#46: "if you're bored, then you're boring"
Welcome to issue #46 of THIS NEWSLETTER CANNOT SAVE YOU, my sporadic attempt to surprise and delight you with short video gems lovingly sifted from the obscene barrage of content that comprises life in the logosphere. Innovative techniques derived from next generation curation mechanics have been applied to assess the intrinsic foundational value of every minute of each video, to best answer such fundamental questions as "Does it suck?" and "No but seriously, does it suck?" The answer, friends, is frequently "nope."
Highlights from Scottoworld
The paperback edition of my science fantasy novel WILD MASSIVE is released on Tuesday, November 14, for your approval and enjoyment!
"Throughout this sprawling, ambitious romp, Moore draws from numerous perspectives and gleefully embraces the inherent absurdity of both setting and premise... there's no shortage of wild ideas here. Readers are in for a rollicking trip through the fun house." - Publisher's Weekly
"This is an immersive and unique sci-fi fantasy adventure. It’s compelling in a sociological sense, featuring a society that is blinded by its own complacency and overindulgence. Carissa and Andasir are relatable characters with murky motivations, but the vast theme park setting really drives the story with a good blend of magic and science. VERDICT The latest from Moore (Battle of the Linguist Mages) is perfect for those who enjoy offbeat sci-fi where the weak stand up to the strong." - Library Journal
Scottovision
"NUR" (2023) - The latest in a series of video pieces by filmmaker Rus Khasanov to "explore the phenomenon of iridescence by transforming compact discs into a psychedelic delight for the eyes." You leave CDs out in the blazing sun or shine powerful flashlights on them, then you capture the results up close in 8K, and voila, you've got some extremely pretty footage on your hands.
"Sun Girl" (2023) - A new track from experimental singer-songerwriter Julia Holter arrived with no word of a possible album to follow, but the music video that accompanied it is quite a surreal treat, featuring a hapless animated gingerbread cookie that attempts to alternately avoid or embrace the sun's crawl across an eerie alien landscape. Animator Tammy Nguyen has a growing track record in her unique 3D style; for instance, don't miss her video for "Today" by Heaven's Club.
"Fly Away XTC" (2023) - In this music video for an absolute banger of a house anthem by KETTAMA, the director ostensibly follows around a group of Irish paranormal enthusiasts as they attempt to summon aliens by forming runic symbols in parking lots as they pull 360s in their hot rods. Hijinks, as they say, ensue.
"The Archivists" (2020) - I admit to an immediate soft spot for the premise of this bittersweet, elegiac short film. A trio of traveling musicians, years after society has collapsed and most people are gone, stumbles on a trove of vinyl records, and briefly revives the culture of the past by learning to play a new wave song they hear for the first time. You rarely see such a wistful, non-action driven hook into a short film, and as you hear the song come together, the approach pays off in a quiet way. Written & directed by Igor Drljaca.
"Macaroni Cheese" (2023) - South Korean girl group Young Posse made its debut with this single, and the music video has easily catapulted into second place on my chart of shortform videos about macaroni & cheese. Imagine Willy Wonka's chocolate river, except it's a cheese river, and you're on the right track. (Dropping to the number three position on the mac & cheese chart is Rei Ami's "Mac & Cheese," and of course, remaining steady in the top position is Alan Resnick's "Mac and Cheese" for Meow Wolf.)
"The Space between all things" (2020) - One dancer, accompanied by one singer, performs an "exhilarating dance inspired by Japanese culture in an Icelandic snow storm." Choreographer & dancer Fanny Sage, who originated the piece, was inspired by a contrast she observed in Japanese culture - "that emptiness and fullness can coexist" - and the enormity of the Icelandic backdrop provides an appropriate stage for exploring that idea. Stark, beautiful, mysterious. Directed by Neels Castillon, with music by Awir Leon.
"AD/BC: A Rock Opera" (2004) - I just recently learned about this old BBC parody of "Jesus Christ Superstar" - specifically the film version, with all its hippie choreography and wild camera stunts. Matt Berry and Julian Barratt play competing innkeepers on the night that Joseph (played by Richard Ayoade) and Mary (played by a mannequin or something) come to town looking for a room. Familar faces like Noel Fielding and Rich Fulcher pop up in the supporting cast, and Berry and Ayoade wrote the piece. It's 28 minutes of absolutely deadpan riffing on the pretention of the original, best enjoyed by true fans of the original. Hat tip to Kat for introducing me to it.
"Acid Rain" (2019) - A young runaway hitches a ride with a drug dealer somewhere in eastern Europe, and before you know it, they're high as kites at an amazing forest rave. The film's gnarly animation style is well-leveraged to depict the various psychedelic mindstates of our protagonists, and while the film takes a dark turn at the end, it's a potent experience all the same. Written & directed by Tomek Popakul, who took the film to Sundance and numerous European festivals.
"You're doing just fine." (2020) - No really, you totally are.
BONUS recommendation: If you haven't seen my 2015 one-act play "H.P. Lovecraft: Stand-up Comedian!", be advised that the excellent video of opening night was recently upscaled to HD for your viewing pleasure.
Exit Music
Electropop act MS MR went on hiatus in 2017, and returned this year to announce they were officially calling it quits. They left two final tracks along with the announcement: an original tune, and a fine cover of Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta." It's nice to hear a once-ubiquitous tune get a new interpretation, even if I'm sad the duo is retiring.
A YouTube playlist with this issue’s recs can be found here.
Until next time, I remain your friendly correspondent, thinking of you,
Scotto
Scotto Moore is the author of WILD MASSIVE, BATTLE OF THE LINGUIST MAGES, and YOUR FAVORITE BAND CANNOT SAVE YOU.
