While you’re away:
I have some unfortunate news.
With summer arriving soon, you will be tragically without the constant stream of valued, serious opinions from the beloved and respected writers of Scene. I know campus is panicking as this realization dawns, and I am no exception.
But fear not — here’s a list of recommendations in all things arts and entertainment to get you through the summer months. So read up, tune in and check out these highly anticipated summer happenings, and we’ll be back with our unsolicited pop-culture advice in no time.
To Watch:
Television
“Orange is the New Black” – With a compelling preview just released, the Netflix-produced show will be back for a second season June 6, and after its stellar first season and a cliff-hanger finale, there’s no doubt season two will result in cancelled weekend plans and a Netflix binge for many a fan.
“The Leftovers” – If you couldn’t get enough of “Lost,” writer and co-creator of the drama Damon Lindelof is back with “The Leftovers” on HBO. Premiering June 29, the new series will star Justin Theroux and Liv Tyler in a post-Rapture world based on the Tom Perrotta novel of the same name.
“Welcome to Sweden” – Amy Poehler is television’s rock, so this Poehler-produced comedy on NBC will be worth checking out. Starring Aubrey Plaza and Poehler’s brother Greg Poehler, the show reportedly is about a man who dates a Swedish woman and subsequently moves to Sweden with her. Sure, that pitch has the potential to go very badly, but I’m cheering for the Poehlers on this one. The show is scheduled to premiere July 10.
Film
The Fault in Our Stars – I probably don’t need to remind most, but the highly anticipated movie version of John Green’s bestselling novel premieres June 6 and stars Shailene Woodley and relative-newcomer Ansel Egort. I have never read the book, but I sobbed at the trailer so I’ll be avoiding this one.
Wish I Was Here – Despite receiving plenty of criticism for his crowd-funding approach to the film, Zach Braff did fundraise from fans successfully enough to release “Wish I Was Here.” Braff stars in, co-wrote and directed the film, which is easy to believe because its trailer is so Braff-esque, it’s almost painful. Braff plays a struggling actor trying to find himself (Sound familiar? So does the Shins track in the background), except this time, he’s a dad. As much as I complain, I know I’m going to see it when it premieres on July 25.
The Giver – It should be law that everyone has to reunite with his or her eighth-grade English class to watch and discuss the upcoming movie adaptation of Lois Lowry’s “The Giver,” out August 15. The film stars Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges, which is encouraging, as I have high hopes for this take on a classic.
To Listen:
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – After releasing “Hysterical” in 2011 and a seldom-talked-about EP in 2013, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah has announced the release of a new album, “Only Run.” The LP was made almost entirely by front man Alec Ounsworth, who has been touring on his own, similar to James Mercer’s role on the Shins’ “Port of Morrow” But along with plenty of behind-the-scenes changes within the band, “Only Run” will have plenty of noticeable changes in the band’s sound, including a guest vocal appearance from The National’s Matt Berninger. The release date for “Only Run” is scheduled for June 3.
Sharon Van Etten – Indie/Indy (based in Bloomington) record label Jagjaguwar will put out Sharon Van Etten’s fourth album this May. The record, titled “Are We There,” was produced entirely by the remarkably talented singer-songwriter Etten, and its 11 tracks will feature collaborations with several musicians, including Mackenzie Scott of Torres and Jana Hunter of Lower Dens.
How To Dress Well – Alternative R&B artist How To Dress Well, a.k.a. Tom Krell, has announced a new album, “What Is This Heart?” The singer has already received praise for the upcoming album’s single “Repeat Pleasure,” and the Pitchfork-favorite will drop the full, 12-track LP on June 24.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily of The Observer.
