With the New Year comes the promise of amazing things in lit, film, and music. Whatever you’re searching for—the next big thing, or a distraction from classwork (already?)—you’re bound to find something that sparks your interest by peeking at this year’s upcoming releases. Not sure where to begin? Here’s our entertainment round-up for 2015.
On Paper
1. The Buried Giant, by Kazuo Ishiguro
Author of The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go (both of which have been made into movies), this is the first we’ve heard from Kazuo’s Ishiguro in a long time. The publisher’s keeping things relatively hush-hush, but we know that the book is about “lost memories, love, revenge, and war”. To be released in March, The Buried Giant is a must-read for old and new fans of the author. [1]
2. Almost Famous Women, by Megan Mayhew Bergman
Out since early January, Almost Famous Women is a collection of stories about remarkable women throughout history that have somehow faded from the spotlight. From Lord Byron’s illegitimate daughter to Oscar Wilde’s niece, with this work, Megan Mayhew Bergman’s creative direction shifts the spotlight into the wings. If you’re a history buff, a feminist, or just an individual curious about what the past has been hiding, this book is for you. [2]
3. God Help the Child, by Toni Morrison
When a Nobel Prize winner (and a Pulitzer Prize Winner, and a best-selling novelist with a smattering of other awards) releases a new read, you just have to pick it up. Toni Morrison’s 11th novel is a story following a troubled and the way her adult life unfolds after a childhood full of abuse and trauma—including not being wanted by her birth mother due to the colour of her skin. God Help the Child will be released in April, and is bound to be an emotional read. [3]
On the Big Screen
1. Fifty Shades of Grey
Whether you’re a loyal fan of the books or are just going to the screening ironically (I confess to being part of the second camp), this movie is not to be missed. The film features the extremely, er, complicated relationship between Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christan Grey (Jamie Dornan), as well as a kick-ass and sultry soundtrack. In theatres on Valentine’s Day. [4]
2. Pitch Perfect 2
A highly-anticipated sequel to the 2012 comedy about a quirky part of college life: acappella. To be released in May, this new release takes place three years after its predecessor, where star group “The Bellas” rules the acappella collegiate sphere. The sequel promises even catchier musical numbers, stunt work, and maybe even a budding romance between Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) and Bumper (Adam DeVine)—something you should all be aca-static about. [5]
3. The Age of Adaline
To be released in April, The Age of Adaline follows a woman who, after an accident, stops aging altogether. As time passes, she drifts in and out of people’s lives, watching her friends and even her children grow old without her. If the film’s executed properly (and isn’t too cheesy), this could be the next Benjamin Button. If it flops, Blake Lively’s starring, so that’s a good enough reason to see the movie anyway. [6]
On the Record
1. Time, Mikky Ekko
If you’ve been following the dreamy vocalist that sang with Rihanna a couple years back—does “Stay” ring a bell?—you’ll know that Mikky Ekko has established a promising solo career. Scheduled for release this January, his debut album, Time, will feature more of his soulful vocals and R&B beats. The record also boasts a handful of production collaborators, including Dennis Herring (TV on the Radio, The Hives) and Ryan Tedder (Adele, OneRepublic). [7]
2. FROOT, Marina and the Diamonds
You’ll know Marina Diamandis (otherwise known as Marina and the Diamonds) from popular singles like “Primadonna” and “How to be a Heartbreaker”, which have been all over the radio since they were released. The singer herself has described her new album as “reflective”, hinting that we’ll get to know more about her personal life. The album will be released in April, but title track FROOT is already out—give it a listen. [8]
3. Smoke + Mirrors, Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons experienced smashing success from their 2012 album, Night Visions, and they’re following it up with their latest release. Whether or not you’ve gotten sick of “Radioactive” yet, judging by their past reception, it’s clear Smoke + Mirrors is going to be just as popular as their previous work. (Sidebar: if you ever get a chance to see these guys live, GO. You will not be disappointed.) [9]
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Content Sources
1. Flood, Alison. “Kazuo Ishiguro to Publish First Novel since Never Let Me Go.” The Guardian, April 4, 2014. Accessed January 10, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/04/kazuo-ishiguro-novel-never-let-me-go-the-buried-giant
2. “Almost Famous Women.” Simon & Schuster. Accessed January 10, http://books.simonandschuster.ca/Almost-Famous-Women/Megan-Mayhew-Bergman/9781476786568
3. Flood, Alison. “Toni Morrison to Publish New Novel on Childhood Trauma.” The Guardian, December 4, 2014. Accessed January 10, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/04/toni-morrison-new-novel-god-help-the-child-april-2015.
4. “Fifty Shades of Grey (2015).” IMDb. December 22, 2014. Accessed January 10, 2015. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2322441/?ref_=nv_sr_1
5. Stack, Tim. “10 Things You Need to Know About ‘Pitch Perfect 2′” Entertainment Weekly, November 20, 2014. Accessed January 10, 2015. http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/11/20/pitch-perfect-2-details/
6. “The Age of Adaline (2015).” IMDb. May 13, 2014. Accessed January 10, 2015. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1655441/
7. Hampp, Andrew. “Mikky Ekko Talks Debut Album ‘Time,’ Previews New Tracks in Intimate Concert.” Billboard, August 20, 2014. Accessed January 10, 2015. http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6221974/mikky-ekko-time-debut-album-rihanna-stay
8. Morgan Britton, Luke. “Marina and the Diamonds to Release ‘reflective’ New Album ‘Froot’ in April.” NME, November 11, 2014. Accessed January 10, 2015. http://www.nme.com/news/marina-and-the-diamonds/81009/photo/2
9. Cooper, Leonie. “Imagine Dragons Announce New Album ‘Smoke + Mirrors’.” NME, December 16, 2014. Accessed January 10, 2015. http://www.nme.com/news/imagine-dragons/81781
Image Sources
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