Defenseload

My Most Anticipated Films Guide for 2013

I sat down to share the ten movies that I really want to see in 2013...but then I got a little lost because there was so damn many of them. So I thought, what the hell, why dont I just list everything I wanna see? And that I did. Instead of just listing the films boringly, Ive sorted them into groups and Photoshopped the crap out of stuff. Without further ado, heres the guide to my excitement for this year:


As Ive said probably 194781397410 times during Annual Awards Nersim, Ive seen 0.07% 2012 movies. Ive pretty much missed all of the good ones...either because I cant be bothered going to the cinemas or I live in NZ so hahaha, we dont get any movies. These films are the ones that havent been released in cinemas yet. I will get to see The Perks of Being a Wallflower next week, since it will be on the plane (!). When I get back from Japan, I will be seeing Django Unchained, hopefully on the 25th. The Master comes out before then but theres a 0.06% chance that it will play at more than two cinemas in NZ. Im going to see Les Miserables on the 21st (hopefully) with a friend, who is also coming with me to see Silver Linings Playbook, which also comes out on the same day as Lincoln, Zero Dark Thirty and Anna Karenina - Ill probably only see Zero Dark Thirty in cinemas though. Holy Motors, Amour, Smashed and Rust and Bone probably wont show anywhere near me, but I eagerly await their DVD releases.


Was 2012 the year of Matthew McConaughey. I dunno...2013 seems pretty strong. I still have to see The Paperboy, which Im not all that excited for but hey, Nicole Kidman urinating on Zac Efron, thats a once in a lifetime experience! Another 2012 movie of his was Mud, Jeff Nichols follow up to the brilliant Take Shelter, which went to Cannes but will be released this year. Thats one of my most anticipated. Lately, Matty M has been fading away for his role in The Dallas Buyers Club, which Im 99.78% sure hell be amazing in. One of my most anticipated for the year is The Wolf of Wall Street, which is headlined by Leonardo DiCaprio throwing money to da peasants. Plus, it is Martin Scorsese, and men in suits.


Im pretty sure every year is going to be the "year of Jessica Chastain". She was relitavely quiet in 2012 until Zero Dark Thirty showed up...but this month shes on the trailer disc at work three times for Lawless, Madagascar 3 and Coriolanus. In 2013, Ill obviously be seeing Zero Dark Thirty, maybe Mama even though it doesnt look like my thing (but she looks badass), and if Wilde Salome finally gets a release, then Ill be seeing that. Im especially excited for The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: His & Hers, a two-film project co-starring James McAvoy and Jess acting idol Isabelle Huppert. Sounds interesting!


Because Terrence Malick is becoming a prolific guy, it would seem. To the Wonder will be out mid this year, but hes also got Knight of Cups and Untitled Terrence Malick Project (formerly known as Lawless, before, yknow...) slated for 2013. I imagine hell edit those projects for a little while longer, but Im particularly excited for the untitled one, as it has Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara, Michael Fassbender, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett and Berenice Marlohe in it. Wow.


These films are all bound to literature greats in some way: August: Osage County is based on a famous play by Tracy Letts, who also wrote Killer Joe; The Counselor (starring Michael Fassbender) is the screen-writing debut of Cormac McCarthy, who has written more famous novels than I can count; Kill Your Darlings is about the Beat generation from the 40s/50s, focusing on Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroghs; and Much Ado About Nothing is based on the Shakespeare play - and it is adapted by Joss Whedon, who decided to make it on one of his holidays. How awesome is that?


While Christopher Nolan may not be bringing out anything this year, I have plenty of other directors bringing out the new stuff this year. Neill Blomkamp, who wowed me with District 9, is bringing out his follow-up, Elysium. Jason Reitman will hopefully make it 5/5 with Labor Day. Nicolas Winding Refn has re-teamed with Ryan Gosling for Only God Forgives. Sofia Coppola, one of my absolute favourite directors, is coming back with The Bling Ring, which Im sure will be preeeeeeeetty. Danny Boyle is done with his Olympic opening ceremony and cutting off arms and such, and hes releasing Trance. Steve McQueen will probably make another flawless film with Twelve Years a Slave. Derek Cianfrance follows up his debut Blue Valentine with The Place Beyond the Pines. And my most anticipated for the year is definitely The Great Gatsby, because I looooooove Baz Luhrmann films.


Joseph Gordon-Levitt is out to make himself even more perfect by making a movie of his own: Don Jons Addiction, which Im very much anticipating. As he enters the film-making world, Steven Soderbergh is set to leave it, with his final feature being Side Effects, starring Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum. Sad face.


As with any year, there are copious amounts of sequels. Im definitely not anticipating Grown Ups 2, but theres some other cool sequels to some movies that I really liked coming out this year. We have Iron Man 3, which kinda worries me since it is the third film in the series, but it looks like it is taking a darker route and it has Rebecca Hall, so Im sold. Star Trek Into Darkness looks awesome, and I loved Star Trek (although I may need to rewatch it). Kick-Ass is one of my all-time favourite movies, so Im interesting to see what they do in the second round. And then theres Thor: The Dark World, which I keep forgetting is happening this year, but therell be more Tom Hiddleston!


Along with Catching Fire and maybe an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer Lawrence has Serena to look forward to in 2013. Greta Gerwigs TIFF hit Frances Ha has a release set up for mid this year. Violet and Daisy, starring Saoirse Ronan, played at TIFF in 2011, but has only just scored a release date for this year. To be honest, I didnt know what category to put Spring Breakers in, but I used to love Vanessa Hudgens so I stuck it in here. That movie looks insane. And then theres Stoker, which stars Mia Wasikowska, along with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode and Jacki Weaver. That looks insane, too.


Gangster Squad, after a production delay, hits cinemas on the 17th here - Im not sure Ill go and see it in cinemas since theres 2948 other movies coming out, but Im looking forward to eventually seeing it. I hadnt heard of Now You See Me until the trailer hit the web a couple of months back, and Im very excited to see it now. Man of Steel also looks pretty awesome, and I guess its as close to a Chris Nolan film as Im gonna get this year. Lastly, theres Warm Bodies, which looks just lovely. Plus, it would seem that Nicholas Hoult is the next big thing this year.

What do you think? What are your most anticipated for the year?

Available link for download

Music Alliance Pact December 2013

Click the play button icon to listen to individual songs, right-click on the song title to download an mp3, or grab a zip file of the full 27-track compilation through Ge.tt here.

 UNITED STATES: We Listen For You Está Vivo - How Strange feat. Steffaloo Está Vivo perfectly titled his newest offering, How Strange. It certainly is strange, yet extremely alluring due to a fascinating mixture of robot-esque male vocals and whimsical female vocals that take turns floating above churning electronics. Let the track simmer and it will certainly take hold as one of the more hypnotic listens of the year.

ARGENTINA: ZonaindieCam Beszkin - Cucharita De ManualWe came across Cam Beszkins music when she was a member of Las Bailarinas Anarquistas, Mariana Bianchinis solo band. This song is from Cams sophomore album Este Amor Ya No Es Para Tanto, in which her potent vocals adds up to a solid guitar and drum rock duet.

AUSTRALIA: Who The Bloody Hell Are They?House Of Laurence - Just Dont Move MeLets be real - if the industry was a caste system, psychedelic/prog music would sit on the lower rung. Thankfully, we dont fear throwback in this country. We embrace it with open arms and wild, flailing John the Baptist hair. Just Dont Move Me is the brand new track from Melbourne band House Of Laurence. If the image of Tame Impalas Kevin Parker in a white pressed suit, struttin (barefoot) down the Fremantle boardwalk makes your insides feel like goo then this is dedicated to you.

AUSTRIA: WalzerkönigHella Comet - Tinker BoatThe post-punk sound of four-piece Hella Comet calls for Sonic Youth comparisons, although their freshly-released second album Wild Honey, from which Tinker Boat is taken, is not afraid of pop either. Hella Comet were selected as one of 18 bands to represent this years focus country Austria at Europes most important music festival/conference Eurosonic.

BRAZIL: Meio DesligadoCastello Branco - NecessidadeNecessidade is taken from Castello Brancos first album Serviço. Its typical of the easygoing feeling he generates to make songs that speak directly to our souls.

CANADA: Quick Before It MeltsRebekah Higgs - LonelinessRebekah Higgs new release Sha La La is shot through with the spirit of 60s girl groups minus the innocence and politeness of those times. Higgs gets down and dirty climbing Phil Spectors Wall of Sound. She throws classic doo-wop pop down an echo chamber and what comes out the other end is a gauzy, hazy doo-wop/drone-rock hybrid thats utterly compelling. Loneliness has never sounded better.

CHILE: Super 45Ali B & The Mayan Warrior - World Class BouncingAli B is the latest winner of Nuevos Sonidos, a demo contest Super 45 has hosted since 1997. She is a rapper who sings in three languages and mixes rhythms from all over the world. Her songs are homemade, built around an MPC and samples taken directly from vinyl. The jury of Super 45 was mesmerized by her infectious flow. Past winners of the Nuevos Sonidos contest include Gepe, Protistas and Fernando Milagros.

COLOMBIA: El Parlante AmarilloLaura y La Máquina De Escribir - LaberintoLa Máquina De Escribir ("The Typewriter") is the project of Laura Torres, who has been involved in the world of music for more than two decades (since she was a little girl, obviously). From her piano, she recreates a world that reflects her feelings, which are evident in Laberinto, the track that gives its name to her 2013 album.

DENMARK: All ScandinavianSylvester Larsen - The End Of DancingIn October, Sylvester Larsen released his fifth album (his second in English) The End Of Dancing, and heres a MAP exclusive download of its great title track, which is reminiscent of soul and funk giants Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone. Also, check out the video for first single and album opener Stand Up.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: La CaseteraWhitest Taino Alive - Piel De LeatherWeve chosen the newest sensation of Santo Domingo, just to see how the rest of the world reacts to its message. That is, if you can handle it. Full of non sequiturs only true Dominicans understand (or so we think), Whitest Taino Alive emerges as a futuristic hip-hop act that combines trap, trill, minimal electronic and naughtiness. Their debut EP Chopería Fina is out now and available for free.

ECUADOR: Plan ArteriaRicardo Pita - Canción Para El Resto De Los DíasModern, hopeful and nostalgic bohemianism - that sums up the single Canción Para El Resto De Los Días by Ricardo Pita, a songwriter born in the heart of Guayaquils independent music scene. A musician with a great album and a promising career, Ricardo Pita is a must-listen if you want a vision of contemporary Latin folk music.

ENGLAND: Drowned In SoundLanterns On The Lake - Green And Gold (Generator Session)From Sting and Prefab Sprout to Maxïmo Park and The Futureheads, the north-east of England has built a reputation for excellence, but its rare to uncover an act there, or anywhere, thats as precious and heart-kickingly gorgeous as Lanterns On The Lake. They have elements of post-rock which make their tear-duct bothering sadness soar - not unlike the way Low construct epic melancholy. Their second album was recently released by Bella Union and its gorgeous. Watch the video of this live session track here.

FINLAND: GlueRobin Pahlman - GhostsAfter relocating to Vienna via Seattle, Finnish songwriter Robin Pahlman has been working on a series of heartfelt acoustic folk home recordings that form his debut self-titled EP, recently released via Berlin-based label Monkey Records. Here is the inspiring single Ghosts.

GREECE: MouxlalouloudaThe Callas - East BeatNoisepop minimalism, raw garage melodies and kraut psychedelic elements meet to create the kaleidoscopic universe of The Callas album Am I Vertical? The group mix their experimental art and film background with an addiction to pop tunes to present a witty, truly impressive record that balances darkness and light, innocence and sin, joy and lust.
INDONESIA: DeathrockstarAndrew Naratama - Putar HaluanmuPutar Haluanmu is a retrospective song about memories and all the beautiful moments the singer had during his childhood with friends. Andrew Naratama is also a member of KarnaTra, a rock band from Jakarta.

ITALY: PolaroidTempelhof - ChangeTheres no easy way to describe electronic music, especially when the sound explores multiple paths and you are constantly finding yourself in new territory. Tempelhof is an electronic duo from the town of Mantova and I think they are true explorers more than simple musicians. IDM, shoegaze, house, ambient - everything comes to build the striking sound that you will find in their new album Frozen Dancers, out now on Hell Yeah Recordings.

JAPAN: Make Believe MelodiesCoffee And TV - Guess What? Summers ArrivedIt is one of the most factually incorrect song titles of the month, but Tokyo producer Coffee And TV conjures up the warm vibes of the summer on this track. He does so simply. With little manipulation, he finds a snippet of Hey Manhattan! by Prefab Sprout, loops it and milks it for all its worth. From this basic sonic material he manages to make an easy breezy song thats good for any time of the year.

MEXICO: Red Bull PanamérikaChico Sonido - Niñas Fresas feat. Camila SodiLos Angeles-based Mexican producer Chico Sonido has just released his debut album Nalga Bass, which is quite a gamechanger for electropical music. In a market overcrowded with underdeveloped SoundCloud tracks, Chico delivers a coherently mixed record that transmutes and pushes forward genres such as nu-cumbia, trap, tribal and reggaeton, with a twist of humour and naughtiness. Theyre good for headphones (and twerking too!).

PERU: SoTBDaniel & The Dead End - My ValentineDaniel & The Dead End is the new project of Daniel Ruiz, the former Space Bee drummer. Having been abandoned by his band before recording, disillusioned and ready to rock, Daniel decided to do all the work himself, giving life to the first EP.

POLAND: ?ukasz Ku?mierz WeblogArmando Suzette - Advent MistsArmando Suzette is a Kraków-based band led by Mateusz Tondera. Their music, which combines a variety of genres and influences, is something unique in Poland and its impossible to describe it in one word. If you feel lost, Advent Mists is for you. As they sing: "Hope you have a real Christmas this time."

PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?The Weatherman feat. Emmy Curl - It Took Me So LongAlexandre Monteiros The Weatherman project has a new version of the single It Took Me So Long, taken from the latest album which will be released in Holland and Belgium in January. Emmy Curl, who was featured in the November 2010 edition of MAP, was invited to sing with Alexandre in the newer version of this track. Once again Alexandre confirms his high credentials as a composer, singer and creator of great pop songs. Mariana Lopes directed this great video.

PUERTO RICO: Puerto Rico IndieBuscabulla - Tu Loco Loco Y Yo TranquiloBuscabulla is one of Puerto Ricos most promising emerging acts, a breath of fresh air in a musical climate that often struggles to bridge pop smarts with heartfelt and engaging music. Singer Raquel Berríos and her band conjure an intoxicating mix of classic cool with more forward-thinking flourishes on the groups first single Tu Loco Loco Y Yo Tranquilo, a cover of master composer Tite Curet Alonsos song made popular in 1969 by salsa legends Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound. Buscabullas debut EP is due in 2014 - its going to be a good year.

ROMANIA: Babylon NoiseAfter What - WhoAfter What is the side-project of the frontmen of two Romanian indie bands, The Amsterdams and The MOOod, both of whose influences are apparent - the music inherits the creativity of the former and the energy of the latter.

SCOTLAND: The Pop CopMedals - DisguisesJP Reid is a familiar name in rock circles through his band Sucioperro as well as Marmaduke Duke, the side-project he shares with Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil. JP Reids new venture Medals, however, is arguably his most appealing. Debut album Disguises is an honest, pop-focused body of work and its title track stands out as a refreshingly unapologetic crowd-pleaser that youll likely play again and again.

SOUTH KOREA: Korean IndieGlen Check - PacificGlen Check have been around since 2011 and already made quite a name for themselves at home. With a fanbase growing abroad, the duo is taking their rock and electronica sound to SXSW in 2014. The infectious electro-pop tune Pacific is the lead track off the bands recently-released second album Youth!

SPAIN: MusikornerTiger Menja Zebra - Com Començar Una GuerraTiger Menja Zebra was born from the ashes of Camping, a Catalan post-rock band that achieved great success in the past decade. With this new project, while sticking to the post-rock genre, they havent given up on pushing their boundaries.

VENEZUELA: Música y MásAspen - Ahora YaAspen developed from the creative union between members of different bands. Influenced by the classic sound of British artists such as Badfinger and Oasis, their debut single boasts a slight psychedelic tinge. Aspen are one of the first bands on the roster of Macca Records, who also represent Los Paranoias.

Available link for download

My Top 13 Products of 2013

There are two days that make sense for a "Best of the Year" post: New Years Eve and New Years Day. Unfortunately, I am a procrastinator. If youre being generous, you could call me a prioritizer. However, that train of thought is only consistent if my priorities are:

1. Actual Important Stuff
2. Watching Arrested Development in My Pajamas
3. Not-Quite-So-Important Stuff That I Still Made a Commitment To Do

For my "top products of 2013", I am not looking a products that were released in 2013 (since Im not Temptalia so I dont try shit right when it comes out) and Im not looking at products that I tried for the first time in 2013 (since thanks to my previously-acknowledged procrastination, that method would require a fair bit of reflection). Rather, for simplicitys sake, Im looking at my favorite products that I reviewed in 2013. These are the products that, in my opinion, deliver on quality, cost-per-ounce, and excitement value. In no particular order:

1. Sleek i-Divine Acid Palette

Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: It feels like a cop-out to say "This is awesome because it is cheap", but Im going to say it anyways. At $9.99 for 0.36 ounces, this is the most cost-effective neon eyeshadow palette on the market. Its vibrant, pigmented, and inexpensive as fuck.

My eyeshadow skills are seriously SO MUCH BETTER, you guys.

2. Paul and Joe Color Powder in Inseparables

Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: This is a creamsicle orange blush that feels like a wearable coral. It gives the perfect natural finish without being overly or insufficiently pigmented. And, seriously, dont pretend you dont see how beautiful that packaging is. I could stare at it all day.

3. Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rapture

 Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: Rapture is the ideal mix of "this is totally a natural shade that you could wear while doing adult things like your taxes" and "WOOO THERE IS PURPLE". Add in their lovely sheen and excellent lasting power and its hard to find fault. This is one of the only makeup products that I keep in my purse in case I urgently need lipstick for some reason.



4. TheBalm Time Bomb Concealer in Lighter than Light

 Original Review: Here



Why Its Awesome: Not only does theBalms color range do justice to those of us who are fair-skinned, this product has ample coverage and a lightweight formula that makes it suitable for both undereye circles and blemishes. As an added bonus, this huge pot will last forever!

5. Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse in Taupe

Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: This cream formula adds definition to my brows without looking penciled on. Its easy to use and to build up to any desired level of intensity.


6. Sigma Beauty Crème de Couture Eyeshadow Palette

 Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: Its hard not to get excited about such vibrant, pigmented pastels. This palette is completely unlike anything else. Beyond that, its significant in size! At $32 for 0.85oz, I paid a mere $37.65 per ounce of product here.


7. Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow

 Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: Hollow is so easy to use and blend that it makes contouring virtually foolproof. Even flat-faces like myself can fake cheekbones with its easily blendable formula and natural-looking, shadow-mimicking color. Its the holy grail of contouring for pale skin.


8. NYX Studio Liquid Liner in Extreme Blue

 Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: Not only is this color electric, this eyeliner is all-but-permanent. This will last through tears, face-rubbing, and exercise, all while being the color of an aquarium crayfish.


9. My Pretty Zombie "Drugs Like Me" Blush in MDMA

 Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: MDMA is a natural, glowing pink with a huge kick of golden shimmer. Its the kind of universally flattering shade that will remind you of springtime and/or let you plaster your love of springtime on your face.


10. LORAC Pro Palette

 Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: The LORAC Pro Palette is, by a large margin, the best neutral palette I have ever tried. The wide range of shades and the 50/50 mix of mattes and shimmers makes this versatile as fuck. The shadows are so buttery and smooth that they blend like nobodys business-- making it a great "I AM IN A HUGE RUSH BUT AM TRYING TO PRETEND THAT I HAD ENOUGH TIME TO PUT ON EYESHADOW" palette. These eyeshadows are my standard for what quality eyeshadow should be like.


11. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

Original Review: Here (And the tutorial that got more peoples attention here.)


Why Its Awesome: This foundation has almost unparalleled coverage and a natural-looking finish. It also lasts effectively and has a decent color-range for fair skin. Plus, at $22.35 per ounce, it is super reasonably priced.

12. Shiro Curaga Mineral Highlight

 Original Review: Here


Why Its Awesome: This product is a recipe for cheekbones that go "Pow". You + Brush + Curaga Highligher = Everyone will think you are going to poke their eye out with your face bones.


13. Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy

Original Review: Here

Pixie Epoxy giving a boost to Fyrinnaes Are You My Mummy?, Glitterboi, and Pteranodon.

Why Its Awesome: This product is a miracle for loose eyeshadows, keeping them on your face, enhancing their color, and bringing out characteristics that would otherwise be hidden.

Available link for download