Media Releases, March 6, 2012

By Justin McCraw | March 6, 2012

Welcome to an album-packed edition of Media Releases, your one-stop shop for the latest CD and DVD releases featuring Asian Americans. Clicking an image goes to its Amazon.com page for easy sampling and purchasing.

MUSIC

Devastates, Constellation

Canadian art rock band Elfin Saddles’ latest album is one to look for. It features an eclectic mix of rhythmic drums, accordion, cello and other found and seemingly improvised sounds. The lyrics are sometimes haunting in an ominous sort of way that eventually gives way to airier verses. It’s quite an experience. Oh, Canada.

Always, Polyvinyl Records

Xiu Xiu return for another album, this time featuring Jamie Stewart and Angela Seo. The two got flack for a video a few years ago that had Seo vomiting on Stewart over the course of its roughly three minutes. I know I’m looking forward to their latest offering.

Love at the Bottom of the Sea, Merge Records

Indie pop group The Magnetic Fields return with another shot of gender-bending, often tongue-in-cheek lyrics. I recently became a fan of the song “I Thought You Were My Boyfriend.” Their single from the album, “Andrew in Drag,” features such lyrics as, “The moment he walked on that stage, my tail began to wag. Wag like a little wiener dog for Andrew in drag.” Fun stuff.

FILM

Jack and Jill, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Adam Sandler comedy Jack and Jill offers slap-stick, man-in-a-dress comedy, for those interested. Rohan Chand plays the part of child Gary Sadelstein with his bright eyes and cute smile. I haven’t seen this film, but might rent it if only to somehow support more Asian-American actors. Have you seen it? Tell us how it was in the comments.

Grave of the Fireflies, Section 23

While this Studio Ghibli animated film of war and loss has been around for years, this remastered edition is sure to please fans and new viewers alike. And by please, I mean bring to tears. This isn’t a film for small children, although it should be viewed eventually, maybe when they’re 11 or 12 years old. Where were you when you first saw this film?