last update: June 17th 2013

Entertainment

Our Picks in film, music and literature For June

June sees the return of R&B legend Bobby Womack, some masterful jazz guitar courtesy of Norwegian maestro Terje Rypdal and his Odyssey: In Studio and In Concert release. We're in good company for some popcorn moments with the return of Hammer horror to the cinema mainstream, a la The Woman In Black, or for those in a cheery mood, there is the hand-restored Beatles animation, Yellow Submarine. Perhaps your own imagination is far more appealing for this month's entertainment? Canada provides breath-taking scenes to escapes to in Richard Ford's tale of loss and hard times. Complete escapism could be called for, in which case the eagerly awaited The Long Earth, collaboration between science-fiction institutions Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter give a mind bending journey across time and space. Plenty to see, hear and read in June's Centurion Choice.

Books

The Long Earth, Hardcover by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter – One of the worlds most acclaimed authors of science fiction, Terry Pratchett together with Stephen Baxter brings the first of a new series of mind bending novels spanning time and space.
View the book on the Amazon webpages

Canada, Hardcover by Richard Ford – Told in the first person through the eyes of Dell Parsons life from 15 years old. Following his parents robbery of a bank in Montana, and the subsequent turmoil it throws at them. Finding some little solace across the border in Canada, Dell's life goes from bad to worse.
View more on the Amazon webpages

Jeff Koons: The Painter and the Sculptor, Hardcover by Vinzenz Brinkmann, Isabelle Graw, Joachim Pissarro and Matthias Ulrich – Highlighting paying tribute to the breadth of arguably the most notorious and controversial artists of the 1980's. Jeff Koons' 30 year career of sculptures and paintings are focused on with collaborative exhibitions by Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung and Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt. Complementing this work, the book features 270 colour reproductions of Koons' work.
Further details on the Hatje Centz webpages

Born To Ride: The Autobiography of Stephen Roche, Hardcover by Stephen Roche – One of cycling's most celebrated road racers, Stephen Roche, tells in his own words the ups and downs of being the second cyclist ever to win the Triple Crown: The Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and World Road Race Championship. Revealing the master strategist behind the pedals.
View the book on the Amazon webpages

Music

Bobby Womack's The Bravest Man In The Universe, Audio CD – Co-produced by Damon Albarn and Richard Russell, The Bravest Man In The Universe sees Bobby Womack return to the music scene in his first album of original material since 1994's Resurrection. The genre-spanning singer/songwriter/musician is attributable for numerous hits such as "It's All Over Now" and "I'm In Love", contributing over 50 years to numerous other bands, film soundtracks and inspired collaborations.
Visit Womack's homepage here

Sam Sparro's Return To Paradise, Audio CD – Difficult second album time for the Australian singer/songwriter, whose self confessed 'wonky-pop' sound is characterised and influenced by the eccentric side of 80's pop music. Responsible for runaway hit Black and Gold, there will doubtless be similar songs here to dominate the summer and autumn.
Visit Sparro's webpages

Glen Hansard's Rhythm and Repose, Audio CD – Oscar winning Irish folk-rocker Glen Hansard's debut solo album. If anything like the previous releases with bands The Frames and The Swell Season, expect honest folk rock that smoulders.
Further information on The Swell Season webpages

Terje Rypdal's Odyssey: In Studio & In Concert, Audio CD Boxset – Innovative Norwegian jazz guitarist Terje Rypdal's two LP Odyssey album complete with other influential recordings. Part of ECM label's Old & New Masters series, this is the first time the complete Odyssey album in its entirety can be heard on CD.
View the boxset on the Amazon webpages

Film

Yellow Submarine, Bluray – Painstakingly hand restored for perfect picture quality, the Beatles' classic animated film is lovingly brought back to life for 2012. Driven by iconic songs such as Eleanor Rigby and All You Need Is Love, it's a treat for music fans and cinephiles alike.
See more on the Amazon webpages

The Woman In Black, Bluray – The return of Hammer horror to mainstream British cinema in this classic ghost story. Lawyer Arthur Kipps is forced to leave his young son to attend to the affairs of the recently deceased owner of a mansion. Uncovering the towns tortured past from with the house, Kipps discovers a cycle of terror that threatens those closest to him.
Further details on the Amazon webpages

The Lost Weekend, (Masters of Cinema Steelbook) Bluray – A gripping and suspenseful character study of Don Birnam, the struggling alcoholic author and his massive weekend bender. Considered too shocking to the point of almost being pulled completely from seeing audiences in the cinema it later proved to be a massive hit upon release in the 40's. Directed by Billy Wilder, of Some Like It Hot fame.
View more on the Amazon webpages

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Bluray – Life affirming comedy drama about life, love and new beginnings. A group of (iconic British actors) retirees travel to what they think is a newly renovated hotel, only to find it somewhat less luxurious than advertised.
See more online at the Amazon pages