Times are hard and anxieties are high during these seemingly unrealistic events. To help “get away”  I’ve come up with a list of some of my favorite movies and albums, both recent and old, to watch and listen while in distress and help ease the nerves a bit.  

Movies

Paranorman (2012)

From the creators of “Caroline,” this animated film follows Norman, a child with the ability to see and talk to ghosts, as he struggles to save his town from an ages old curse and zombies.  Like Caroline, it’s much more than just a kids movie, very creepy undertones and pretty absurd jabs at society in America and law enforcement, tying in perfectly with the times we are in now. The film is available to stream on YouTube (no idea why, but who’s complaining).

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

A zombie movie would probably be the last thing you’d want to watch right now, but this apocalyptic comedy pokes fun at your usual bloody zombie movie with the perfect amount of wit and satire. Shaun’s (Simon Pegg) non-eventful life completely turns upside down by an  invasion of the living dead . Now he’s caught in-between saving his group of friends, his relationship with his girlfriend and battling flesh eating zombies. Available on Hulu or for rent on other streaming websites.

Step Brothers (2008)

No irony here with this choice, just straight up pure comedic stoner gold. I’ve watched this thousands of times and it’s definitely a bias pick that I hope you all can agree with. It’s full of quotable lines from beginning to end and always a good time. The film was recently added to Netflix again and is available to rent on all stream services.     

Uncut Gems (2019)

With eight movies already under their belts, Safdie brothers’ “Uncut Gems” has definitely put them under the spotlight. The movie shows the life of naive fast-talking jewels salesman, Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), in New York’s Diamond District. Up to his neck in debt with all the wrong people, his recently purchased opal is his last chance to get back on his feet. This film will have you constantly on your toes and cringing at all the non-stop twists. Unfortunately it’s not available on any subscription streaming service, but most it’s definitely worth the couple bucks to rent.  

Joker (2019)

Todd Philips’s take on DC’s most notorious villain, Joker, will definitely rustle some feathers. Some think it’s too much and others say it wasn’t good enough. Regardless, if you haven’t seen it, mute out all outside comments and take a look for yourself. And if you have checked it out, try it again and see if it still holds up to prior thoughts. 

Albums

Echoes by The Rapture (2003)

One of my all time favorite albums to dance to while cleaning my room, I think this “synth-pop dance-punk” album will help fill that club-going void taking over your heart and soul. Full of plenty of cowbell, rugged, somehow catchy guitar, and incredible drumming that will have you shaking your body all over your isolation chamber.

Plague Landscapes by The Locust (2003)

Clocking in at 23 songs and only 21 minutes, this frighteningly loud and disturbingly fast album by the Locust will have you bouncing off the wall. Perfect for blowing off some steam when you need it. If the title of the album doesn’t help, this album brings us back to the irony of  all of what’s going in the world. That also goes for their entire discography.

Pinkerton by Weezer

To be completely honest, the main reason I chose this Weezer album was because of “Across the Sea.” For me it’s the best song for when you’re missing that special someone, especially while on this lockdown. The track’s context is a bit more extreme, but it definitely gets the point across.

Stay Home by Hank Wood and the Hammerheads

The name says it all, just stay home folks. For the sake of those who are most at risk and the entire human race just STAY HOME. Hank Woods’s debut LP, this is an automatic punk classic. with the perfect mix of rock ‘n’ roll and hardcore to get you grooving and slamming throughout the whole record.

I know I know, completely different direction from all the rest of my choices. But this album, to me, is the most positive feel good album I’ve ever listened to. It’s in the title! From the title track ‘Be Thankful for What You’ve Got” to “Hold on to Love,” I think this album will have you feeling warm in the heart.