Album Review: Elbow, “Audio Vertigo”

‘You’re a pitiless millstone / Impossible check / You’re a lure to the shore / And the rocks and a wreck / You’re a slender and elegant foot on the neck / And I love you.’ Elbow frontman Guy Garvey delivers these poetically devastating lyrics on “The Picture,” one of twelve tracks from the band’s tenth studio album, Audio Vertigo. Elbow’s previous album, Flying Dream 1 (which landed on our Top 20 Albums of 2021 list), was whimsical and contemplative, and now the band has emerged post-pandemic with a boisterous spirit, delivering an album full of groovy hooks and dark romantic musings. Continue reading “Album Review: Elbow, “Audio Vertigo””

Single of the Week: “Decoy” by Bree-on-uh

I’ll admit that the single of the week rarely finds itself on the darker end of the pop spectrum. But “Decoy” by the joyfully named Bree-on-uh is equal parts dark and warm and has been sticking to my soul for a full week now. This song definitely makes me feel bright, in all its minor key glory and is likely to do the same for you. 

“Decoy” can be enjoyed in all the usual places. I expect good things to come from her, so follow her on the socials, too! 

Film Feature: Carrie and Chad Pick the 2024 Oscars

Film critics Carrie and Chad on who will – and who should – win the 96th Academy Awards

The 96th Academy Awards air tomorrow, Sunday, March 10th, on ABC at a new, earlier 4:00 pm PST start time. Friendly reminder to fellow film fans: don’t forget to spring forward for daylight savings, or you might miss the start of the show! Below, Spinning Platters film critics Carrie Kahn and Chad Liffmann share their predictions and thoughts for the major categories. Although we feel smug when our picks win, we don’t mind some upsets to keep things interesting! You can print your own ballot here. Good luck to all!

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Single of the Week: “Strange World” by La Luz

If you didn’t know Bay Area psych mastermind Spacemoth. had joined La Luz already, you’d know within a few notes of “Strange World.” It really is a perfect union- La Luz’s dreamscapes getting punched up by Spacemoth.’s trademark warmth and danceability. It’s the strongest song in what’s a very, very strong combined catalog of the two acts, and I can’t wait to hear more of this very, very holy union. 

“Strange World” is the first single off News Of The Universe, coming May 24th. Preorders are happening now! The band will also be on the road for, well, what looks like ever! Dates can be found here

KMDFM celebrates 40 years of kickin’ ass in Atlanta with start of LET GO tour

With hands thrown in the air and fists slapping the sky, fans of all ages bobbed along, banging heads to the “ultra heavy beat” at the Masquerade in Atlanta on March 6, 2024.

KMFDM opened its 40th anniversary tour with the first track off the 2022 release, Hyëna.

Continue reading “KMDFM celebrates 40 years of kickin’ ass in Atlanta with start of LET GO tour”

Film Review: “Kung Fu Panda 4”

Fourth time around, kung fu fighting animals still make for a fun outing

The Kung Fu Panda franchise has been a reliable family-friendly brand since the first film was released in 2008, spawning three sequels and a few television series. What could be more thrilling than adorable animals displaying kung fu moves if you’re a child? And for adults, kinetic animated action sequences and efficient running times are welcome. Despite the noticeable absence of some major characters, Kung Fu Panda 4 continues the series’ consistent level of fun, once again embracing its charismatic central protagonist while featuring abundant colorful fight sequences.

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Single Of The Week: “Moving” by Torrey

Sometimes disparate elements can come together and make something more beautiful than you’d ever expect. “Moving” by Bay Area-based dream-popsters Torrey is equal parts dreamy and loud in all the right ways, making for a perfectly head swimmy 3:39 that will satisfy your need to disconnect from the horrors of reality while still helping you thrive within those horrors. 

Torrey’s self-titled full-length is out March 8th on Slumberland Records. Preordering can be done here. They are also playing the stacked Oakland Weekender at Thee Stork Club, happening June 6th – 8th, alongside twee legends #poundsign#, All Girl Summer Fun Band, Seablite, Kids On A Crime Spree, and many, many more. 

Film Review: “Dune: Part Two”

Dune: Part Two is a majestic and visual masterpiece

When Denis Villeneuve first revealed that his adaptation of Dune was going to be divided into two parts (kept relatively secret for some reason until the first part’s release in 2021), the news was somewhat disappointing. Was the justification for two parts simply another studio cash grab? Would the first part contain enough story to justify its existence? The answer, as you may know, was that Dune: Part One blew away everyone’s expectations, establishing Villeneuve’s vision as unique, monumental, and cinematically astounding. The stakes were high for Dune: Part Two, since Part One was a critical and box office success and even made a push for the Best Picture Oscar (which it lost to CODA, yeesh). Now Dune: Part Two has finally arrived after a long delay due to the WGA strike last year, and it’s a masterpiece. The new film expands upon the original’s narrative scope, delivering nearly three hours of stunning visual storytelling and character arcs, placing it among the best sci-fi epics of the last fifty years, and making it perhaps one of the greatest sequels in cinema history.

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Film Review: “Drive-Away Dolls”

Few clever moments can’t salvage solo Coen brother project 

BFFs Jamie (Margaret Qualley, l.) and Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) run into some trouble.

Following in his big brother Joel’s footsteps, Ethan Coen steps outside the pair’s successful filmmaking partnership with Drive-Away Dolls, his first solo narrative feature. Unfortunately, Ethan doesn’t do as well as his brother did with his 2021 award-winning The Tragedy of Macbeth. Drive-Away Dolls probably won’t win any awards, but it’s a serviceable, if mostly forgettable, attempt at a retro, low-brow comedy.

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Single of the Week: “4316” by Isobel Campbell

Isobel Campbell’s first release since the passing of her longtime collaborator, Mark Lanegan, is really surprising. It’s an immensely bright and sunny single, and it just feels good to listen to. It might be the single most energetic release of Campbell’s career, and I am ALL IN. This is an exciting release, and I’m eager to hear the rest of this record. 

“4316” is the first single from Bow To Love, coming your way on May 17th. Preorders are happening here