TODAY’S FILM

Shortbus, dir. John Cameron Mitchell (2006)

14 years on, this gem of a film still feels like a revelation. Many filmmakers tried to revolutionise the way sex can be used in film, but none of them had the borderline cloying charm of John Cameron Mitchell’s second feature. It follows several characters as they deal with their own personal frustrations in New York and how sex factors into their psyche and development. Much of the scenes were improvised and they feature a lot of unsimulated sex, but they never feel pornographic: instead, they are constantly used to forward the plot and make complete sense in their contexts. It’s a bittersweet affair, for sure, but a highly advisable look into a seldom seen part of ourselves. Unfortunately, I can’t find it streaming anywhere, but I’d advise getting a copy in physical media. It’s an unforgettable experience.

TODAY’S RECORD

Random Album Title by deadmau5 (2008)

deadmau5’s discography may be massive and scattershot, but he’s got a crowning jewel in Random Album Title. When he put it out, his biggest singles and his time as an EDM staple were still ahead of him (the scene didn’t exist yet), so this music doesn’t feel concert-ready, but deeply clubby. As is common practice with dance albums, it was released in both mixed and unmixed form. The unmixed version has everything the DJs need, but the mixed version is simply one of the best progressive house records ever made. “Sometimes Things Get Whatever” and “Complicated” are impeccable stompers, “Brazil [2nd Edit]” is so breezy that pop producers sampled it right away and closer “So There I Was” flies with its bouncing melody. The real takeaway here is “Arguru”: a heavy and heartfelt track in its original form, which is given a powerful piano intro here. It sounds like heaven and, for one minute and a half, absolutely nothing is or could be wrong with the world. Catch it on YouTube.