Bloglander

Even Election Day isn't enough to keep us from scoping out some new music and movie releases. In fact, it's hard to think of a better way to rid the mind of the onslaught of political ads and talking-head yammering than delving into something new on TV or in your headphones. 

Here is what’s new and worth your attention, released Tuesday, Nov. 4: 

MUSIC

Deerhoof, La Isla Bonita. Twenty years into their life as a band, San Francisco crew Deerhoof continues making some of the most interesting indie-rock around. Their latest was recorded live in guitarist Ed Rodriguez's basement during what they called a "weeklong slumber party." Here's a taste: 


Mariachi El Bronx, III. If you think the alter-ego of long-running punks The Bronx is a joke, you're mistaken. Their reverence for authentic mariachi music comes through loud and clear on the band's third release of West Mexican traditional tunes. Here is an audio-vid of new song "Wildfires:"


Neil Young, Storytone. If you're looking for Crazy Horse-style Neil, keep on moving. This is Neil Young delving into lush orchestration and crooning (at least as much as Neil Young can croon). Like most of Young's releases, this one will prove divisive among fans. Here's a sample: 


FILM

The monster-sized mainstream releases this week include The Rock doing his best Hercules impression, and Angelina Jolie in the generally well-received Maleficent. There are a few smaller films that deserve your attention, though: 

A Most Wanted Man is well worth seeing just for Philip Seymour Hoffman's outstanding performance, one of his last, as German security agent Gunther Bachmann. He's tasked with tracking Muslim terrorists active in Hamburg, Germany, where the 9/11 plot was hatched. Far from an action flick, it makes for an interesting look at spy strategies and international politics, with Hoffman joined by strong roles for Robin Wright and Willem Dafoe. 


Land Ho! is a charming trifle of a movie about two elderly gentlemen, friends and former in-laws, who take off to Iceland for a trip to take their minds off an unwanted retirement and unhappy divorce. It's a road-trip flick, a travelogue of one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and a buddy comedy that goes down easy. 


The One I Love joins Mark Duplass, the seemingly omnipresent indie force, and Mad Men's Elizabeth Moss in a twisted rom-com mystery in which a couple heads to a weekend retreat in an effort to rejuvenate their marriage, only to discover something that makes them reevaluate everything they thought they knew about each other.