Director and documentary filmmaker Eugene Jarecki (Why We Fight, Move Your Money) returned to Sundance once again this year and left a Grand Jury Prize Winner. His feature doc, The House I Live In, tackles America’s War on Drugs and its effects on impoverished communities both here and abroad (with a heavy focus on African-American communities). The film argues that this “war” isn’t working for anyone, with over a trillion dollars spent since its inception and little results other than overfilled prisons; instead, we should be considering the issue of drug abuse and addiction in our society.

Having grown up in Washington, D.C. during the ’80s and ’90s, I’ve witnessed first-hand how drug-related arrests disproportionately affect communities of color. This is a theory that has been long-standing, and one that Jarecki confronts impressively in just under two hours. According to the film, many Americans are apparently unaware of the existence of the domestic War on Drugs, assuming the monicker referred to drug warfare abroad. Considering the number of families that have been marginalized and the number of lives lost (literally and metaphorically) as a result of the fed’s crackdown, this mass unawareness is highly surprising.

Jarecki narrates the story himself, relating how drugs have affected the lives of people close to him such as Nannie Jeter, his childhood caretaker. To provide a spectrum of perspective on the subject (and add to his own personal bias), Jarecki conducts interviews with a range of parties involved in the War, from police officers to a teen facing years in prison to a judge who helps to put teens like him in there. Further adding to the film’s perspective is a “history lesson” Jarecki gives us through a compilation of found-footage ranging from episodes of Cops to Nancy Reagan’s infamous “Just Say No” commercials from the ’80′s.

Jarecki clearly made this film as a rally call, a protest of injustice to inspire change. By questioning the morality and economics of this so-called War, Jarecki urges us to ponder this deeply damaged system, with hopes that it’s not too late to take steps forward. The House I Live In is a highly informative film with a crucial point-of-view – especially for those concerned with human welfare and our nation’s affairs.

Artist: Hannah Cohen
Listen: “Child Bride”
From: New York
Label: Bella Union
Sounds like: Extremely soulful, polished, indie-folk. This song in particular features emotional lyrics and vocals over swelling strings and guitar.
Reason to listen: You won’t be able to resist Hannah’s hauntingly beautiful voice. She has worked with producer Thomas Bartlett (The National, Anthony and the Johnsons). Plus, she’s a model and a photographer.
More: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hannah-Cohen/247034815337526

Artist: Kuedo

Listen: “Scissors”

From: Berlin, Germany
Label:  Planet Mu
Sounds like: Dubstep, electronic music a la Araabmuzik
Reason to listen: He sampled Carly Simon (watch original video here) without sounding ridiculous.
More: http://kuedo.tumblr.com/

Artist: Hookworms

Listen: Hookworms EP

From: Leeds, UK
Label: Gringo Records/Faux Discx
Sounds like: psych rock, Wooden Shjips meets Peaking lights
Reason to listen: Hookworms is made of members of two other Leeds-based bands: Spectrals and Idea Shower. Their debut EP was released on Gringo Records/Faux Discx – you should get it!
More: http://parasiticnematode.blogspot.com/

Since we labeled Tall Tall Trees a band to see at CMJ, our video interview has been long over due! We caught up with them a few months back at Mike Savino’s (the lead singer’s) apartment to talk about their new album moment. Check out what the guys had to say and pre-order their album HERE.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live a different life? What it would be like to lose the one you love? Director and actor Mark Webber explores both of these questions in his second directorial effort, The End of Love. I’ve gotta shamefully admit something: I’ve been a huge fan of Mark Webber ever since he appeared as “Designated Dave” in the ’99 chick flick Drive Me Crazy (a seriously guilty pleasure of mine). In addition to the Webber-appeal, the film features cameos from actors Jason Ritter, Shannyn Sossamon, and Michael Cera. Let’s just say these names piqued my interest.

The End of Love combines parts of Webber’s real life with fiction, with the director playing a character very similar to himself – so similar, in fact, the character is also named Mark. The film’s improvisational style provides for a raw honesty. Mark (movie Mark, not real Mark) is an under-employed actor who is forced to confront his shortcomings and life’s challenges following the death of his child’s mother. Mark is the film’s flawed hero, a victim of his own making, but his devotion to his son’s well-being shines through (in spite of his own deeply rooted issues). Webber poignantly captures the reality of facing grief  - and the denial that often comes with it – as well as the balance that parents must strike between their craving for freedom and their inherited responsibility.

Like Mark playing “Mark,” Webber’s son in the film is played by his real son, Isaac Love, who at the time of filming was unaware of the fact that they were making a movie. This gives us a real intimacy into Webber’s life that heightens the emotional energy of the film’s drama. The End of Love acts as a testament to Webber’s love of his son, but also a genuine consideration of what the loss of the mother of his child would be like – who in actuality is NOT deceased. I found that the more I learned about Webber’s personal life and troubled childhood (oh yeah, Wikipedia) the richer the experience of the film became.  The End of Love is an emotional, humorous, and graceful journey – well worth the $12 a ticket will cost (oy…) when it comes to theaters.

Artist: Yellow Ostrich

Listen: “Marathon Runner”
From: New York City & Wisconsin
Label: Barsuk (New Album Strange Land out March 6th)
Sounds like: Indie Rock a la Dirty Projectors meets The Dodos meets Mister Heavenly.
Reason to listen: They’ve shared the stage with Ra Ra Riot and Mates of State plus their drummer drummed for We Are Scientists and Bishop Allen. But the real star is front man, Alex Schaaf, who’s been known to perform the bass parts with his feet by sampling himself and then switch between keyboard and guitar all while singing. Quite the multitasker!
Shows: Mercury Lounge in NYC on April 12
More: http://www.yellowostrich.com

Artist: Father John Misty
Listen: “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings”

From: Los Angeles, USA
Label: Sub Pop/Bella Union
Sounds like: Indie Folk

Reason to listen: Father John Misty is the new project from, J Tillman, ex drummer of Fleet Foxes. The debut album Fear Fun is to be released on the May 1^st.
More: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Father-John-Misty/124916000949326

Artist: Spoek Mathambo

Listen: “Let Them Talk” Download and listen HERE
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Label: Sub Pop
Sounds like: Afro Pop/ Township Tech
/ Post Dubstep
Reason to listen: Spoek Mathambo’s sophmore album Father Creeper due out March 12^th took shape while he toured the US, Europe, and South America on his darker debut album Mshini Wam. Plus he appeared in the award-winning south african sci-fi novel Zoo City by Lauren Beukes.
More: http://www.spoekmathambo.com/