A&E picks

For any of you who have 12-15 bucks in your back pocket and want to trust someone who still enjoys Phil Collins, here's my pick of the week for music:

Sam Roberts, Chemical City
With his second major U.S. album release, Sam Roberts puts together a great album in Chemical City. From the opening rock anthem The Gate to the melancholy A Stone Would Cry, Roberts creates a cohesive album (and a sweet album art package) that would please Neil Young, Depeche Mode, and the Velvet Underground at the same time. Sam Roberts is a brand of no-frills rock, the kind of music that has lyric and musical depth but still begs to be pumped up on the drive home from work. Vancouver, Regina, Saskatoon, Ottawa, and Acadia are in love with him, and it's only a matter of time before the states follow suit.

If your Netflix que has more than two Steven Segal movies in it, try my movie pick:

Millions, directed by Danny Boyle (Transpotting, 28 Days Later), 2005

Millions is a thoroughly enjoyable movie about two young English boys who, having just lost thier mother, come upon millions of dollars on accident and have to decide how to steward the gift they've been given. The 9-year old, Anthony, is practical and utilitarian, While Damien, 7, is a dreamer and a child of faith. The cinematography is stunning at times, creating the the fantasy world of Damien and the jaded view of Anthony. This would be an excellent film to watch with someone who is very different than yourself; different faith, belief, ethical value, economic status. It's a movie about stewardship, faith, and imagination that I can't recommend highly enough. It's well worth your time and could be a great date movie as well.

If you check out my picks, let me know what you think. Salut! Skol! Prost!