#76: "a beautiful and whimsical look"
Welcome to issue #76 of THIS NEWSLETTER CANNOT SAVE YOU, screaming in at the last minute from my underground bunker in Seattle. Things are a bit hectic but we’re making it happen.
But enough about me. Let’s dive right in!
Scottovision
“Dúlamán” (2025) - A choral composition by Irish composer Michael McGlynn (“the BEST song about seaweed” according to one commenter) is given a polyphonic twist by Spokanki, a group that describes itself as “8 sisters from the mystical country of SpokanLand, wandering around all corners of the planet to search and distribute music of different peoples from Africa to the Netherlands.” Once you’ve heard this, you may want to check out their appearance on a Russian television talent show, or their notable rap to the words of Dr. Seuss, “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?” Maddeningly, they don’t seem to have an album available beyond a live album that went out exclusively to crowdfunding supporters, but rest assured, I will be watching for one.
“Civilians” (2025) - Electronic musician Clark has a new record coming out called Steep Stims, and the first single has a wild video that usurps the top spot in my chart of best Jello-themed music videos. The premise: a slick modern dance troupe never loses sight of the groove even as Jello increasingly infuses their routine. Good clean family fun here.
“The Dream Machine” (2025) - Jimmy Marble writes and directs this animated tale of an inventor who creates a machine that can manifest dreams in the real world. Delivered in a Yellow Submarine animation style, the film is a beautiful and whimsical look at the consequences of true and undying love.
“/HAAW/” (2025) - A pair of young skiiers find themselves sharing a lift ride with an unconventional trio of fellow passengers, and when one of the skiiers can’t help but display a bit of bigotry, the consequences are uniquely psychedelic. Written & directed by Joey Scoma. Here’s an interesting behind-the-scenes featurette.
“Channelvue” (2025) - A retro cable TV prevue channel is hijacked by hackers who take over the (already ridiculous) programming, leading to a wild blend of surreal and eerie comedy, in this short film directed by Brandon Tauszik, written by Joe Veix.
“Shanti Rides Shotgun” (2025) - This documentary short film follows Shanti, premier driving instructor, as she and her students navigate the streets of New York City. Shanti’s teaching style is gruff and no nonsense, but also witty and effective, and it’s a treat to watch her leading her students to success behind the wheel. Directed by Charles Frank.
“I AM ___” (2025) - Singer/songwriter and technology innovator Imogen Heap has returned with a new four-song EP and a superb short film to accompany it. The film “explores the turbulence of personal exploration, geopolitical upheaval and now an accelerating technological revolution,” using an array of animation techniques, AI visualizations and manipulations, and live-action cinematography at various scales to achieve a tour of a dazzling cybernetic landscape. Heap’s stance on how musicians can utilize AI to their benefit deserves more words than this blurb can provide — check out her artist statement about the piece to get the scoop. Directed by Daria Korsak.
“Lucifer” (2025) - Two demonic spiderbots engage in a heated chess-like game as a coterie of bizarre and menacing spectators hover all around in this trippy music video for a track by hyperpop artist A. G. Cook. The official description for the video: “Many who sat to play did not rise. Some became pieces. Others became the board.” Directed by Steve Smith.
“Rome Is Burning” (2025) - For those who plan to party down at the end of civilization, this music video gives you a harrowing glimpse of how it might go down: rifle-toting ballerinas, blood-soaked influencers, and furries dancing in formation are just some of the possible sights you’ll see. Music by Apashe, Worakls and Wasiu; directed by Adrian Villagomez & Apashe.
“Dream Sequence” (2025) - Undoubtedly the first short film dedicated to the theme “Everything is better with a little bit of butter.” Surreal goodness from the zany folks at Meow Wolf; written and directed by Annie Jaynes.
Exit Music
Sending you out this week with a mix I may have posted before, but memories are short. It’s my official “Africa Covers Mix,” containing one (1) full hour of covers of Africa by Toto. I created this ironically and came to love it unironically, which is not a journey I expect anyone else to complete, but do know that the potential is there. The last time I heard this mix, it was blasting out of a boom box as my friends and I [deleted for security reasons] in a [deleted for security reasons]. So you know it has to be good!
Here's the YouTube playlist with (most of) this issue's recos. Please enjoy responsibly.
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.
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