rage recommends by bill biss
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MATTER St. Lucia “Baby, where did the time go?” Although St. Lucia released Matter, a few months ago… the phenomenal combination of sounds deserves continued accolades as the band embarks on their summer tour. A blend of positive beats and a hybrid of Human League provided by the voice of Jean-Philip Grobler, St. Lucia has musical anthems for days. “Help Me Run Away” in both structure and the marvelous music video excels in catching the wind of a free spirit and the happiness of a joyous heart. Available now
BLACKSUMMERS’NIGHT Maxwell Maxwell returns just in time for the summer of 2016 with his second set of sounds in a trilogy series on blackSUMMERS’ night. His first release in seven years continues a set of grooves that is remarkable and romantic and Maxwell’s voice is a classic one that sweeps in for a solid R&B ride of passion and heartfelt longing. Push “play” and sooth the soul; for Maxwell definitely conjures up the finest of unwind-times for those relaxing hours to destress within his new sounds. Available July 1
NOTHING’S REAL Shura There is an 80’s glow of Sheena Easton and New Wave vibrations of electronica exuding from Shura. On her debut album, she doesn’t “Strut” but seductively and rebelliously pushes the pulse of synth and style forward; even managing to add a touch of the avant- garde in-between. Even her track, “2 Shy” harkens back to a sultry Prince groove in a subtle way. Music lovers missing the beats of a very popular musical genre should definitely enjoy this new twist in the spins from Shura. Available July 8
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LUV DON’T LIVE HERE A compelling and poetic film experience of a group of gay, black friends and what happens when one of them, Reggie Hamilton, becomes stricken with a debilitating illness. “Luv” is Reggie’s moniker as a fierce and spirited soul who has always been the spearhead of the group. Now as his life unravels unexpectedly, he is forced to confront his past, discover who the real friends in his life are and the painful and newfound
truths of living disabled. Available July 5
A SINNER IN MECCA In what is quite simply a stunning accomplishment of bravery; gay, New York filmmaker Parvez Sharma documents his spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia called the hajj. This 79-minute documentary exposes an extremely dangerous excursion if Sharma were discovered filming this very “once-in-a-lifetime” religious experience that is deeply forbidden to outsid- ers. Sharma also unravels insights into his personal life, family and partner in the process with a stunning
monologue of faith and beliefs. Available July 5
HOLDING THE MAN Without being overly maudlin or overtly dramatic, Holding the Man spans twenty years of a gay, love affair between the characters of Tim and John. One a drama enthusiast and the other a football player fall in love as the film progresses from their high school and college years to living among the AIDS crisis of the mid-1980s. Set in Australia, director Neil Armfield does a tremendous job with a stellar cast of presenting a natural time capsule of love, family and loss.
Available August 2
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GUS VAN SANT: ICONS Gus Van Sant and Matthieu Orléans Coinciding with an exhibition at the Cinémathèque française taking place in Paris, Gus Van Sant: Icons presents a rich look at the many creative facets of his talent; from photography to painting and music. Noted as an innovative gay filmmaker with a ground- breaking sensibility, this intriguing book combines all of the elements of his talents and also provides a comprehensive and extensive interview with the director published in Gus Van Sant: Icons for the first time, along with an analysis of his films. Available now
MASCARA, MIRTH AND MAYHEM: INDEPENDENCE DAY ON FIRE ISLAND Susan Kravitz “Take to the Pines and celebrate the 4th of July on Fire Island!” In Mascara, Mirth and Mayhem, photographer Susan Kravitz documents four decades of flamboyant drag queens, cross dressers and the throngs of people who flock in for the festivities. Kravitz’s photography is accompanied by the history of this annual tradition and how it started as a rebel of a celebration… along with interviews with some of the participants who made this 4th of July event even more glorious, over the years. Available July 4
WOMEN AND GAY MEN IN THE POSTWAR PERIOD John Portmann A fascinating and historical account of how gay men and the straight women who love them forged an alliance both in society and the media. This bond both in social equality issues and friendship created an allegiance for women and their gay friends. Whether it’s Elizabeth Taylor or your mother or sister, the heart of the matter is a protective defense against bullying, homophobia and a compassion felt during the AIDS crisis. John Portmann presents a study that is both political and personal. Available July 14
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RAGE monthly | JULY 2016
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