Must see, must hear

Ameer Al Marzouqi digs up hidden treasures.

FILMS WORTH A WATCH

HIGH FIDELITY
Director: Stephen Frears
Starring: John Cusack, Iben Hjejle and Lisa Bonet
Year: 2000
This adaptation of Nick Hornby's classic novel is not bad, even considering that the book is set in England, with English characters, and the film is set in Chicago with Americans. It is salvaged thanks to the talented John Cusack, who also co-wrote the brilliant screenplay. Cusack plays Rob Gordon, who owns a vintage record shop, a massive collection of LPs and innumerable top-five lists in his head. Rob is obsessed with finding out exactly why his girlfriend Laura has left him. He goes on a journey to hunt down his old flame to get some answers.

The film does not have an outstanding plot, but Rob's journey of self-discovery is hilarious. Cusack really does give a brilliant performance by his sad way of being romantic.

The soundtrack is disappointing, especially if you've read the book. In the film, all the classic English bands that Rob talks to the audience about have been changed to American ones.

This movie is a good adaptation made better by arguably Cusac's best performance to date.

If you like this, check out:
- About a Boy
- Almost Famous

PLAYING BY EAR

SONGS FOR SILVERMAN
Artist: Ben Folds
Album: Songs For Silverman
Year: 2005
Ben Folds proves that he is master of the piano as well as a tremendous singer and songwriter in his second solo album, Songs For Silverman. The album focuses on the loneliness of life and contains upbeat as well as mournful tracks.

The song You To Thank is an example of how Folds can turn tragedy into comedy. The lyrics talk about a hopeless teen marriage which is meant to be unhappy, but the pace at which the song is played makes it sound like a feel-good track.

This is the first track on the album in which Folds shows off his skills on the piano halfway through the song.

The highlight of the album is Landed, which is about being stuck in a stalled relationship. It has a beautiful melody and Folds sounds better on it than on any other track on the album. The song also has a catchy chorus that you will find hard to not sing along to.

You can listen to this album from start to finish without having to skip any tracks. Although the lyrics can be touching and serious, the music feels light and happy. If you have not included Ben Folds in your music collection, now is the time to do it.

If you like this, try:
- Hopes and Fears by Keane

Standout tracks:
- Landed
- You To Thank
- Trusted