MUSIC TIP

Film Music 1976-2020

Brian Eno

Keyboardist/electronic musician/sound sculptor Eno has worked with dozens of artists and composed sounds and tunes for dozens of films and television shows — and I can't think of an instance when one of these situations was better without his contibutions. His movie and television work has been incredibly pioneering and influential, and the ambient/space melodies and dimensions are always perfect in the context of the project. The music included on this sprawling collection also demonstrates how well the material works on its own. Put this on and it's the sound I'd imagine if flights of angels were indeed singing thee to thy rest — or at least performing in your bedroom while you go to sleep after that goodnight bowl of opium.

— Rick Koster 

MUSIC TIP

En Español

The Mavericks

I have no idea what Raul Malo is singing about, but I love this album. So, yes, even if you don’t speak Spanish, this collection can carry you away. The once-upon-a-time-country-music Mavericks dive fully into a Latin sound. Malo’s celestial voice was made for these songs, from the enveloping emotion of “Recuerdos” to the insistent drama of “Sombras Nada Mas.” And I dare you to try not dancing to “Suspiro Azul.” This album also serves to tide local fans over until The Mavericks return to the Garde Arts Center. They were scheduled for a 2020 gig, but you know how 2020 concerts went. They are now supposed to play at the New London theater in 2021. In the meantime, console yourself with “En Español.”

— Kristina Dorsey 

VIDEO TIP

Distance

Mammoth WVH

"Distance" is the first single released by Wolfgang Van Halen under the guise of his one-man band Mammoth WVH. The tune is a yearning, mid-tempo rock ballad Wolfgang wrote about his father, Eddie Van Halen, and, in a fashion his dad would have been proud of, the 29-year-old played all the instruments and sang all the vocal parts himself. It's a nice and hearfelt tribute, but the accompanying video is truly memorable. It consists entirely, in chronological order, of home-movie footage of father and son together from Wolfie's infancy through the latter days when the kid was actually a member of the Van Halen band. Very touching stuff, and when the video ends with a recording of a phone message from Eddie to Wolfgang, there won't be, as they say, a dry eye in the house.

— Rick Koster