Top 5: 2013 Albums of the Year

Five great albums could easily have been ten. Some of my favourite new albums from 2013:

5. Heart Attack by Man Overboard

Possibly out of place on this otherwise indie-pop list, the third studio album from defenders of pop punk is more than an enjoyable walk down memory lane, their brand of pop-punk/emo is an energetic combination of everything and everyone I ever loved in my late teens but somehow fresh and new and exciting at the same time. Heart Attack demonstrates the sounds of a band who have toured non-stop and matured exponentially as they went.

4. Say Hi To The Band by Stagecoach

The first and, sadly, last album from the indie poppers. Their usual spiky, raucous sound toned down on several wonderful tracks imbued with real melancholy. The standout track for me has to be "A New Hand" and the kind chaps even outdid themselves by allowing me to use the song in my now aborted feature film directorial debut.

3. No Blues by Los Campesinos!

A rather lovely surprise, this fifth album from my favourite Welsh indie popsters is a triumphant return to form after the almost unlistenable self indulgent misery of Hello Sadness. I'd all but given up on them but No Blues is filled with fabulousness and more than its fair share of sporting metaphors. LC4LYF!

2. Love Makes Monsters by My First Tooth

Beautiful. Just beautiful. AND incredibly lovely people. AND have the distinction of playing one of the most memorable gigs of my life during 2013. The horny old goat dude on a Camden sound desk tried his hardest to ruin the sound for the five of us present but My First Tooth rode through it and made flying to England worthwhile.

1. Balancing by The October Game

The album I listened the most this year is an incredible collection of pop songs performed by some of the most talented musicians I've had the pleasure to spend time with. Drifting from pop to post-rock with catchy choruses, eccentric lyrics, heartfelt sentiment and atmospheric nods towards folklore this is an album of different ideas and styles, almost like a greatest hits compilation rather than an album led by one definite concept. Yes, I admit a little bias BUT that doesn't change the fact that I have happily listened to this on repeat for 14 hours.

2013 So Far (Sep - Dec) Top 5 2013 Releases

The final part of my assessment of the final four months of 2013 is the one most people care about I guess, the best movies released this year. Kind of irrelevant with the year end list coming up but I've seen a massive 65 of them and these are the best 5:

5. Rush - Dir. Ron Howard

4. Frances Ha - Dir. Noah Baumbach

3. August: Osage County - Dir. John Wells

2. Blue Caprice - Dir. Alexandre Moors

1. Gravity - Dir. Alfonso Cuarón

Full list of 2013 movies seen Sep - Dec: Kick-Ass 2, World War Z, Oxyana, Monster's University, The Bling Ring, Burton & Taylor, The Hangover Part III, This is the End, A Single Shot, Rewind This!, Privacy Setting, After Earth, Dead in Tombstone, An Accidental Soldier, The Internship, Ain't Them Bodies Saints, Ass Backwards, Paradise, Man of Steel, White House Down, All is Bright, Crystal Fairy, Some Girl(s), Violet & Daisy, Gravity, Despicable Me 2, Turbo, This is Martin Bonner, Riddick, Earthbound, Blue Caprice, The To-Do List, We're The Millers, McCanick, Mystery Road, The East, The World's End, 2 Guns, The Wolverine, How I Live Now, The Kings of Summer, Elysium, Frances Ha, Prisoners, Machete Kills, Big Sur, A Case of You, The Last Days on Mars, Kilimanjaro, Mood Indigo, Runner Runner, Out of the Furnace, Blue Jasmine, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2, The Spectacular Now, Don Jon, Fruitvale Station, Much Ado About Nothing, August: Osage County, Escape Plan, Rush, American Hustle, Computer Chess, Burma

2013 So Far (May - Aug) Top 5 2013 Releases

The final part of my assessment of the second four months of 2013 is the one most people care about I guess, the best movies released this year. I've seen a massive 64 of them and these are the best 5:


5. Spring Breakers - Dir. Harmony Korine

4. White Reindeer - Dir. Zach Clark

3. Behind The Candelabra - Dir. Steven Soderbergh

2. Before Midnight - Dir. Richard Linklater

1. The Fifth Season - Dir. Peter Brosens, Jessica Hope Woodworth

As you might expect from such a large quantity of films to choose from this was much harder than picking five films seen in the first third of the year. Honourable mentions could go to another seven(!) over the past four months and they are highlighted below in the full list.

Full list of 2013 releases seen May - Aug: I Give It a Year, A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III, Parker, Star Trek Into Darkness, Broken City, A Good Day to Die Hard, The Place Beyond the Pines, Snitch, Bullet to the Head, Broken, Gimme the Loot, Behind the Candelabra, The Call, Stoker, Burt Wonderstone, Rapture-Palooza, Phantom, Mud, Odd Thomas, Penthouse North, Spring Breakers, Olympus Has Fallen, Redemption, The Croods, Off World, Pictures of Superheroes, A Field in England, The Fifth Season, GI Joe 2, Fast 6, Trance, Trash and Progress, Supporting Characters, White Reindeer, Europa Report, Pawn Shop Chronicles, Lunarcy!, Pacific Rim, Night Train to Lisbon, Only God Forgives, Rock Jocks, Oblivion, Klip, The Act of Killing, Before Midnight, More Than Honey, Drinking Buddies, The Lifeguard, Magic Magic, The Canyons, Byzantium, Touchy Feely, Epic, Laurence Anyways, The Heat, The Iceman, Pain & Gain, Clear History, A Teacher, The Look of Love, Empire State, Now You See Me, Prince Avalanche

What have you seen? What are your favourites from the year? Join the conversation in the comments or tweet @BBBGToby with #2013best. 

2013 So Far (Jan - Apr) Top 5 2013 Releases

The final part of my assessment of the first four months of 2013 is the one most people care about I guess, the best movies released this year. I've seen 21 of them and these are the best 5:

5. John Dies at the End - Dir. Don Coscarelli

4. American Mary - Dir. The Soska Sisters

3. Dans La Maison - Dir. Francois Ozon

2. Side Effects - Dir. Steven Soderbergh

1. The Hunt - Dir. Thomas Vinterberg

OK that's it, I fully expect the top 2 to still be around come the end of the year but the others I'm not so sure about. Very good films all the same however.

What have you seen? What are your favourites from the year? Join the conversation in the comments or tweet @BBBGToby with #2013best.

Top 5: Movies Seen For The First Time in 2012 (Catchup Awards)

I've seen 195 movies since I started using Letterboxd on July 15th, prior to that I didn't keep count but I would say that my total should reach somewhere around the 450 mark for 2012. My tendency to watch a load of old crap simply because it seems easier than watching movies that I will actually enjoy is a problem I hope to rectify one day but as it stands the movies I place in the Why Did They Even Bother? category outnumber the picks for Sometimes They Make Something Great which in theory made picking the winner of this award easy. The results were interesting, 4 out of 5 were made in a year ending in 7, the odd film out was the newest (2008) and the only film directed by a woman (Kelly Reichardt) and the only selection with a female protagonist (Michelle Williams).

The Blahblahblahgay Top 5 for Best Movie Made Prior to 2012 That I Somehow Had Never Seen Before AKA The Catchup Award follows:

5. Point Blank (1967) Dir. John Boorman

One of if not the best films of its kind. John Boorman's direction combined with Lee Marvin's screen presence and Richard Stark's character leave this film head and shoulders above the rest of the field. It's a violent next generation film noir that owes as much to Godard as it does Hammett and shares many similarities with Melville's Le Samourai. The influence of this film cannot possibly be estimated, not least on my second favourite director, Steven Soderbergh.

4. Hombre (1967) Dir. Martin Ritt

I remember when I first saw this I thought I could watch a thousand more western films and not see a better one, so far that has proven to be true. Newman is subtle yet powerful but the impressive Diane Cilento steals the show as Jessie the innkeeper. Its rare enough to find a strong, independent woman with brains and class in a film let alone in a genre typified by misogyny.

3. Sweet Smell Of Success (1957) Dir. Alexander MacKendrick

I honestly can't find a thing wrong with this movie. Top quality performances from Lancaster and Curtis and a great script combine for one of the most memorable, fast talking movies I've ever seen and a great from the history of film noir to boot.

2. Wendy and Lucy (2008) Dir. Kelly Reichardt

American indie cinema is so often filled with quirky adorkable people that it's easy to think that this is all young writers and directors have to offer. Sure some of them are very well made, entertaining and filled with good performances but the majority seem to be a little bit of a mess. In the case of Wendy & Lucy however I will happily say that this is as good as low budget indie cinema gets in the 21st century. I don't recall seeing an American make such a wonderful slice of life drama as this before. In my experience it is a form of cinema the British excel at but Kelly Reichardt has crafted a "Poor Cow" for America in the 21st century and even more impressively has made it accessible. Directed with admirable restraint she gets the best out of Michelle Williams who surprises me with every new performance, this is cinema that verges on perfection but doesn't quite make it.

1. Metropolis (1927) Dir. Fritz Lang

It's not every day you get to watch a masterpiece for the first time and Metropolis is a masterpiece in the true sense of the word. This is essential viewing for any lover of cinema, even more so in the new reconstructed and remastered Blu-ray version.

Anything you regret waiting until 2012 to watch? Seen many masterpieces this year or are you like me and generally watch the dumbest Hollywood flick you can find?

Expendables UK Week - Top Fives: Ray Winstone Movies

Expendables UK week comes to a close with a close up on some true Brit Grit; the leader of the pack, the man the next generation of expendables aim to emulate, Ray Winstone is a lot more than just a nasty bastard.

Here's the blahblahblahgay pick of his top five movies.

1. Nil By Mouth (1997)

Loosely based on Gary Oldman's childhood experiences Nil By Mouth features Winstone as an abusive husband to Kathy Burke. This film uses the word cunt 82 times (apparently more than any other movie in cinema history) and is noted for using the word fuck over 400 times.

2. The War Zone (1999)

Previously mentioned in my Top 5 Tilda Swinton movies post, this was the directorial debut of Tim Roth and owes a lot of its power over the viewer to the performance of Ray Winstone as the head of the family.

3. The Proposition (2005)

 A superb Australian movie that more than deserves its place in the Blahblahblahgay Family DVD Guide Western chapter. Winstone plays Captain Stanley, a law officer intent on civilising Australia no matter the cost to himself or those he comes in contact with.

4. Sexy Beast (2000)

Playing opposite the Oscar nominated Ben Kingsley, Ray Winstone is Dove; a softly spoken retired safe-cracker cajoled in to one last job. Almost playing against type he is a ball of repressed emotions.

5. Scum (1979)

I'm the daddy now! The movie that started Ray Winstone on his path to become a legend amongst men. He plays Carlin, a young criminal who learns the only way to survive in young offenders institute is through violence.

OK that's me done for the week, got any favourite Ray Winstone movies you want to share? Do you dream of being Ray Winstone? How many times have you called somebody a fucking slag? Leave it all in the comments.

Top Fives: Patricia Clarkson Movies

Who doesn't love Patricia Clarkson? What do you mean you don't know who she is? She's the lady that steals the show no matter what the show is, somebody who'll never be offered a role that Jennifer Aniston turned down but would certainly make that movie watchable. But she only really appears in indies and you'd be a very lucky film maker if you could persuade her to work on your indie flick that's for sure. She even got an Oscar nomination for her performance in a Katie Holmes film that was quite forgettable as a whole.

It took seeing her fantastically funny turn in a not so massive role in Welcome To Collinwood recently for me to realise just how versatile and always excellent she is. So here's five more films you should see her in:

The Safety of Objects (2001) Dir. Rose Troche

An ensemble piece adapted from the A.M. Holmes novel of the same name. Clarkson stars alongside Justified dreamboat Timothy Olyphant and the girl who smelled so nice in that vampire movie before sleeping with a really old married man.

The Station Agent (2003) Dir. Thomas McCarthy

Probably my favourite movie of 2003 this is the sweet, funny and moving film that set Thomas McCarthy on the road to indie fame. Clarkson is the broken woman who finds a way to grieve thanks to two unexpected friends.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007) Dir. Craig Gillespie

We all know about Ryan Gosling these days, he's a fantastic modern actor. Back when this quirky drama was released it seemed to fly under the radar a little but is definitely worth the watch. Patricia Clarkson has a very important role as his girlfriends doctor, the kind of role that could easily have destroyed the movie in the wrong hands but Clarkson brings the right level of humour and sincerity to it.

Good Night, And Good Luck (2005) Dir. George Clooney

George Clooney astounds me, he is so damned good looking and much much more than a pretty face. He sells coffee for a living and occasionally makes fantastic movies. This one was nominated for six Academy awards and features very strong performances from the entire cast including Patricia Clarkson as Robert Downey Jr.'s wife. I know many women who would kill to be in that position. She looks fabulous in black and white too.

Easy A (2010) Dir. Will Gluck

The smartest teen comedy in years featured Emma Stone as a pocketful of sunshine and a couple of scene stealing performances from Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson as her parents. Comic gold. I enjoyed them as a couple so much that I am searching out the 2007 Stanley Tucci directed movie Blind Date.

Top Fives: Tilda Swinton Movies (You Probably Haven't Seen)

She's great isn't she? Whether ginger, blonde, crazy, sane, boy, girl, naked, clothed you can always count on Tilda Swinton to be superb at what she's doing.

Inspired by a recent discussion of I Am Love here are five movies you should see in which her performance alone is worth the price of admission.

1. I Am Love (2009)

So yes this is the movie that inspired the post, I'll get it out of the way first. I was a bit blah on the movie but others have loved it and Tilda is especially good in it. In fact without here this would just be a really long art film.


2. Young Adam (2003)

Neatly combining last weeks list subject with this weeks, Young Adam is a bleak low budget period piece from Britain notable for allowing Ewan McGregor to use his own accent. It's a story of sexual desire and murder on a barge.


3. The War Zone (1999)

See this, be amazed, be appalled. Mr Orange directed this incredibly powerful film that has gone largely unnoticed, I would hazard a guess, because of it's content. Solid direction and really superb performances from Tilda and Ray "you fuckin slag" Winstone make this family drama well worth seeing. Warning: Contains strong content that isn't suitable for all.

4. Orlando (1992)

Tilda covers everything from medieval boy to modern day working mother in this fantastic piece of cinema based on Virginia Woolf's novel. Check out one of my new favourite blogs Feminising Film for a comprehensive review.

5. The Limits of Control (2009)

The most recent film from the great and weird Jim Jarmusch. This movie added Seville to our European trip next year, it made it look so appealing. In typical Jarmusch fashion it's a slow burn film filled with odd characters. It's a crime film, of sorts, about a hitman, maybe. It looks amazing and Tilda has this crazy little role as an intermediary. I can't say you'll love it as much as me but it's well worth experiencing.

What Tilda movies would you recommend? I'd love to hear from anyone who's seen The War Zone, what did you think? Any of these you think I shouldn't be suggesting? Leave your blah below.

Top Fives: Phillip Seymour Hoffman Movies (you may not have seen)

In response to last weeks list I thought I'd compile another one on Phillip Seymour Hoffman. This time trying to select his lesser known roles that really deserve to be seen.

It's difficult to know what people haven't seen. That's tough aspect number 1, tough aspect number 2 is narrowing down his awesome performances. The man really is that talented.

I have left off a few that may or may not be that obvious; Savages was thoroughly depressing for me and Sydney/Hard Eight because he's barely in it, but that doesn't mean that Paul Thomas Anderson's debut isn't worth viewing.

1. Happiness


Todd Solondz tends to divide opinion but this powerful film about the underside of suburban life features strong performances all round and an unflinching look at controversial material.

2. Love Liza


Philip Seymour Hoffman as a desperate man coping with the death of his wife by slowly killing himself by sniffing glue. A role made for him and the pairing with Kathy Bates as his mother-in-law makes interesting viewing.

3. Punch-Drunk Love


Possibly Paul Thomas Anderson's least known movie and certainly Adam Sandler's best performance. A slightly surreal romance opposite Emily Watson with Hoffman adding his weight to the main undercard. Up until There Will Be Blood this was my favourite movie from PTA.

4. Jack Goes Boating


Hoffman starring in his own directorial debut, a role that seems completely written for him and his usual socially awkward performances. This was originally a play featuring Hoffman also. Just to demonstrate his immense and diverse talent.

5. Synecdoche, New York


Possibly the most obvious choice on the list what with it being the directorial debut of indie superstar screenwriter Charlie Kaufman but Hoffman stars and if you haven't seen it yet those two facts alone make it must watch in my eyes.

5 Yakuza Movies for Custard (a blahblahblahgay list)

So, Custard of frontroomcinema fame asks and Custard gets! My review of Outrage prompted a question on what Yakuza movies to watch and this happened in my head. Go blahblahblahhead.

5 Yakuza Movies to Watch Before Autoreiji

1. Yojimbo (1961) Akira Kuroswa


No list of Yakuza movies would be complete without a Kurosawa/Mifune film and this one is fantastic. I see no need to tell you about the wonder of Kurosawa.

A ronin without a name plays two warring crime lords off against each other in a small town in need of protection and then stuff happens but I don't want to give spoilers.

A beautiful looking film heavily influenced by hard boiled film noir and westerns and was notably remade as the Clint Eastwood classic A Fistful of Dollars.

2. Tokyo Drifter (1966) Seijun Suzuki


Seijun Suzuki was the significant director in the 'Romantic Gangster Films' movement in the 1960's. Tired of the formulaic plots and he began to portray the yakuza and their code of conduct as similar in world outlook to the salaryman working for the good of the country. In Suzuki's films, the yakuza consume each other in bizarre rituals; attempts to gain total power or climb the ranks of hitmen.

A gang tries to recruit a ronin, he refuses and assassins are sent for him, crosses and double-crosses abound.

The film seems to delight in its mayhem and is highly stylised in its violence, bringing to mind 60's European cinema.

3. Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973) Kinji Fukasaku


Groundbreaking ultra-violent, documentary style film set in post war Hiroshima from the director of Battle Royale as part of the 1970's move towards brutal realism in yakuza films.

Spanning a period of ten years it follows the tribulations of a minor street thug through the futility of the yakuza lifestyle of constant power struggles and feuds.

Bleak, violent and chaotic this one has been called The Japanese Godfather and is a MUST WATCH. Also called The Yakuza Papers.

4. The Yakuza (1975) Sydney Pollack


Written by Paul Schrader and Robert Towne, directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Mitchum. The Yakuza is a study of a culture clash, Eastern philosophy vs a modernised West and features an intelligent plot for an American actioner of the 70's.

A retired American detective is called to Japan to help an old friend resolve a business conflict with the yakuza and rescue the daughter they've taken hostage.

A fun inclusion, strangely this is the one I think of when I think of yakuza movies despite it being an American movie starring Robert Mitchum that I wasn't overly thrilled with when I first saw it.

5. Sonatine (1993) Takeshi Kitano


Takeshi Kitano almost single handedly revived the yakuza genre in the 1990's with a series of stylised minimalist movies, with Sonatine perhaps his best despite the beauty of Hana-bi.

A world-weary yakuza in Tokyo is assigned to take his clan to Okinawa to help settle a dispute between two factions. Over time, it becomes clear he's been set up, sent to Okinawa so that others can take over his lucrative territory. As his clan dwindles, he plans a revenge.

Sonatine draws the viewer in from the beginning, evokes the whole range of emotions, and whilst its characters are yakuza, it's by no means merely a yakuza film, it's so much more.

There you have it Custard and friends. 5 yakuza movies you should see instead of Autoreiji. Let me know what you think in the blahs.