It’s recommendation time here at Quantum Lens Cap. Here are some records and movies I think you should check out should you have the opportunity.

Music

This may be old news to many of you, but Fleet Foxes’ eponymous full-length album is absolutely tremendous. I’d describe it as baroque folk pop with gorgeous vocal harmonies and a generally lovely, organic sound.

For a slightly darker, sparser take on baroque pop, check out Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear. I’ve been listening to this album for a few months. Put simply, it’s one of the best records I’ve heard in a long time. Inventive, interesting, and oozing intelligence.

Two other great records that came out this summer and deserve a listen: Bowerbirds’ Upper Air and Megafaun’s Gather, Form, and Fly. I’ll be seeing both bands this weekend, which should be an excellent show.

Films

I’ve seen quite a few good movies lately, with some others coming soon that look quite interesting. I’ll just list them here with some short notes. First the ones I’ve seen:

• Moon – Interesting science-fiction film with brilliant acting by Sam Rockwell. A friend felt like it was a great concept that could have been better executed, and I think I agree, but still worth a watch.
• The Hurt Locker – Excellent action movie about a US Army bomb specialist in Iraq. I can’t say that the movie was particularly engaging from an emotional standpoint, but the story was definitely interesting, and it was nice to see what seemed to be a fairly realistic portrayal of the armed conflicts in Middle East.
• (500) Days of Summer – A nearly flawless summer movie: smart, funny, emotionally engaging, with more than its share of wit and minor profundities. In fact, the only thing I take issue with is the ending, which I found to be a tad cowardly. I won’t say more here to avoid any spoilers, but you’re welcome to email me if you want to want to have a go.

And two movies I’m eagerly awaiting:

• Where the Wild Things Are – this is quite possibly the best trailer I’ve seen in ages, much of which can be attributed to the brilliant use of Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up,” which is one of my favorite songs. Even without it, the whole thing looks spectacular.
• It Might Get Loud – Jimmy Page, the Edge, and Jack White. Enough said.