pemberton)
15. Master Gardener...
From seasoned composers to accomplished musicians, as well as a smattering of soundtracks, each perfectly transported us. Check out our rundown of the top 20, which includes streams to each soundtrack in full where available.
20. Infinity Pool (Tim Hecker)
19. Knock at the Cabin (Herdís Stefánsdóttir)
18. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (Lorne Balfe)
17. Passages (Various Artists)
16. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Daniel Pemberton)
15. Master Gardener...
- 12/19/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
There have been hundreds upon hundreds of ambient music albums released this year, but there’s only one released by an elite-tier rapper with a 13-times-Platinum record under his overalls. In the 16 years since the tectonic-shifting Outkast went on hiatus, fans of the duo’s André 3000 have been clamoring for the superstar to deliver something more than the occasional knockout guest verse. Instead, he’s been following his arrow as a nomadic, bohemian troubadour playing his flute in airports, coffee shops, sidewalks and yoga classes. His debut album, New...
- 11/20/2023
- by Christopher R. Weingarten
- Rollingstone.com
Veteran industrial act Godflesh have announced a new album, Purge, set for release on June 9th. The LP marks the UK band’s ninth album overall, and first in nearly six years.
Godflesh originally formed as Fall of Because in 1982 before changing their name in 1988. They are considered one of the pioneers of industrial metal, and are still led by longtime members Justin K. Broadrick and Ben “G. C.” Green.
According to a press release, “The title alone — Purge — references directly how songwriter and creator Justin K. Broadrick utilizes Godflesh’s music as a temporary relief from his diagnosed autism and Ptsd. It’s the next stage in a journey he has been on since he began creating music, feeling alone and like an outsider in any scene or group, from childhood through to adulthood.”
Purge serves as a sequel of sorts to Godflesh’s sophomore effort, Pure, as it...
Godflesh originally formed as Fall of Because in 1982 before changing their name in 1988. They are considered one of the pioneers of industrial metal, and are still led by longtime members Justin K. Broadrick and Ben “G. C.” Green.
According to a press release, “The title alone — Purge — references directly how songwriter and creator Justin K. Broadrick utilizes Godflesh’s music as a temporary relief from his diagnosed autism and Ptsd. It’s the next stage in a journey he has been on since he began creating music, feeling alone and like an outsider in any scene or group, from childhood through to adulthood.”
Purge serves as a sequel of sorts to Godflesh’s sophomore effort, Pure, as it...
- 3/3/2023
- by Spencer Kaufman
- Consequence - Music
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Ambulance (Michael Bay)
The Marvel machine may be the most fortuitous development for Michael Bay. Though the director hasn’t dabbled in the world of superheroes—despite a fondness for a cinematic universe of the robot variety—the homogenized, green-screen wasteland of today’s box-office behemoths has indirectly led to a reappreciation of the director’s schoolboy giddiness for practical effects and continually upping the ante for where he can place a camera. As bombastic and occasionally mind-numbing as his approach may be, there’s distinct poetry to the momentum of a maximalist vision where previs filmmaking vis-a-vis a committee is not only missing from his vocabulary, but a kinetic approach makes such a proposition nigh impossible. With Ambulance, a streamlined spectacle that borrows liberally from Heat,...
Ambulance (Michael Bay)
The Marvel machine may be the most fortuitous development for Michael Bay. Though the director hasn’t dabbled in the world of superheroes—despite a fondness for a cinematic universe of the robot variety—the homogenized, green-screen wasteland of today’s box-office behemoths has indirectly led to a reappreciation of the director’s schoolboy giddiness for practical effects and continually upping the ante for where he can place a camera. As bombastic and occasionally mind-numbing as his approach may be, there’s distinct poetry to the momentum of a maximalist vision where previs filmmaking vis-a-vis a committee is not only missing from his vocabulary, but a kinetic approach makes such a proposition nigh impossible. With Ambulance, a streamlined spectacle that borrows liberally from Heat,...
- 4/29/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Perk the ears at any film festival and you might hear talk that Franz Rogowski is the best European actor of his generation. The captivating German offers further evidence to support such claims with Luzifer, a rather ugly sort of film (though intentionally so) made good by the strange draw of his charisma—plus, amongst other things, a terrific Tim Hecker score. Inspired by true events, it is the story of a secluded innocent who must do battle with a plague of satanic drones. The director is Peter Brunner, an Austrian filmmaker with a taste for grungy aesthetics. His 2018 film To the Night attempted something not too dissimilar with Caleb Landry Jones but couldn’t quite find the right alchemy.
Rogowski plays Johannes, a young man living in a state of precarious codependency with his mother, a recovering addict (played by artist Susanne Jensen) who has long since given herself over to the almighty.
Rogowski plays Johannes, a young man living in a state of precarious codependency with his mother, a recovering addict (played by artist Susanne Jensen) who has long since given herself over to the almighty.
- 8/25/2021
- by Rory O'Connor
- The Film Stage
London-based sales agency Film Republic has picked up Peter Brunner’s “Luzifer,” which will feature next week in competition at the Locarno Film Festival. The film stars Franz Rogowski, who toplined Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” and is produced by Austrian auteur Ulrich Seidl.
In “Luzifer,” which is based on the reimagining of a true story, Rogowski plays Johannes, an innocent, Kaspar Hauser-like man with the heart of a child, who lives secluded in an alpine hut together with his eagle and his devout mother. Daily life in this isolated world is governed by prayer and ritual. But suddenly, modern objects and disruptive noises intrude between nature and worship. A hotel development threatens to poison their paradise and awaken the devil.
In a statement, Brunner commented: “I wanted to show people who return to the essentials. As dropouts from digital pollution, they seek spirituality in nature. This dance, a...
In “Luzifer,” which is based on the reimagining of a true story, Rogowski plays Johannes, an innocent, Kaspar Hauser-like man with the heart of a child, who lives secluded in an alpine hut together with his eagle and his devout mother. Daily life in this isolated world is governed by prayer and ritual. But suddenly, modern objects and disruptive noises intrude between nature and worship. A hotel development threatens to poison their paradise and awaken the devil.
In a statement, Brunner commented: “I wanted to show people who return to the essentials. As dropouts from digital pollution, they seek spirituality in nature. This dance, a...
- 8/6/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The National, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Run the Jewels will headline the 2020 Pitchfork Music Festival. Held on July 17th through the 19th at Chicago’s Union Park, the festival will celebrate its 15-year anniversary.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs will kick off the festival on Friday. Angel Olsen, Waxahatchee, Hop Along, Jehnny Beth, and Tim Hecker and the Konoyo Ensemble will also perform. Saturday will feature Run the Jewels, in addition to Sharon Van Etten, Tierra Whack, Thundercat, and Cat Power. The National will close out on Sunday, as well as Phoebe Bridgers,...
Yeah Yeah Yeahs will kick off the festival on Friday. Angel Olsen, Waxahatchee, Hop Along, Jehnny Beth, and Tim Hecker and the Konoyo Ensemble will also perform. Saturday will feature Run the Jewels, in addition to Sharon Van Etten, Tierra Whack, Thundercat, and Cat Power. The National will close out on Sunday, as well as Phoebe Bridgers,...
- 2/19/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
An episode of the long-awaited fourth season of Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty will get an exclusive, never-before-seen screening at the second annual Adult Swim Festival in November. The two-day event in Los Angeles runs Friday, Nov. 15-Saturday, Nov. 16, with the Rick and Morty screening set for Day 2.
Adult Swim had previously announced that Rick and Morty‘s Season 4 will launch in November.
In addition to the Rick and Morty sneak, this year’s festival will include events described by Adult Swim as “one-of-a-kind, 360° fan experience” attractions such as “Robot Chicken Intergalatic Power Summit, Squidbillies 10 Man Bunkhouse Stampede,” a discussion with Genndy Tartakovsky, and exclusive talent appearances, panels, meet and greets, merchandise, games, and more.
The festival also will feature performances by Dethklok, Jamie xx, Vince Staples, Young Thug, Captain Murphy, The Eric Andre Show Live!, Tierra Whack, Lil Nas X, among others.
Last year’s debut festival drew...
Adult Swim had previously announced that Rick and Morty‘s Season 4 will launch in November.
In addition to the Rick and Morty sneak, this year’s festival will include events described by Adult Swim as “one-of-a-kind, 360° fan experience” attractions such as “Robot Chicken Intergalatic Power Summit, Squidbillies 10 Man Bunkhouse Stampede,” a discussion with Genndy Tartakovsky, and exclusive talent appearances, panels, meet and greets, merchandise, games, and more.
The festival also will feature performances by Dethklok, Jamie xx, Vince Staples, Young Thug, Captain Murphy, The Eric Andre Show Live!, Tierra Whack, Lil Nas X, among others.
Last year’s debut festival drew...
- 6/25/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The second annual Adult Swim Festival is set to take place on Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16 at Los Angeles’ Banc Of California Stadium. Music acts on the bill include Lil Nas X (pictured), Jamie xx, Vince Staples, Young Thug, Dethklok, Captain Murphy and Tierra Whack, among many others.
Additional offerings include comedy performers, special experiences and screenings, for example: a 360° fan experience, a premiere screening of “Rick and Morty” season four abd a Robot Chicken Intergalatic Power Summit.
The 23,500-seat Banc of California Stadium open just over a year ago on the site of the venerable L.A. Memorial Sports Arena — site of legendary shows by U2 and Bruce Springsteen as well as basketball’s L.A. Clippers for a time — adjacent to the Coliseum and the USC campus. June 2). The renovation took 20 months and cost more than $350 million.
Tickets start at an affordable $49.
See the lineup below
Friday,...
Additional offerings include comedy performers, special experiences and screenings, for example: a 360° fan experience, a premiere screening of “Rick and Morty” season four abd a Robot Chicken Intergalatic Power Summit.
The 23,500-seat Banc of California Stadium open just over a year ago on the site of the venerable L.A. Memorial Sports Arena — site of legendary shows by U2 and Bruce Springsteen as well as basketball’s L.A. Clippers for a time — adjacent to the Coliseum and the USC campus. June 2). The renovation took 20 months and cost more than $350 million.
Tickets start at an affordable $49.
See the lineup below
Friday,...
- 6/25/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Much of the nostalgic, hyper-real sounds emerging from the current wellspring of electronic music comes from a fictional, idealized Japan: vaporwave and “future funk” artists sampling buttery, synth-centic Japanese funk and boogie records; ambient artists attempting to capture their icy Eighties New Age rarities; PC Music tweaking the exaggerated “kawaii” of J-Pop. Even many of the most powerful, glossy avant-garde sounds – Oneohtrix Point Never sounding like a synthetic koto on R Plus Seven or Jlin opening Black Origami with something like a digital shamisen – evoke Japanese folk instruments run through the digital funhouse mirror.
- 9/28/2018
- by Christopher R. Weingarten
- Rollingstone.com
History, which is foundational to the captivatingly bonkers story of Justin Kurzel’s “Assassin’s Creed,” tells us that this should be a very bad movie. For one thing, this dense, dour, and oft-delayed holiday spectacle is based on a popular series of video games — a grim omen in a year that brought us the likes of “Warcraft” and “Ratchet & Clank.” For another, Kurzel’s moody adaptation is told on a massive scale, budgeted to compete with other franchise monstrosities like “Rogue One” and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” — the familiar trouble with making a film like this is that it’s too expensive to afford any risks.
But “Assassin’s Creed,” in which Michael Fassbender’s blank protagonist quite literally repeats history, refuses to be defined by the past. On the contrary, this bizarre, borderline incoherent action movie becomes the most interesting blockbuster of 2016 because of how...
But “Assassin’s Creed,” in which Michael Fassbender’s blank protagonist quite literally repeats history, refuses to be defined by the past. On the contrary, this bizarre, borderline incoherent action movie becomes the most interesting blockbuster of 2016 because of how...
- 12/19/2016
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
“The Free World” is the tale of a released convict who struggles to find love and peace in his newly gained freedom. That sounds like the premise for promising TV show — after all, “Rectify” has already been covering that territory for four seasons — but first-time writer-director Jason Lew constructs his movie with the hallmarks of an exhausting pilot that falls short of making the case for a full season.
Muhammad Lundy (Boyd Holbrook) works at an animal shelter after his recent tenure at Louisiana’s Angola prison. (If you ever forget that he’s essentially trading in one caged environment for another, this is a film that will repeatedly remind you.) His place of employment soon becomes the refuge of Doris (Elisabeth Moss), who shows up after hours with blood-covered hands in search of her recently euthanized dog. Recognizing her frightened demeanor and vulnerable emotional state, Muhammad “rescues” Doris, bringing...
Muhammad Lundy (Boyd Holbrook) works at an animal shelter after his recent tenure at Louisiana’s Angola prison. (If you ever forget that he’s essentially trading in one caged environment for another, this is a film that will repeatedly remind you.) His place of employment soon becomes the refuge of Doris (Elisabeth Moss), who shows up after hours with blood-covered hands in search of her recently euthanized dog. Recognizing her frightened demeanor and vulnerable emotional state, Muhammad “rescues” Doris, bringing...
- 9/24/2016
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
"In the early days, people seemed to believe that we were the people in Pink Flamingos, that we lived in a trailer and ate dog shit," John Waters says. "And we really weren't, obviously. We'd be in prison if we were. But it was a good reaction. It meant the movie worked."
For the past half a century, the Baltimore-born filmmaker and his pencil mustache have gleefully stood at the vanguard of vulgarity in cinema. Movies like his 1970 freak show Multiple Maniacs and his 1972 offering Pink Flamingos nauseated audiences when...
For the past half a century, the Baltimore-born filmmaker and his pencil mustache have gleefully stood at the vanguard of vulgarity in cinema. Movies like his 1970 freak show Multiple Maniacs and his 1972 offering Pink Flamingos nauseated audiences when...
- 9/5/2014
- Rollingstone.com
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